阅读说明：本技术 具有方位调制剂层的光学器件 (Optical device with orientation modulator layer ) 是由 雅罗斯拉夫·齐巴 约翰尼斯·P·赛德尔 于 2019-07-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了具有方位调制剂层的光学器件。一种光学器件,包括反射体层,所述反射体层具有第一表面、与第一表面相对的第二表面、第三表面和与第三表面相对的第四表面；以及第一选择性光调制剂层,所述第一选择性光调制剂层在反射体层的第一表面的外部；其中第三表面和第四表面中的至少一个包括方位调制剂层。还公开了制造光学器件的方法。(An optical device having an orientation modulator layer is provided. An optical device comprising a reflector layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and a first selective light modulator layer outside the first surface of the reflector layer; wherein at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface comprises an orientation modulator layer. Methods of making the optical device are also disclosed.)

1. An optical device, comprising:

a reflector layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and

a first selective light modulator layer outside the first surface of the reflector layer;

wherein at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface comprises an orientation modulator layer.

2. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the first selective light modulator layer provides a first color attribute to the optical device.

3. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the orientation modulator layer provides a second color attribute for the optical device.

4. The optical device of claim 3, wherein the second color attribute is different from the first color attribute.

5. The optical device of claim 2 or claim 4, wherein the first color attribute is present at a first viewing angle.

6. The optical device of claim 3, wherein the second color attribute is present at a second viewing angle.

7. The optical device of claim 6, wherein the second viewing angle is different from the first viewing angle.

8. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the orientation modulator layer protects at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface.

9. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the reflector layer comprises a colored material.

10. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the orientation modulator layer comprises a metal that is chemically converted to a colored compound.

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to articles, such as optics, in the form of foils (foils), sheets, and/or foils (flakes). The optical device can include a reflector layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and a first selective light modulator layer outside the first surface of the reflector layer; wherein at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface comprises an orientation modulator layer. Methods of making the optical device are also disclosed.

Background

The optical properties of the pigment are based on the components present in the pigment. For example, a "white" reflector layer, such as one made from aluminum, will provide limited color space properties for the pigment. In addition, the use of aluminum reflector layers may require the addition of corrosion protection mechanisms, such as passivation, to eliminate the risk of water-induced corrosion of aluminum. Corrosion can lead to loss of reflector function and formation of hydrogen. Both of these problems can be detrimental to the pigment and can limit its use. In addition, the use of "white" reflector layers can limit the ability of the pigment to produce a color flop (color flop) effect and/or a color shifting (coloring) effect.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, an optical device is disclosed that includes a reflector layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and a first selective light modulator layer outside the first surface of the reflector layer; wherein at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface comprises an orientation modulator layer.

In another aspect, a method for fabricating an optical device is disclosed, the method comprising: depositing a reflector layer on a substrate, the reflector layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; depositing a first selective light modulator layer on a first surface of the reflector layer; and providing an orientation adjusting agent layer on at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface of the reflector layer.

The present disclosure also provides the following items:

1) an optical device, comprising:

a reflector layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and

a first selective light modulator layer outside the first surface of the reflector layer;

wherein at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface comprises an orientation modulator layer.

2) The optical device of item 1), wherein the first selective light modulator layer provides a first color attribute for the optical device.

3) The optical device of item 1), wherein the orientation modulator layer provides a second color attribute for the optical device.

4) The optical device of item 3), wherein the second color attribute is different from the first color attribute.

5) The optical device of item 2) or item 4), wherein the first color attribute is present at a first viewing angle.

6) The optical device of item 3), wherein the second color attribute is present at a second viewing angle.

7) The optical device of item 6), wherein the second viewing angle is different from the first viewing angle.

8) The optical device of item 1), wherein the orientation modulator layer protects at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface.

9) The optical device of item 1), wherein the reflector layer comprises a colored material.

10) The optical device of item 1), wherein the orientation modulator layer comprises a metal that is chemically converted to a colored compound.

Additional features and advantages of various embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of various embodiments. The objectives and other advantages of the various embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the description herein.

Drawings

The present disclosure, in its several aspects and embodiments, can be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another aspect of the invention; and

fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid coating process showing deposition of a layer, such as a SLML layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Like reference numerals identify like elements throughout the specification and drawings.

Detailed Description

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide an explanation of various embodiments of the present teachings. In its wide and varied embodiments, disclosed herein are articles such as optical devices, for example, in the form of foils, sheets, and sheets; and a method of manufacturing an article. In one example, articles including optical devices such as pigments, optical taggants (optical taggants) and optical security devices can be manufactured with simplified construction. The optical devices disclosed herein may exhibit at least one property including, but not limited to, reduced degradation of the reflector layer, reduced hydrogen formation on the reflector layer, and improved color attributes.

As shown in fig. 1, an article 10, such as an optical device, may include a reflector layer 16; and a selective light modulator layer 14 outside the reflector layer and deposited using a liquid coating process. In one aspect, the selective light modulator layer 14 may be a first selective light modulator layer 14 or a second selective light modulator layer 14', as shown in fig. 2. The reflector layer 16 may be a colored reflector layer 16. The reflector layer 16 may have an open surface. The reflector layer 16 may have at least one surface that includes an orientation modulator layer 12, as shown in fig. 3-8.

In one aspect, the article 10 may be in the form of a sheet that may be used on an object or substrate. In another aspect, the article 10 may be in the form of a foil or sheet. For example, the article 10 may have a laminar shape. In one aspect, the article 10 may be an optical device. In another aspect, a composition may include an optical device and a liquid medium. The composition may be an ink, varnish, paint (paint) or the like. In another aspect, the article 10 is an optical device in the form of a sheet, for example, having a thickness of 100nm to 100 μm and a size of 100nm to 1 mm. The article 10 may be a color shifting colorant or may be used as a security feature for currency. Some properties common to the use of the article 10 may include high chroma (or strong color), color change with respect to viewing angle (also known as goniochromicity (goniochromity) or iridescence (iridescence)), and flop (specular and metallic appearance where the brightness, hue or chroma changes with viewing angle). Additionally, the article 10 may be metallic in color and cannot utilize interference to produce color. In particular, the article 10 may include additional features for increasing the angle-dependent color shift effect. In addition, the article 10 may exhibit improved chemical protection for exposed metal surfaces, such as the edges of the reflector layer 16, but need not encapsulate the entire article 10.

Although the figures illustrate the article 10 in the form of a sheet, such as an optical device, the article 10, such as an optical device, may also be in the form of a sheet and/or foil, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Additionally, although the figures illustrate particular layers in a particular order, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the article 10 may include any number of layers in any order. In addition, the composition of any particular layer may be the same or different from the composition of any other layer. For example, the first Selective Light Modulator Layer (SLML)14 may be the same or different composition as the second Selective Light Modulator Layer (SLML) 14'. In addition, the physical properties of any particular layer may be the same or different from the physical properties of any other layer. For example, a first SLML14 may have a composition with a first refractive index, but a second SLML 14' in the same article 10 may have a different composition with a different refractive index. As another example, the first SLML14 can have a composition at a first thickness, but the second SLML 14' can have the same composition at a second thickness different from the first thickness.

As illustrated in fig. 1, an article 10, such as an optical device, may include: a colored reflector layer 16, the colored reflector layer 16 having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a third surface; and a selective light modulator layer outside the first surface of the colored reflector layer 16.

The reflector layer 16 may be a broadband reflector, such as a spectral and Lambertian reflector (e.g., white TiO)₂). The reflector layer 16 may comprise a metal. The reflector layer 16 may be a colored reflector layer. As used herein, "colored reflector layer" includes non-ferrous metals, non-ferrous metal alloys, non-ferrous metals, and metals that are chemically converted to non-ferrous compounds. The colored reflector layer 16 may be a colored metal or alloy of colored metals selected from the group consisting of copper, gold, silver, and bronze. The colored reflector layer 16 may be a colored non-metal including organic materials such as polyacetylene, conductive polymers (e.g., polypyrrole, PEDOT, polyaniline), semiconductors, and inorganic materials such as metal oxides, sulfides, chlorides, fluorides, titanates, zirconates, rare earth doped CaF₂Transition metal doped SrTiO₃And CaTiO₃Iron-doped or sulfur-doped sodalite, and metal coordination complexes.

In one aspect, the reflector layer 16, such as a colored reflector layer, may include a metal that is chemically converted to a colored compound. For example, chemically converted metals may include aluminum, stainless steel, and white materials. In one aspect, the metal to be chemically converted may include, but is not limited to, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, silver, gold, zinc, iron, bronze, manganese, titanium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, tungsten, tin, indium, bismuth, alloys of any of these metals, or combinations thereof. The conversion process may be any process that converts a colorless or white metal to a colored compound. The conversion process may include subjecting the colorless or white metal to a reactant.

The reactants may be in any state, such as a plasma state, a gas state, a solid state, or a liquid state, or a combination thereof. The reactant may include any chemical or physical factor capable of causing a reaction with at least a portion of the colorless or white metal in a controlled manner. In one example, water and solvent based environments may be used as reactants. In some examples, the conversion process may include the use of various types of chemical reactants, including batch and continuous stirred tank reactants, tubular reactants, tumbling bed reactants, fluidized bed reactants, continuous flow tubes, and batch furnaces.

The chemical bath composition used herein may include inorganic compounds or organic compounds. Examples of the inorganic compound may include at least one of the following: sulfur, sulfides, sulfates, oxides, hydroxides, isocyanates, thiocyanates, molybdates, chromates, permanganates, carbonates, thiosulfates, colloidal metals, inorganic salts, and mixtures thereof. Examples of the organic compound may include: sulfur-containing organic compounds such as thiols, thioamines, oxythioamines (oxythioamines), thioureas, thiocyanates; organic compounds containing nitrogen such as amines and isocyanates; an organic compound comprising oxygen; organic compounds containing silicon, such as silanes; or a combination thereof. Additionally, the chemical bath may include at least one of: inorganic or organic salts of metals, or metal organic compounds of metals. In yet another aspect, the chemical bath may include an oxidizing agent, a surface modifying agent, and/or an inhibitor.

In one aspect, the colorless or white metal present in the reflector layer 16 may be fully converted or partially converted, such as 99.9% conversion, including all percent conversion ranges between full conversion and partial conversion.

In one aspect, the colored reflector layer 16 does not include aluminum or white materials, e.g., aluminum or white materials that have not been chemically converted to a colored compound.

In one example, the material for the reflector layer 16 may include any material having reflective properties in a desired spectral range. For example, any material having a reflectance (reflectance) in the range from 5% to 100% in the desired spectral range.

The thickness of the reflector layer 16 may range from about 5nm to about 5000nm, although this range should not be considered limiting. For example, a lower thickness limit may be selected so that the reflector layer 16 may provide a maximum transmission of 0.8.

Depending on the composition of the reflector layer 16, a higher or lower minimum thickness may be required in order to obtain sufficient optical density and/or to achieve the desired effect. In some examples, the upper limit may be about 5000nm, about 4000nm, about 3000nm, about 1500nm, about 200nm, and/or about 100 nm. In one aspect, the thickness of the reflector layer 16 may be in a range from about 10nm to about 5000nm, for example, in a range from about 15nm to about 4000nm, in a range from about 20nm to about 3000nm, in a range from about 25nm to about 2000nm, in a range from about 30nm to about 1000nm, in a range from about 40nm to about 750nm, or in a range from about 50nm to about 500nm, such as in a range from about 60nm to about 250nm or in a range from about 70nm to about 200 nm.

As shown in the figures, e.g., fig. 1, at least two surfaces/sides of the reflector layer 16, e.g., the right (third) surface/side and the left (fourth) surface/side as shown, may be open. In one aspect, if the article 10 is in the form of a sheet or foil, the reflector layer 16 may include more than the four surfaces illustrated in the figures. In those examples, for example, one surface, two surfaces, three surfaces, four surfaces, or five surfaces of the reflector layer 16 may be open to air. In one example, open sides, i.e., surfaces of the reflector layer 16 that do not contain an external layer, may be advantageous for gonioapparent color. In another aspect, as shown in fig. 7 and 8, the article 10 may include an unopened reflector layer 16 and/or SLML layer 14, i.e., a reflector layer 16 and/or SLML layer 14 having an azimuthal layer 12, 12' outside of a lateral surface, such as a lateral surface of the reflector layer 16 and/or SLML layer 14. In another aspect, any surface of reflector layer 16, SLML14, and/or azimuthal layer 12 can further include a functional layer (not shown) comprising functional molecules.

In one aspect, an article 10 such as an optical device may include a reflector layer 16 having a first color, such as a colored reflector layer; and the selective light modulator layer 14 has a second color that is the same as the first color, as shown in fig. 1. For example, the reflector layer 16 may be red and the selective light modulator layer may also be red.

In another aspect, an article 10 such as an optical device may include a reflector layer 16 having a first color, such as a colored reflector layer; and the selective light modulator layer 14 has a second color different from the first color, as also shown in fig. 1. For example, the reflector layer 16 may be red and the selective light modulator layer 14 may be blue.

An article 10 such as an optical device may include a selective light modulator layer 14 as a first selective light modulator layer 14; and may also include a second selective light modulator layer 14'. A first selective light modulator layer 14 is present on a first surface of the reflector layer 16 and a second selective light modulator layer 14' is present on a second surface of the reflector layer 16, as shown in fig. 2. Each of the first and second selective light modulator layers 14, 14' may have the same or different colors. In addition, the reflector layer 16 may be a colored reflector layer 16, the colored reflector layer 16 having the same or a different color as each of the first and second selective light modulator layers 14, 14'. For example, the first selective light modulator layer 14 may be the second color red, the reflector layer may be the first color blue, and the second selective light modulator layer 14' may be red. In another aspect, the first selective light modulator layer 14 may be a second color red, the reflector layer may include copper and may be a first color red (possibly with a different hue), and the second selective light modulator layer 14' may be red. In further aspects, the first selective light modulator layer 14 may be a second color red, the reflector layer may be a first color blue, and the second selective light modulator layer 14' may be yellow.

As shown in fig. 3-8, the article 10 may exhibit a metallic effect in that the edges of the article, such as a sheet or an optic, may act as secondary color defining features, such as azimuthal color attributes. In one aspect, the article 10 can include a reflector layer 16, the reflector layer 16 having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and a first selective light modulator layer 14, the first selective light modulator layer 14 being external to the first surface of the reflector layer 16; wherein at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface of the reflector layer 16 comprises the orientation modulator layer 12. The article 10 may also include a second selective light modulator layer 14 ', the second selective light modulator layer 14' being external to the second surface of the reflector layer 16. The reflector layer 16 may be as described above. The first selective light modulator layer 14, the second selective light modulator layer 14 ', the first orientation modulator layer 12 and the second orientation modulator layer 12' may be as described below.

The first selective light modulator layer 14 may provide a first color attribute to the article 10, such as an optical device. For example, the first selective modulator layer 14 may provide a red color to the optical device. The first color attribute may be presented at a first viewing angle.

The orientation modulator layer 12, 12' may provide a second color attribute to the article 10, such as an optical device. For example, the orientation modulator layer 12, 12' may provide a black color to the optical device. The second color attribute may be presented at a second viewing angle, where the second viewing angle is different from the first viewing angle. The second color attribute may be different from the first color attribute. The orientation modulator layers 12, 12' may allow introduction of color tones into the article 10, such as visible from viewing angles other than normal, and the article 10 may have their first color attributes defined by the selective light modulator layer 14.

As shown in fig. 3, the article 10 may include: a reflector layer 16; a selective light modulator layer 14, the selective light modulator layer 14 being outside a first surface of the reflector layer 16; and an orientation modulation agent layer 12, the orientation modulation agent layer 12 being outside the third surface of the reflector layer 16. In one aspect, the orientation modulator layer 12 may protect at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface of the reflector layer 16. A second surface opposite the first surface of the reflector layer 16 and a fourth surface opposite the third surface of the reflector layer 16 may be open to air. The reflector layer 16 may be as described above. In one aspect, the reflector layer 16 may comprise a colored material.

As shown in fig. 4, the article 10 may include: a reflector layer 16; a first selective light modulator layer 14, the first selective light modulator layer 14 being outside a first surface of the reflector layer 16; a second selective light modulator layer 14 ', the second selective light modulator layer 14' being external to the second surface of the reflector layer 16; and an orientation modulation agent layer 12, the orientation modulation agent layer 12 being outside the third surface of the reflector layer 16. In one aspect, the orientation modulator layer 12 may protect at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface of the reflector layer 16. A fourth surface opposite the third surface of the reflector layer 16 may be open to air. The reflector layer 16 may be as described above. In one aspect, the reflector layer 16 may comprise a colored material.

As shown in fig. 5, the article 10 may include: a reflector layer 16; a first selective light modulator layer 14, the first selective light modulator layer 14 being outside a first surface of the reflector layer 16; a first orientation adjusting agent layer 12, the first orientation adjusting agent layer 12 being outside the third surface of the reflector layer 16; and a second orientation modulator layer 12 ', the second orientation modulator layer 12' being external to the fourth surface of the reflector layer 16. In one aspect, at least one of the first and second orientation modulator layers 12, 12' may protect at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of the reflector layer 16. A second surface opposite the first surface of the reflector layer 16 may be open to air. The reflector layer 16 may be as described above. In one aspect, the reflector layer 16 may comprise a colored material.

As shown in fig. 6, the article 10 may include a reflector layer 16; a first selective light modulator layer 14, the first selective light modulator layer 14 being outside a first surface of the reflector layer 16; a second selective light modulator layer 14 ', the second selective light modulator layer 14' being external to the second surface of the reflector layer 16; a first orientation adjusting agent layer 12, the first orientation adjusting agent layer 12 being outside the third surface of the reflector layer 16; and a second orientation modulator layer 12 ', the second orientation modulator layer 12' being external to the fourth surface of the reflector layer 16. In one aspect, at least one of the first and second orientation modulator layers 12, 12' may protect at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of the reflector layer 16. The reflector layer 16 may be as described above. In one aspect, the reflector layer 16 may comprise a colored material.

As shown in fig. 7, the article 10 may include a reflector layer 16; a first selective light modulator layer 14, the first selective light modulator layer 14 being outside a first surface of the reflector layer 16; a first azimuthal modulator layer 12, the first azimuthal modulator layer 12 being outside the third surface of the reflector layer 16 and outside the third surface of the first selective light modulator layer 14; and a second orientation modulator layer 12 ', the second orientation modulator layer 12' being outside the fourth surface of the reflector layer 16 and outside the fourth surface of the first selective light modulator layer 14. The first selective light modulator layer 14 may have a first surface; a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface; and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. In one aspect, at least one of the first and second orientation modulator layers 12, 12' may protect at least one of: a third surface of the reflector layer 16, a fourth surface of the reflector layer 16, a third surface of the first selective light modulator layer 14, and a fourth surface of the first selective light modulator layer 14. The reflector layer 16 may be as described above. In one aspect, the reflector layer 16 may comprise a colored material.

As shown in fig. 8, the article 10 may include a reflector layer 16; a first selective light modulator layer 14, the first selective light modulator layer 14 being outside a first surface of the reflector layer 16; a second selective light modulator layer 14 ', the second selective light modulator layer 14' being external to the second surface of the reflector layer 16; a first azimuthal modulator layer 12, the first azimuthal modulator layer 12 being outside the third surface of the reflector layer 16, outside the third surface of the first selective light modulator layer 14 and outside the third surface of the second selective light modulator layer 14'; and a second orientation modulator layer 12 ', the second orientation modulator layer 12 ' being outside the fourth surface of the reflector layer 16, outside the fourth surface of the first selective light modulator layer 14 and outside the fourth surface of the second selective light modulator layer 14 '. The first and second selective light modulator layers 14, 14' may each independently have a first surface; a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface; and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. In one aspect, at least one of the first and second orientation modulator layers 12, 12' may protect at least one of: a third surface of the reflector layer 16, a fourth surface of the reflector layer 16, a third surface of the first selective light modulator layer 14, a fourth surface of the first selective light modulator layer 14, a third surface of the second selective light modulator layer 14 ', and a fourth surface of the second selective light modulator layer 14'. The reflector layer 16 may be as described above. In one aspect, the reflector layer 16 may comprise a colored material.

With respect to fig. 3-8, the orientation modulator layer 12, 12' may include a metal that is chemically converted to a colored compound, as disclosed above with respect to the reflector layer 16. In one aspect, the orientation modulator layer 12, 12' may further include at least one of a pigment and an organic dye. The orientation modifier layers 12, 12' may protect the surface of the article 10 from corrosion.

The article 10 disclosed herein may include a first Selective Light Modulator Layer (SLML)14 and/or a second selective light modulator layer 14'. SLML is a physical layer that includes a variety of optical functions intended to modulate (absorb and/or emit) the light intensity of different, selected regions of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths in the range from about 0.2 μm to about 20 μm. The article 10 may include an asymmetric layer structure in which the SLML14 may selectively modulate light by way of absorption provided by a selective SLMS (discussed in more detail below). In particular, the article 10 may include an SLML14, the SLML14 selectively absorbing energy of a particular wavelength, such as light.

The SLML14 (and/or the material within the SLML 14) may selectively modulate light. For example, the SLML14 may control the amount of transmission in a particular wavelength. In some instances, SLML14 may selectively absorb energy at specific wavelengths (e.g., in the visible range and/or non-visible range). For example, SLML14 can be a "colored layer" and/or a "wavelength selective absorbing layer. In some instances, the particular wavelength of absorption may cause the article 10 to exhibit a particular color. For example, SLML14 may present a red color to the human eye (e.g., SLML14 may absorb light wavelengths below about 620nm and thereby reflect or transmit energy wavelengths that present a red color). This may be accomplished by adding Selective Light Modulator Particles (SLMP) that are colorants (e.g., organic and/or inorganic pigments and/or dyes) to a host material, such as a dielectric material, including but not limited to polymers. For example, in some instances, SLML14 may be a colored plastic.

In some examples, some or all of the particular wavelengths absorbed may be in the visible range (e.g., SLML14 may be absorptive throughout visible light, but transparent in the infrared). The resulting article 10 will appear black, but reflect light in the infrared. In some examples described above, the wavelength (and/or particular visible color) of absorption by article 10 and/or SLML14 may depend, at least in part, on the thickness of SLML 14. Additionally or alternatively, the wavelength of energy absorbed by the SLML14 (and/or the color in which the layers and/or flakes appear) may depend in part on the addition of certain aspects to the SLML 14. In addition to absorbing energy at certain wavelengths, SLML14 may implement at least one of: enhancing the reflector layer 16 against degradation; enabling release from the substrate; enabling customization of dimensions (sizing); provide some resistance to environmental degradation such as oxidation of aluminum or other metals and materials used in the reflector layer 16; and high performance in transmission, reflection, and absorption of light based on the composition and thickness of SLML 14.

In some instances, in addition to or as an alternative to SLML14 selectively absorbing specific wavelengths of energy and/or specific wavelengths of visible light, SLML14 of article 10 may control the refractive index and/or SLML14 may include Selective Light Modulator Particles (SLMP) that may control the refractive index. In addition to or as an alternative to absorption-controlled SLMP (e.g., a colorant), SLMP, which can control the refractive index of SLML14, can be included with the host material. In certain examples, the host material may be combined in SLML14 with both absorption-controlled SLMP and refractive index-controlled SLMP. In some instances, the same SLMP can control both absorption and refractive index.

The performance of the SLML14 may be determined based on the selection of materials present in the SLML 14. In one aspect, SLML14 may improve at least one of the following properties: the flake handling, corrosion, alignment, and environmental properties of any other layer within the article 10, such as the reflector layer 16.

The first SLML14 (and optionally the second SLML14, third SLML14, fourth SLML14, etc.) can each independently include a host material alone, or in combination with a Selective Light Modulator System (SLMS). In one aspect, at least one of the first SLMLs 14 can include a host material. In another aspect, at least one of the first SLMLs 14 can include a host material and an SLMS. The SLMS may include Selective Light Modulator Molecules (SLMMs), Selective Light Modulator Particles (SLMP), additives, or combinations thereof.

The composition of SLML14 may have a solids content ranging from about 0.01% to about 100%, such as ranging from about 0.05% to about 80%, and as further examples ranging from about 1% to about 30%. In certain aspects, the solids content can be greater than 3%. In certain aspects, the composition of SLML14 can have a solids content ranging from about 3% to about 100%, such as ranging from about 4% to 50%.

The host material of the first SLML14 may independently be a film-forming material that is applied as a coating liquid and used for optical and structural purposes. The host material may be used as a host (matrix) for introducing (if necessary) a guest system such as a selective photo modulator system (SLMS) for providing additional photo modulator properties to the article 10.

The host material may be a dielectric material. Additionally or alternatively, the host material may be at least one of an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, and a composite material. Non-limiting examples of organic polymers include thermoplastics such as polyesters, polyolefins, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyimides, polyurethanes, acrylics, acrylates, polyvinyl esters, polyethers, polymercaptans, silicones, fluorocarbons (fluorochlorocarbons), and various copolymers thereof; thermosetting materials such as epoxy resins, polyurethanes, acrylates, melamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde resins (urea formaldehyde) and phenol formaldehyde resins; and energy curable materials such as acrylates, epoxies, vinyls, vinyl esters, styrene, and silanes. Non-limiting examples of inorganic polymers include silanes, siloxanes, titanates, zirconates, aluminates, silicates, phosphazenes (phosphonanes), polyborazoles (polyborazoles), and polysulphides (polythiazyls).

The first SLML14 may include from about 0.001% to about 100% by weight of the host material. In one aspect, the host material may be present in the SLML14 in an amount in a range from about 0.01% to about 95% by weight of the SLML14, such as in a range from about 0.1% to about 90%, and as further examples, in a range from about 1% to about 87% by weight of the SLML 14.

SLMS for use in SLML14 with a host material may each independently include Selective Light Modulator Particles (SLMP), Selective Light Modulator Molecules (SLMM), additives, or combinations thereof. SLMS may also include other materials. SLMS can provide modulation (by absorption, reflectance, fluorescence, etc.) of the amplitude of electromagnetic radiation in selective regions or over the entire spectral range of interest (0.2 μm to 20 μm).

The first SLMLs 14 may each independently include an SLMP in an SLMS. SLMP can be any particle that is combined with a host material to selectively control light modulation, including but not limited to color shifting particles; a dye; a colorant comprising one or more of: dyes, pigments, reflective pigments, color shifting pigments; quantum dots and selective reflectors. Non-limiting examples of SLMP include: organic pigments, inorganic pigments, quantum dots, nanoparticles (selectively reflective and/or absorbing), micelles, and the like. Nanoparticles may include, but are not limited to, nanoparticles having high refractive index values (at a wavelength n of about 550 nm)>1.6) organic materials and metal-organic materials; metal oxides, such as TiO₂、ZrO₂、In₂O₃、In₂O₃-SnO、SnO₂、Fe_xO_y(wherein x and y are each independently an integer greater than 0) and WO₃(ii) a Metal sulfides, such as ZnS and Cu_xS_y(wherein x and y are each independently integers greater than 0); chalcogenides, quantum dots, metal nanoparticles; a carbonate salt; a fluoride compound; and mixtures thereof.

Examples of SLMMs include, but are not limited to: organic dyes, inorganic dyes, micelles, and other molecular systems containing chromophores.

In certain aspects, the SLMS of the first SLML14 may include at least one additive, such as a curing agent and a coating aid (coating aid).

The curing agent may be a compound or material that can initiate hardening, vitrification, crosslinking, or polymerization of the host material. Non-limiting examples of curing agents include solvents, free radical generators (by energy or chemicals), acid generators (by energy or chemicals), condensation initiators, and acid/base catalysts.

Non-limiting examples of coating aids include leveling agents (leveling agents), wetting agents, defoaming agents, adhesion promoters, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, curing inhibition mitigating agents (curing inhibition imparting agents), stain resists, corrosion inhibitors, photosensitizers, secondary cross-linking agents (secondary cross-linkers), and infrared absorbers for enhanced infrared drying. In one aspect, antioxidants can be present in the composition of SLML14 in an amount in the range of from about 25ppm to about 5% by weight.

The first SLML14 can each independently comprise a solvent. Non-limiting examples of the solvent may include acetates such as ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, and butyl acetate; acetone; water; ketones such as dimethyl ketone (DMK), Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), sec-butyl methyl ketone (SBMK), tert-butyl methyl ketone (TBMK), cyclopentanone, and anisole; glycols and glycol derivatives such as propylene glycol methyl ether (propylene glycol methyl ether) and propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (propylene glycol methyl ether acetate); alcohols such as isopropanol and diacetone alcohol; esters, such as malonic esters; heterocyclic solvents such as N-methylpyrrolidone; hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene; coalescing solvents, such as glycol ethers; and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the solvent may be present in the first SLML14 in an amount in the range of from about 0% to about 99.9% by weight, for example in the range of from about 0.005% to about 99% by weight, and as further examples in the range of from about 0.05% to about 90% by weight, relative to the total weight of the SLML 14.

In certain examples, the first SLML14 can include a composition having at least one of: (i) a photoinitiator, (ii) an oxygen inhibition mitigation composition, (iii) a leveling agent, and (iv) a defoaming agent.

The oxygen inhibition mitigating composition may be used to mitigate oxygen inhibition of the free-radical material. Molecular oxygen can quench the triplet state of the photoinitiator sensitizer, or it can scavenge free radicals that result in reduced coating properties and/or uncured liquid surfaces. The oxygen inhibition mitigating composition may reduce oxygen inhibition or may improve curing of any SLML 14.

The oxygen inhibiting composition may comprise more than one compound. The oxygen inhibition mitigating composition may comprise at least one acrylate, such as at least one acrylate monomer and at least one acrylate oligomer. In one aspect, the oxygen inhibition mitigating composition may comprise at least one acrylate monomer and two acrylate oligomers. Non-limiting examples of acrylates for use in the oxygen inhibition mitigating composition may include acrylates; a methacrylate ester; epoxy acrylates, such as modified epoxy acrylates; polyester acrylates, such as acid functional polyester acrylates, tetra functional polyester acrylates, modified polyester acrylates and polyester acrylates of biological origin; polyether acrylates, such as amine-modified polyether acrylates, including amine-functional acrylate co-initiators and tertiary amine co-initiators; urethane acrylates such as aromatic urethane acrylates, modified aliphatic urethane acrylates, and aliphatic allophanate-based urethane acrylates; and monomers and oligomers thereof. In one aspect, the oxygen inhibition mitigating composition may comprise at least one acrylate oligomer, such as two oligomers. The at least one acrylate oligomer may be selected from (select from)/from (choosefrom) polyester acrylates and polyether acrylates, for example mercapto-modified polyester acrylates and amine-modified polyether tetraacrylates. The oxygen inhibition mitigating composition may also comprise at least one monomer, such as 1, 6-hexanediol diacrylate. The oxygen inhibition mitigating composition may be present in the first SLML14 in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 95% by weight, such as ranging from about 10% to about 90% by weight, and as further examples ranging from about 15% to about 85% by weight, relative to the total weight of the SLML 14.

In certain examples, the host material of SLML14 may use a non-radical cure system, such as a cationic system. Cationic systems are less sensitive to mitigation of oxygen inhibition by free radical processes and therefore oxygen inhibition mitigation compositions may not be required. In one example, the use of the monomer 3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyloxetane does not require an oxygen mitigating composition.

In one aspect, the first SLMLs 14 can each independently comprise at least one photoinitiator, e.g., two photoinitiators or three photoinitiators. Photoinitiators can be used at shorter wavelengths. The photoinitiator may be active at actinic wavelengths (actinic wavelength). The photoinitiator may be a type I photoinitiator or a type II photoinitiator. The SLML14 may include only type I photoinitiators, only type II photoinitiators, or a combination of both type I and type II photoinitiators. The photoinitiator may be present in the composition of SLML14 in an amount ranging from about 0.25% to about 15% by weight, such as ranging from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, and as further examples ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition of SLML 14.

The photoinitiator may be a phosphine oxide. Phosphine oxides may include, but are not limited to, monoacylphosphine oxides and bisacylphosphine oxides. The monoacylphosphine oxide can be diphenyl (2,4, 6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide. The bisacylphosphine oxide may be bis (2,4, 6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenylphosphine oxide. In one aspect, at least one phosphine oxide may be present in the composition of SLML 14. For example, two phosphine oxides may be present in the composition of SLML 14.

A sensitizer may be present in the composition of SLML14 and may act as a sensitizer for the type I photoinitiator and/or the type II photoinitiator. The sensitizer may also act as a type II photoinitiator. In one aspect, the sensitizer may be present in the composition of SLML14 in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 10%, for example ranging from about 0.1% to about 7%, and as further examples ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition of SLML 14. The sensitizer may be a thioxanthone, such as 1-chloro-4-propoxythioxanthone.

In one aspect, SLML14 may contain a leveling agent. The leveling agent may be a polyacrylate. Leveling agents can eliminate cratering (crating) of the SLML14 composition. The leveling agent may be present in the composition of SLML14 in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 10%, for example ranging from about 1% to about 7%, and as further examples ranging from about 2% to about 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition of SLML 14.

The first SLML14 may also include a defoaming agent. Defoaming agents can reduce surface tension. The defoamer may be a silicone-free liquid organic polymer. The defoamer can be present in the composition of SLML14 in an amount in the range of from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight, such as in the range of from about 0.2% to about 4% by weight, and as further examples in the range of from about 0.4% to about 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition of SLML 14.

The first SLMLs 14 may each independently have a refractive index greater than or less than about 1.5. For example, each SLML 14' may have a refractive index of about 1.5. The refractive index of each SLML14 may be selected to provide a desired degree of color travel, where color travel may be defined as the change in hue angle as a function of viewing angle measured in L a b color space. In certain examples, each SLML14 can include a refractive index in a range from about 1.1 to about 3.0, about 1.0 to about 1.3, or about 1.1 to about 1.2. In certain examples, the refractive index of each SLML14 can be less than about 1.5, less than about 1.3, or less than about 1.2. In some examples, if more than one SLML is present in the article 10, the SLML14 may have substantially equal refractive indices or refractive indices that are different from one another.

The first SLML14 may have a thickness in a range from about 1nm to about 10000nm, about 10nm to about 1000nm, about 20nm to about 500nm, about 1nm to about 100nm, about 10nm to about 1000nm, about 1nm to about 5000 nm. In one aspect, the article 10, such as an optical device, may have an aspect ratio of 1:1 to 1:50 thickness to width.

However, one of the benefits of the article 10 described herein is that, in certain instances, the optical effect appears to be relatively insensitive to thickness variations. Thus, in certain aspects, each SLML14 can independently have a variation in optical thickness of less than about 5%. In one aspect, each SLML14 can independently include an optical thickness variation across the layer of less than about 3%. In one aspect, each SLML14 can independently have a variation in optical thickness across a layer having a thickness of about 50nm of less than about 1%.

In one aspect, the article 10, such as an optical device in the form of a sheet, foil, or sheet, may further include a substrate and/or a release layer. In one aspect, a release layer may be disposed between the substrate and the article 10.

Additionally or alternatively, the article 10 in the form of a sheet, or foil may also include a hard coating or protective layer on the article 10. In some examples, these layers (hard or protective) do not require optical quality.

The article 10, e.g., an optical device, described herein may be manufactured in any manner. For example, the sheet may be manufactured and then divided, broken, ground, etc. into smaller pieces, forming the optical device. In certain examples, the sheet may be produced by a liquid coating process including, but not limited to, the process described below and/or with reference to fig. 9.

A method for manufacturing an article 10 as described herein, for example in the form of a sheet, sheet or foil, is disclosed. The method may include depositing a colored reflector layer 16 on a substrate; the selective light modulator layer 14 is deposited onto the colored reflector layer 16 using a liquid coating process. The selective light modulator layer 14 may be a first selective light modulator layer, and the method may further comprise depositing a second selective light modulator layer 14' between the substrate and the colored reflector layer 16.

The colored reflector layer 16 is not subject to passivation. The colored reflector layer may improve the color properties of the selective light modulator layer 14. The colored reflector layer 16 may control gas treatment (scattering). The colored reflector layer 16 may be deposited using a physical vapor deposition process. The colored reflector layer 16 may include non-ferrous metals, non-ferrous metal alloys, non-ferrous metals, and metals that chemically convert to non-ferrous compounds. The colored reflector layer 16 may be a colored metal selected from the group consisting of copper, gold, and bronze. Metals that are chemically converted to colored compounds include aluminum and stainless steel. The colored reflector layer 16 may comprise a colored non-metal including polyacetylene and organic materials.

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing an article 10, such as an optical device, is disclosed that includes depositing a reflector layer 16 on a substrate, the reflector layer 16 having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; depositing a first selective light modulator layer 14 on a first surface of the reflector layer 16; and providing the orientation adjusting agent layer 12 on at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface of the reflector layer 16. The method may further include depositing a second selective light modulator layer 14' between the substrate and the reflector layer 16. The orientation modulator layers 12, 12' can suppress corrosion of the reflector layer 16. The first and second selective light modulator layers 14,14 'may provide a first color property and the orientation modulator layers 12, 12' may provide a second color property different from the first color property. The orientation modulator layer 12, 12' may comprise a chemically converted portion of the reflector layer 16. The orientation modifier layers 12, 12' may include pigments and organic dyes.

In the method, the substrate may include a release layer. In the disclosed method, the reflector layer 16 may be deposited using known conventional deposition processes such as physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, thin film deposition, atomic layer deposition, and the like, including modified techniques such as plasma enhanced and fluidized bed (plasma enhanced and fluidized bed).

The substrate may be made of a flexible material. The substrate may be any suitable material that can receive the deposited layer. Non-limiting examples of suitable substrate materials include polymeric webs such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass foils, glass sheets, polymeric foils, polymeric sheets, metal foils, metal sheets, ceramic foils, ceramic sheets, ionic liquids, paper, silicon wafers, and the like. The substrate may vary in thickness, but may range, for example, from about 2 μm to about 100 μm, and as further examples, from about 10 μm to about 50 μm.

The first SLML14 and/or the second SLML 14' may be deposited by a liquid coating process, such as a slot die process. Liquid coating processes may include, but are not limited to: slot-bead coating processes, slide-bead coating processes, slot curtain coating processes, slide curtain coating processes, tensioned web slot coating processes, gravure coating processes, roll coating processes, and other liquid coating and printing processes that apply a liquid onto a substrate or previously deposited layer to form a liquid layer or film that is subsequently dried and/or cured.

The substrate may then be released from the deposited layer to produce the article 10. In one aspect, the substrate may be cooled to embrittle the associated release layer (if present). In another aspect, the release layer may be embrittled, for example by heating and/or curing with photon or electron beam energy to increase the degree of crosslinking, which will enable exfoliation. The deposited layer may then be mechanically stripped, for example by sharply bending or brushing (brush) the surface. The release and release layers may be sized into the article 10, such as an optical device in the form of a sheet, foil, or sheet, using known techniques.

In another aspect, the deposited layer may be transferred from the substrate to another surface. The deposited layer may be stamped or cut to produce large sheets of well-defined size and shape.

The liquid coating process may allow the composition of SLML14, 14' to be transferred at a faster rate than other deposition techniques, such as vapor deposition. In addition, the liquid coating process may allow a wider range of materials to be used in SLML14, 14' with a simple equipment setup. It is believed that SLML14, 14' formed using the disclosed liquid coating process may exhibit improved optical performance.

Fig. 9 illustrates forming a layer using a liquid coating process. The composition of the layer, e.g. SLML14 (liquid coating composition), can be inserted into a slot die (slot die)320 and deposited on a substrate 340, resulting in a wet film (wet film). Referring to the processes disclosed above, the substrate 340 may include at least one of: a substrate, a release layer, a reflector layer 16, and previously deposited layers. The distance from the bottom of the slot die 320 to the substrate 340 is a slot gap (slot gap) G. As can be seen in fig. 9, the liquid coating composition can be deposited at a wet film thickness D that is greater than the dry film thickness H. Any solvent present in the wet film of liquid coating composition may be evaporated after the wet film of liquid coating composition has been deposited on the substrate 340. The liquid coating process continues with the curing of the wet film of liquid coating composition to produce a cured, self-leveling layer having the correct optical thickness H (in the range from about 30nm to about 700 nm). It is believed that the ability of the liquid coating composition to self-level results in a layer having a reduced optical thickness variation across the layer. Finally, articles 10, such as optical devices, comprising the self-leveling liquid coating composition may exhibit increased optical precision. For ease of understanding, the terms "wet film" and "dry film" will be used to refer to the liquid coating composition at different stages of the liquid coating process.

The liquid coating process may include adjusting at least one of a coating speed and a groove gap G to achieve a wet film having a predetermined thickness D. The liquid coating composition can be deposited to have a wet film thickness D in the range of from about 0.1 μm to about 500 μm, for example, in the range of from about 0.1 μm to about 5 μm. A liquid coating composition formed with a wet film thickness D within the disclosed ranges can produce a stable SLML layer, such as a dielectric layer, i.e., without fractures or defects, such as ribbing or streaking. In one aspect, for a stable wet film using a slot die bead mode (slot die bead mode) with a coating speed up to about 100m/min, the wet film may have a thickness of about 10 μm. In another aspect, for a stable wet film using a slot die curl mode (slot die curl mode) with a coating speed up to about 1200m/min, the wet film can have a thickness of about 6-7 μm.

The liquid coating process can include a ratio of the trough gap G to the wet film thickness D of about 1 to about 100 at a speed of from about 0.1m/min to about 1000 m/min. In one aspect, the ratio is about 9 at a coating speed of about 100 m/min. In one aspect, the ratio may be about 20 at a coating speed of about 50 m/min. The liquid coating process may have a slot gap G in the range from about 0 μm to about 1000 μm. A smaller slot gap G may allow for a reduced wet film thickness. In the grooved bead mode, higher coating speeds can be achieved with wet film thicknesses greater than 10 μm.

The liquid coating process may have a coating speed in the range of from about 0.1m/min to about 1000m/min, such as in the range of from about 25m/min to about 950m/min, such as in the range of from about 100m/min to about 900m/min and as a further example in the range of from about 200m/min to about 850 m/min. In one aspect, the coating speed is greater than about 150m/min, and in further examples greater than about 500 m/min.

In one aspect, the coating speed for the bead mode liquid coating process may be in the range of from about 0.1m/min to about 600m/min, and for example, from about 50m/min to about 150 m/min. In another aspect, the coating speed for the curtain mode liquid coating process can be in the range of from about 200m/min to about 1500m/min, and for example, in the range of from about 300m/min to about 1200 m/min.

As shown in fig. 9, the solvent may be evaporated from the wet film, for example, before the wet film is cured. In one aspect, about 100%, for example about 99.9%, and as a further example about 99.8% of the solvent may be evaporated from the liquid coating composition prior to curing the liquid coating composition. In further aspects, trace amounts of solvent may be present in the cured/dried liquid coating composition. In one aspect, wet films with a greater raw weight percentage of solvent can produce dry films with reduced film thickness H. In particular, wet films having a high weight percentage of solvent and deposited at a high wet film thickness D can result in liquid coating compositions, such as SLML14, having a low dry film thickness H. It is important to note that the wet film remains liquid after the solvent is evaporated, thereby avoiding problems such as skinning and island formation during subsequent curing steps in the liquid coating process.

The dynamic viscosity of the wet film may range from about 0.5cP to about 50cP, such as from about 1cP to about 45cP, and as a further example from about 2cP to about 40 cP. The viscosity measurement temperature was 25 ℃, rheology was measured with an Anton Paar MCR 101 rheometer equipped with a solvent trap (solventtrap) using 40mm diameter cones/plates with 0.3 ° angle set at 0.025mm gap.

In one aspect, the liquid coating composition and solvent may be selected such that the wet film exhibits newtonian behavior (newtonian behavior) for precision coating (precision coating) of the liquid coating composition using a liquid coating process. Wet films may exhibit up to 10,000s^-1And higher newtonian behavior shear rates. In one aspect, the shear rate for a liquid coating process may be 1000s for coating speeds up to 25m/min^-1For example, for coating speeds up to 100m/min, the shear rate may be 3900s^-1And as a further example, the shear rate may be 7900s for coating speeds up to 200m/min^-1. It will be appreciated that the maximum shear rate can occur on very thin wet films, for example 1 μm thick wet films.

As the wet film thickness increases, a decrease in shear rate can be expected, for example, a 15% decrease for a 10 μm wet film, and as another example, a 30% decrease for a 20 μm wet film.

Evaporation of the solvent from the wet film may cause the viscosity behavior to change to pseudoplastic, which may be beneficial for achieving a precision SLML 14. The dynamic viscosity of the deposited first SLML14 and second SLML 14' can range from about 10cP to about 3000cP, such as from about 20cP to about 2500cP, and as further examples from about 30cP to about 2000cP, after any solvent has been evaporated. When the solvent (if present) is evaporated from the wet film, there may be a viscosity increase of pseudoplastic behavior. Pseudoplastic behavior may allow self-leveling of the wet film.

In one aspect, the method may include evaporating the solvent present in the wet film using known techniques. The amount of time required to evaporate the solvent may depend on the speed of the web/substrate and the dryer capacity. In one aspect, the temperature of the dryer (not shown) may be less than about 120 ℃, such as less than about 100 ℃, and as a further example, less than about 80 ℃.

Wet films deposited using liquid coating processes may be cured using known techniques. In one aspect, the wet film may be cured using at least one of ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared, or electron beams using a curing agent. Curing may be carried out in an inert or ambient atmosphere. In one aspect, the curing step utilizes an ultraviolet light source having a wavelength of about 395 nm. The ultraviolet light source may be at from about 200mJ/cm²To about 1000mJ/cm²In the range of, for example, from about 250mJ/cm²To about 900mJ/cm²And as a further example from about 300mJ/cm²To about 850mJ/cm²Is applied to the wet film.

The wet film may be crosslinked by known techniques. Non-limiting examples include light-induced polymerization, such as free radical polymerization, spectrally sensitized light-induced free radical polymerization, light-induced cationic polymerization, spectrally sensitized light-induced cationic polymerization, and light-induced cycloaddition; electron beam induced polymerization, such as electron beam induced free radical polymerization, electron beam induced cationic polymerization, and electron beam induced cycloaddition; and thermally induced polymerization, such as thermally induced cationic polymerization.

SLML14, 14' formed using a liquid coating process can exhibit improved optical performance, i.e., is a precision SLML. In certain examples, a precision SLML14, 14' may be understood to mean an SLML having less than about a 3% optical thickness variation, about a 5% optical thickness variation, or about a 7% optical thickness variation across the layer.

In one aspect, the liquid coating process may include adjusting at least one of: a speed of from about 5m/min to about 100m/min and a coating gap of from about 50 μm to about 100 μm to deposit a wet film of from about 2 μm to 10 μm of a selective light modulator layer having a predetermined thickness of from about 500nm to about 1500 nm. In further aspects, the process can include a speed of 30m/min, a 75 μm gap, a 10 μm wet film, a 1.25 μm dry film thickness.

The article 10 described above and illustrated, for example, in the figures may be further described by way of the following example. In one example, the article 10 may include a selective light modulator layer 14, the selective light modulator layer 14 may include a cycloaliphatic epoxy host using a solvent dye as the SLMM, and the reflector layer 16 may include aluminum.

In one example, article 10 may include a first SLML14, the first SLML14 including an aliphatic epoxy host using a diketopyrrolopyrrole (diketopyrrolopyrrole) insoluble red dye as the SLMP, and reflector layer 16 may include aluminum.

In one example, the article 10 may include a first SLML14, the first SLML14 including an acrylate oligomer resin host using a white pigment (titanium dioxide) as the SLMP.

In one example, the article 10 may include an SLML14, the SLML14 including an acrylate oligomer resin host using a black IR transparent pigment as the SLMP, and the reflector layer 16 may include aluminum.

In one example, the article 10 may include an orientation layer 12, the orientation layer 12 including surface selective dye staining for both the first SLML14 side and the reflector layer 16 (metallic and non-metallic) side. In one aspect, the article 10 may further include a functional layer on the second surface of both the first and second selective light modulator layers 14,14 'to prevent dye staining of the exterior surface (the second surface of SLML14, 14').

In one example, the article 10 may include an orientation layer 12, the orientation layer 12 including selective decorative anodization of a metal on the perimeter of a pigment flake.

In one example, the article 10 may include an orientation layer 12, the orientation layer 12 including selective dye staining of the first light modulator layer 14 and/or the second light modulator layer 14'.

In one example, the article 10 may include an orientation layer 12, the orientation layer 12 including two distinct colors, one color being selective decorative anodization by a metal and one color being selective dye staining by the first selective light modulator layer 14 and/or the reflector layer 16.

In one aspect, a method of manufacturing an optical device is disclosed, comprising: depositing a reflector layer on a substrate, the reflector layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; depositing a first selective light modulator layer on a first surface of the reflector layer; and providing an orientation adjusting agent layer on at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface of the reflector layer. In some examples, the method further includes depositing a second selective light modulator layer between the substrate and the reflector layer. In some examples, the orientation modulator layer inhibits corrosion of the reflector layer. In some examples, the first selective light modulator layer provides a first color attribute and the orientation modulator layer provides a second color attribute different from the first color attribute. In some examples, the orientation modulator layer includes a chemically converted portion of the reflector layer. In some examples, the orientation modifier layer includes a pigment and an organic dye.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the present teachings can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while these teachings have been described in connection with specific embodiments and examples thereof, the true scope of the present teachings should not be so limited. Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the teachings herein.

The disclosure of this scope is to be interpreted broadly. It is intended that the present disclosure discloses equivalents, apparatus, systems, and methods that result in the devices, activities, and mechanical actions disclosed herein. For each device, article, method, apparatus, mechanical element, or mechanism disclosed, it is intended that the disclosure also cover the disclosure thereof and teach equivalents, apparatus, systems, and methods for practicing many aspects, mechanisms, and devices disclosed herein. In addition, the present disclosure relates to coatings and many aspects, features and elements thereof. Such devices may be dynamic in their use and operation, and the present disclosure is intended to cover equivalents, apparatus, systems, and methods of use and/or manufacture of optical devices, as well as many aspects thereof, consistent with the description and spirit of the operation and function disclosed herein. The claims of this application are to be construed broadly as well. The description of the invention herein is merely exemplary in nature in its many embodiments and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.