Reflective members for use in encoder systems

An encoder system for associating with an object, said system comprising

• an emitter;
• a detector;
• and
• a reflective member, said reflective member comprising
• a reflective layer;
• at least one other layer;
• and
• a reflective pattern, wherein said reflective pattern comprises at least a first portion having a first reflective property and a second portion having a different reflective property, wherein said first portion has a width of at most one-half of a grating period, and wherein said reflective layers form at least a part of said reflective pattern;
• wherein said detector is operable to collect a reflected signal pattern comprising signals reflected by said reflective member;
• and
• wherein said encoder system is operable to measure at least one operational attribute of an object to which it has been associated, said measured attribute derived from said collected signal pattern.

A method for forming a reflective member for use in enabling measurement of at least one operational attribute of an object, said method comprising

• forming a reflective layer;
• forming at least one other layer;
• and
• forming a reflective pattern comprising said reflective layer and said at least one other layer, said reflective pattern comprising at least a first portion having a first reflective property and a second portion having a different reflective property.