Optical filter panel having a narrow -width selective-wavelength attenuation and high visible light transmission
AssigneeSperian Eye & Face Protection Inc. a Delaware Corporation
InventorMarianne Krieg-Kowald
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Abstract
A molded optical filter and a method of molding an optical filter having a characteristic FWHM value of less than at least 59 nm with a greatly increased visible light transmission value as compared to the prior art. The optical filter utilizes a sharp cut-on dye incorporated into a moldable polymer base matrix that allows the optical filter to be formed using conventional molding equipment as has been previously unknown in the art.
Claims17
An optical filter having a maximum optical density, said optical filter comprising:
- a formed transparent polymer base matrix material;
- and
- an organic dye incorporated into said polymer base matrix, said organic dye filtering a predetermined band of infrared wavelengths, said filtered band having a full width of no more than 59 nm at half of said maximum optical density of said optical filter.
A method of molding a selective wavelength optical filter comprising:
- providing a polymer base matrix feedstock in the form of polymer pellets;
- mixing a sharp cut-on organic dye with said polymer pellets;
- melting said mixture of polymer pellets and dye;
- and
- molding an optical filter wherein said organic dye filters a selective band of wavelengths of light, said filtered band having a full width of no more than 59 nm at half of said maximum optical density of said optical filter.
A method of producing a polymer feedstock for use in molding an optical filter comprising:
- providing a polymer base matrix in the form of polymer pellets;
- mixing a sharp cut-on organic dye with said polymer pellets;
- melting said mixture of polymer pellets and dye;
- extruding said molten mixture;
- and
- pelletizing said extrudate to form a polymer feedstock suitable for molding optical filters wherein said organic dye filters a selective band of wavelengths of light, said filtered band having a full width of no more than 59 nm at half of said maximum optical density of said optical filter.
The method of claim 18, wherein said polymer base matrix material is selected from the group consisting of:
- polycarbonate, nylon and acrylic.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.