Multilayer optical films suitable for bi-level internal patterning

A multilayer optical film, comprising:

• a first group of interior layers arranged to selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference, the first group of layers including at least some first layers that are birefringent, and the first group of layers also having a first absorption characteristic suitable to, upon exposure to light comprising a write wavelength, absorptively heat the first group of layers by an amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate the birefringence of the at least some first layers, while maintaining the structural integrity of the first group of layers;
• a second group of interior layers arranged to selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference, the second group of layers also including at least some second layers that are birefringent, and the second group of layers also having a second absorption characteristic suitable to, upon exposure to light comprising the write wavelength, absorptively heat the second group of layers by an amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate the birefringence of the at least some second layers, while maintaining the structural integrity of the second group of layers;
• and
• a first blocking layer disposed between the first and second groups of interior layers, the first blocking layer being adapted to at least partially block light of the write wavelength.

A method of making a patterned film, comprising:

• providing a multilayer optical film having a first group of interior layers arranged to selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic, and having a second group of interior layers arranged to selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a second reflective characteristic;
• directing a first beam of light comprising a write wavelength at the film to change the first reflective characteristic to a third reflective characteristic without substantially changing the second reflective characteristic;
• and
• directing a second beam of light comprising the write wavelength at the film to change the second reflective characteristic to a fourth reflective characteristic without substantially changing the first reflective characteristic.

A patterned multilayer optical film, comprising:

• a first group of interior layers arranged to selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference, the layers of the first group extending from a first zone to a second zone of the film;
• and
• a second group of interior layers arranged to selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference, the layers of the second group extending from the first zone to a third zone of the film;
• wherein the first group of layers provides a first reflective characteristic in the first zone and a third reflective characteristic different from the first reflective characteristic in the second zone;
• wherein the second group of layers provides a second reflective characteristic in the first zone and a fourth reflective characteristic different from the second reflective characteristic in the third zone;
• and
• wherein the second group of layers provides the second reflective characteristic in at least a portion of the second zone.