US 5,825,543 A · Diffusely reflecting polarizing element including a first birefringent phase and a second phase

Abstract

An optical film with a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.

Claims58

Dependent claims

An optical body, comprising:

a first phase having a birefringence of at least about 0.05;
and
a second phase, disposed within said first phase, whose index of refraction differs from said first phase by greater than about 0.05 along a first axis and by less than about 0.05 along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis;
wherein the diffuse reflectivity of said first and second phases taken together along at least one axis for at least one polarization state of electromagnetic radiation is at least about 30%.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Diffusely reflecting polarizing element including a first birefringent phase and a second phase

Life of this patent

Diffusely reflecting polarizing element including a first birefringent phase and a second phase

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims58