Abstract:
The invention comprises methods for the photolithographic patterning of features in a photo-curable polymer composition coated onto a plastic substrate. In one embodiment of this invention, the plastic substrate is coated with a reflective film such as a metallic barrier. In another embodiment, the plastic substrate is coated or co-extruded with a polymer barrier layer containing an additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. In yet another embodiment the plastic substrate contains an intrinsic additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. Combinations of these embodiments are also within the scope of this invention.The methods of the present invention may be advantageously applied to the fabrication of optical waveguides comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate, but are applicable to the fabrication of any device or object comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate.
Abstract:
This invention relates to materials and processes for the preparation of high quality layers, for example for the fabrication of optical devices such as waveguides. In particular, the invention relates to the use of low volatility polymer materials for the deposition of high quality layers on large area substrates via a two-stage process, for example extrude-and-spin.
Abstract:
Methods for the production of integrated optical waveguides which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide or a bend.
Abstract:
This invention relates to polymeric optical materials suitable for use in waveguide-based optical touch screen sensors. In particular, the materials should have a glass transition temperature (Tg) below a minimum operating temperature of the touch screen device. Preferably, waveguides composed of the materials are fabricated on polymer substrates, so that the waveguide assembly is flexible In this case, the materials should have Tg below a Tg of the polymer substrate.
Abstract:
This invention relates to devices for coupling light between an optical waveguide and an optical element in a manner that is substantially independent of temperature, using reflective optics. Certain embodiments of the invention concern improved designs for the transmit and receive optics of a waveguide-based optical touch screen sensor, incorporating reflective optics. The improved designs have substantially temperature independent operation and reduced optical losses. In one preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates a parabolic or quasi-parabolic reflector. In another preferred embodiment the improved design incorporates an elliptical or quasi-elliptical reflector. The transmit and receive elements and associated waveguides preferably comprise photo-patternable polymers.
Abstract:
A laundry treatment composition comprising composition comprising: i) a polymer having an average repeat unit of: in which R1-6 are independently of one another selected from H, a hydrolysable group, or a fibre reactive group in which when R1-6 is a hydrolysable group the degree of substitution is 0 to 1, and wherein R1-6 is a fibre reactive group the degree of substitution is from 0.05 to 1 and; ii) a carrier agent selected from surfactants, softening compounds or water wit the proviso that when the carrier agent is water the composition further comprises perfume.
Abstract:
Integrated optical waveguides and methods for the production thereof which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad. The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide or a bend. Also provided is a method of fabricating an optical waveguide with a patterned cladding which comprises forming a patterned blocking layer opaque to a predetermined wavelength on a portion of a substrate transparent to the predetermined wavelength; depositing a core layer on said patterned blocking layer and/or on an uncovered portion of the substrate; patterning the core layer from above to provide a light transmissive element; depositing an upper cladding layer, which comprises a material curable by exposure to light of the predetermined wavelength, on the light transmissive element, and/or on the patterned blocking layer and/or on an uncovered portion of the substrate; irradiating said upper cladding layer from below with light of the predetermined wavelength, to cure those portions of said upper cladding layer not positioned above said patterned blocking layer; and removing non-cured portions of said upper cladding layer.
Abstract:
The treatment of fabric by coating with from 0.01 to 2% by weight on weight of fabric of a polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic elastomer improves the crease recovery properties and/or elasticity and/or tensile strength of a fabric.
Abstract:
We present optical systems suitable for focusing two substantially collimated beams or sheets of light propagating in different directions onto a common focal point. In some embodiments the optical systems comprise separate focusing elements for each beam or sheet of light, while in other embodiments the optical systems comprise a focusing element and a redirection element. The optical systems have particular application in the receive optics of infrared touch screens, where they enable the detection of additional light paths that assist in the determination of two or more simultaneous touch events.
Abstract:
Integrated optical waveguides and methods for the production thereof which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad. The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide or a bend. Also provided is a method of fabricating an optical waveguide with a patterned cladding.