Methods and apparatus for forming polarized films and glasses
AssigneeMicroContinuum, Inc.
InventorsW. Dennis Slafer, Christine Higgins, B. Diane Martin
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Abstract
Methods are disclosed for forming polarized films and glasses having polarization efficiency that is varied in a predetermined design. In particular, such designs include monochrome and color polarization density gradients, where the non-polarized areas of films and glasses allow viewing of polarized displays without distortion. The methods include forming films and glasses that have visually uniform density while still incorporating polarization gradients. The disclosed methods also enable creation of polarization filters and glasses with increased optical density and reduced glare from multiple angles.
Claims18
A method for fabricating a polarizing film having a degree of polarization that is varied in a pre-determined manner, the method comprising:
- a. providing a first substrate;
- b. bonding a second substrate to the first substrate, the second substrate comprising a polymer layer whose molecule structure is predominately oriented in one direction;
- c. forming a polymeric dye controlling layer over the second substrate;
- d. forming a dyed film by selectively applying one or more dyes onto the polymeric dye controlling layer;
- e. imbibing said selectively applied dyes into the second substrate by exposing the dyed film to an environment having controlled temperature and humidity for a fixed time;
- f. removing the dyed film from said controlled humidity and temperature zone;
- and
- g. forming a dyed image in the second substrate by removal of the polymeric dye controlling layer and excess dye from the second substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.