Optical tools with azimuth-modulating layers.

Abstract

To provide an item such as an optical tool in the form of a foil, a sheet, or a flake, a method for manufacturing the item, and an optical security device and to achieve reduction of degradation of a reflection layer, reduction of formation of hydrogen on the reflection layer, and an improved color attribute.SOLUTION: An optical device includes: a reflection layer having a first surface, a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface on the opposite side of the third surface; and a first selective optical modulation layer on the surface of the first surface of the reflection layer. At least one of the third surface and the fourth surface includes an azimuthal modulation layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to articles such as optical tools in the form of foils, sheets, and / or flakes. The optical tool can include a reflective layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and a first selective light modulation layer outside the first surface of the reflective layer, wherein at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface includes an azimuthal modulation layer. Methods for manufacturing the optical tool are also disclosed. [Background technology]

[0002] The optical attributes of a pigment are based on the components present in the pigment. For example, a "white" reflective layer, such as one made of aluminum, provides the pigment with limited color space attributes. Furthermore, the use of an aluminum reflective layer may require additional corrosion protection mechanisms, such as passivation to eliminate the risk of aluminum corrosion by water. Corrosion can lead to loss of reflector function and the formation of hydrogen. Both of these issues are detrimental to the pigment and can limit its use. Furthermore, the use of a "white" reflective layer may limit the pigment's ability to produce color flop and / or color shift effects. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, an optical tool is disclosed that includes a reflective layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and a first selective light modulation layer outside the first surface of the reflective layer, wherein at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface includes an azimuthal modulation layer.

[0004] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing an optical tool is disclosed that includes depositing a reflective layer on a substrate, the reflective layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; depositing a first selective light modulation layer on the first surface of the reflective layer; and providing an azimuthal modulation layer on at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface of the reflective layer.

[0005] Additional features and advantages of various embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of various embodiments. The objectives and other advantages of the various embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the description herein.

[0006] The present disclosure, in several aspects and embodiments thereof, can be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid coating process illustrating the deposition of a layer, such as an SLML layer, according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0008] Like reference numerals identify like elements throughout the specification and figures.

[0009] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide an explanation of various embodiments of the present teachings. Disclosed herein in its wide variety of embodiments are articles, such as optical tools in the form of foils, sheets, and flakes; and methods for manufacturing the articles. In one example, articles including optical tools such as pigments, optical taggants, and optical security devices may be manufactured with simplified structures. The optical tools disclosed herein may exhibit at least one characteristic, including, for example, reduced degradation of the reflective layer, reduced hydrogen formation on the reflective layer, and improved color attributes.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, an article 10, such as an optical tool, can include a reflective layer 16; and a selective light modulating layer 14 deposited using a liquid coating process outside the reflective layer. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the selective light modulating layer 14 can be a first selective light modulating layer 14 or a second selective light modulating layer 14'. The reflective layer 16 can be a colored reflective layer 16. The reflective layer 16 can have a bare surface. The reflective layer 16 can have at least one surface including an azimuth modulating layer 12, as shown in FIGS. 3-8.

[0011] In one embodiment, article 10 may be in the form of a sheet that can be used on an object or substrate. In another embodiment, article 10 may be in the form of a foil or flake. For example, article 10 may have a layered shape. In one embodiment, article 10 may be an optical tool. In another embodiment, the composition may include an optical tool and a liquid medium. The composition may be an ink, varnish, paint, or the like. In another embodiment, article 10 is an optical tool in the form of flakes, the flakes having a thickness of, for example, 100 nm to 100 μm and a size of, for example, 100 nm to 1 mm. Article 10 may be a color-shifting colorant or may be used as a security feature on currency. Common attributes for the use of article 10 include high chromaticity (or intense color), color change with viewing angle (also known as goniochromaticity or iridescence), and flop (a specular and metallic appearance in which lightness, hue, or chromaticity changes with changing viewing angle). Additionally, article 10 may be metallic in color, and interference cannot be used to generate the color. In particular, article 10 can include additional features to add angle-dependent color shifting effects. Additionally, article 10 can exhibit improved chemical protection of exposed metal surfaces, such as the edges of reflective layer 16, although encapsulation of the entire article 10 is not required.

[0012] While the figures show the article 10, such as an optical tool, in the form of a sheet, the article 10, such as an optical tool, may also be in the form of a flake and / or foil, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, while the figures show particular layers in a particular order, one skilled in the art will understand that the article 10 can include any number of layers in any order. Furthermore, the composition of any particular layer may be the same as or different from the composition of any other layer. For example, the first selective light modulation layer (SLML) 14 may have the same or a different composition as the second selective light modulation layer (SLML) 14'. Furthermore, the physical properties of any particular layer may be the same as or different from the physical properties of any other layer. For example, the first SLML 14 may have a composition with a first refractive index, while the second SLML 14' of the same article 10 may have a different composition with a different refractive index. As another example, the first SLML 14 may have a composition at a first thickness, while the second SLML 14' may have the same composition but at a second thickness different from the first thickness.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , an article 10, such as an optical tool, can include a colored reflective layer 16 having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a third surface; and a selective light modulation layer outside the first surface of the colored reflective layer 16.

[0014] The reflective layer 16 may be a broadband reflector, e.g., a spectral and Lambertian reflector (e.g., white TiO). The reflective layer 16 may include a metal. The reflective layer 16 may be a colored reflective layer. As used herein, "colored reflective layer" includes colored metals, colored metal alloys, colored nonmetals, and metals chemically converted to colored compounds. The colored reflective layer 16 may be a colored metal or colored metal alloy selected from copper, gold, silver, and bronze. The colored reflective layer 16 may be a colored nonmetal, including organic materials such as polyacetylene, conductive polymers (e.g., polypyrrole, PEDOT, polyaniline), semiconductors, and inorganic materials such as metal oxides, sulfides, chlorides, fluorides, titanates, zirconates, rare earth-doped CaF, transition metal-doped SrTiO, and CaTiO, iron- or sulfur-doped sodalite, and metal coordination complexes.

[0015] In one embodiment, the reflective layer 16, such as a colored reflective layer, can include a metal that is chemically converted into a colored compound. For example, the chemically converted metal can include aluminum, stainless steel, and white materials. In one embodiment, the chemically converted metal includes aluminum and stainless steel. In one embodiment, the chemically converted metal can include, for example, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, silver, gold, zinc, iron, bronze, manganese, titanium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, tungsten, tin, indium, bismuth, alloys of any of these metals, or combinations thereof. The conversion process can be any process that converts a non-colored or white metal into a colored compound. The conversion process can include exposing the non-colored or white metal to a reactant.

[0016] The reactants can be in any state, such as a plasma state, a gas state, a solid state, a liquid state, or a combination thereof. The reactants can include chemical or physical elements that can cause a reaction with at least a portion of the non-colored or white metal in a controllable manner. In one example, water and solvent-based environments can be used as reactants. In some examples, the conversion process can include the use of various types of chemical reactants, including batch and continuous stirred tank reactants, tubular reactants, rotating bed reactants, fluidized bed reactants, continuous flow tubes, and batch furnaces.

[0017] The chemical bath compositions used herein may include inorganic or organic compounds. Examples of inorganic compounds may include at least one of sulfur, sulfides, sulfates, oxides, hydroxides, isocyanates, thiocyanates, molybdates, chromates, permanganates, carbonates, thiosulfates, colloidal metals, inorganic salts, and combinations thereof. Examples of organic compounds may include organic compounds containing sulfur, such as thiols, thioamines, oxythioamines, thioureas, and thiocyanates; nitrogen, such as amines and isocyanates; oxygen; silicon, such as silanes; or combinations thereof. Additionally, the chemical bath may include at least one inorganic or organic salt of a metal or a metal-organic compound of a metal. In yet another embodiment, the chemical bath may include an oxidizer, a surface modifier, and / or an inhibitor.

[0018] In one embodiment, the uncolored or white metal present in reflective layer 16 may be fully converted or partially converted, such as 99.9% conversion, including all ranges of percent conversion therebetween.

[0019] In some embodiments, the colored reflective layer 16 does not include aluminum or a white material, for example, aluminum or a white material that has not been chemically converted to a colored compound.

[0020] In one example, the material of reflective layer 16 can include any material that has reflective properties in the desired spectral range, for example, any material that has a reflectivity in the range of 5% to 100% in the desired spectral range.

[0021] The thickness of the reflective layer 16 can range from about 5 nm to 5000 nm, but this range should not be considered limiting. For example, the lower limit of the thickness can be selected so that the reflective layer 16 provides a maximum transmittance of 0.8.

[0022] Depending on the composition of the reflective layer 16, a higher or lower minimum thickness may be required to obtain sufficient optical density and / or achieve the desired effect. In some examples, the upper limit may be about 5,000 nm, about 4,000 nm, about 3,000 nm, about 1,500 nm, about 200 nm, and / or about 100 nm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the reflective layer 16 may be about 10 nm to about 5,000 nm, e.g., about 15 nm to about 4,000 nm, about 20 nm to about 3,000 nm, about 25 nm to about 2,000 nm, about 30 nm to about 1,000 nm, about 40 nm to about 750 nm, or about 50 nm to about 500 nm, e.g., about 60 nm to about 250 nm or about 70 nm to about 200 nm.

[0023] As shown in a figure, e.g., FIG. 1 , at least two surfaces / sides of reflective layer 16, e.g., the right (third) and left (fourth) surfaces / sides shown, may be bare. In one embodiment, when article 10 is in the form of a flake or foil, reflective layer 16 may include more than the four surfaces illustrated in the figure. In these examples, for example, one, two, three, four, or five surfaces of reflective layer 16 may be exposed to the atmosphere. In one example, the bare sides of reflective layer 16, i.e., the surfaces of reflective layer 16 that do not include outer layers, may provide a flop advantage. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , article 10 may include reflective layer 16 and / or SLML layer 14 that are not bare, i.e., have azimuth modulation layers 12, 12′ on their outer sides, such as the sides of reflective layer 16 and / or SLML layer 14. In another embodiment, any surface of the reflective layer 16, SLML 14 and / or azimuthal layer 12 may also include a functional layer (not shown) containing functional molecules.

[0024] In one embodiment, article 10, such as an optical tool, can include a reflective layer 16, such as a colored reflective layer, having a first color; and selective light-modulating layer 14 has a second color that is the same as the first color, as shown in Figure 1. For example, reflective layer 16 can be red and the selective light-modulating layer can also be red.

[0025] In another embodiment, article 10, such as an optical tool, can include a reflective layer 16, such as a colored reflective layer, having a first color; and selective light modulating layer 14 has a second color different from the first color, as shown in Figure 1. For example, reflective layer 16 can be red and selective light modulating layer 14 can be blue.

[0026] An article 10, such as an optical tool, can include a selective light-modulating layer 14, which is a first selective light-modulating layer 14; and can further include a second selective light-modulating layer 14'. As shown in FIG. 2 , the first selective light-modulating layer 14 is present on a first surface of a reflective layer 16, and the second selective light-modulating layer 14' is present on a second surface of the reflective layer 16. Each of the first and second selective light-modulating layers 14, 14' can have the same or different colors. Furthermore, the reflective layer 16 can be a colored reflective layer 16, which has the same or different colors as each of the first and second selective light-modulating layers 14, 14'. For example, the first selective light-modulating layer 14 can be a second color, red, the reflective layer can be a first color, blue, and the second selective light-modulating layer 14' can be red. In another embodiment, first selective light-modulating layer 14 may be a second color red, the reflective layer may include copper and be the first color red (possibly with a different hue), and second selective light-modulating layer 14' may be red. In a further embodiment, first selective light-modulating layer 14 may be a second color red, the reflective layer may be the first color blue, and second selective light-modulating layer 14' may be yellow.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3-8, article 10 can exhibit a metallic effect because the edges of the article, such as flakes or optical elements, can function as secondary color-defining features, such as azimuthal color attributes. In one embodiment, article 10 can include a reflective layer 16 having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and a first selective light modulation layer 14 on the outer side of the first surface of reflective layer 16, with at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of reflective layer 16 including an azimuthal modulation layer 12. Article 10 can further include a second selective light modulation layer 14' on the outer side of the second surface of reflective layer 16. Reflective layer 16 can be as described above. First selective light modulation layer 14, second selective light modulation layer 14', first azimuthal modulation layer 12, and second azimuthal modulation layer 12' can be as described below.

[0028] The first selective light modulating layer 14 can provide a first color attribute to the article 10, such as an optical instrument. For example, the first selective light modulating layer 14 can provide the optical instrument with the color red. The first color attribute can be present at a first viewing angle.

[0029] The azimuth modulation layer 12, 12' can provide a second color attribute to the article 10, such as an optical tool. For example, the azimuth modulation layer 12, 12' can provide the optical tool with black. The second color attribute can be present at a second viewing angle, which is different from the first viewing angle. The second color attribute can be different from the first color attribute. The azimuth modulation layer 12, 12' allows the article 10, which can have a first color attribute defined by the selective light modulation layer 14, to be introduced with a hue, such as when viewed from a non-normal viewing angle.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3 、Article 10 can include a reflective layer 16; a selective light modulation layer 14 on the outside of a first surface of reflective layer 16; and an azimuth modulation layer 12 on the outside of a third surface of reflective layer 16. In one embodiment, azimuth modulation layer 12 can protect at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of reflective layer 16. A second surface opposite the first surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface of reflective layer 16 can be exposed to the atmosphere. Reflective layer 16 can be as described above. In one embodiment, reflective layer 16 can include a coloring material.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, article 10 can include a reflective layer 16; a first selective light modulation layer 14 on the outside of a first surface of reflective layer 16; a second selective light modulation layer 14' on the outside of a second surface of reflective layer 16; and an azimuth modulation layer 12 on the outside of a third surface of reflective layer 16. In one embodiment, azimuth modulation layer 12 can protect at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of reflective layer 16. The fourth surface of reflective layer 16, opposite the third surface, can be exposed to the atmosphere. Reflective layer 16 can be as described above. In one embodiment, reflective layer 16 can include a coloring material.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, article 10 can include a reflective layer 16; a first selective light modulation layer 14 on the outside of the first surface of reflective layer 16; a first azimuth modulation layer 12 on the outside of the third surface of reflective layer 16; and a second azimuth modulation layer 12' on the outside of the fourth surface of reflective layer 16. In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second azimuth modulation layers 12, 12' can protect at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of reflective layer 16. A second surface of reflective layer 16 opposite the first surface can be exposed to the atmosphere. Reflective layer 16 can be as described above. In one embodiment, reflective layer 16 can include a coloring material.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, article 10 can include a reflective layer 16; a first selective light modulation layer 14 on the outside of a first surface of reflective layer 16; a second selective light modulation layer 14' on the outside of a second surface of reflective layer 16; a first azimuth modulation layer 12 on the outside of a third surface of reflective layer 16; and a second azimuth modulation layer 12' on the outside of a fourth surface of reflective layer 16. In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second azimuth modulation layers 12, 12' can protect at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of reflective layer 16. Reflective layer 16 can be as described above. In one embodiment, reflective layer 16 can include a coloring material.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 7 , article 10 can include a reflective layer 16; a first selective light modulation layer 14 on the outside of the first surface of reflective layer 16; a first azimuthal modulation layer 12 on the outside of the third surface of reflective layer 16 and on the outside of the third surface of first selective light modulation layer 14; and a second azimuthal modulation layer 12′ on the outside of the fourth surface of reflective layer 16 and on the outside of the fourth surface of first selective light modulation layer 14. First selective light modulation layer 14 can have a first surface; a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface; and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. In one embodiment, at least one of first and second azimuthal modulation layers 12, 12′ can protect at least one of the third surface of reflective layer 16, the fourth surface of reflective layer 16, the third surface of the first selective light modulation layer, and the fourth surface of first selective light modulation layer 14. Reflective layer 16 can be as described above. In one embodiment, reflective layer 16 can include a coloring material.

[0035] 8, article 10 can include a reflective layer 16, a first selective light modulation layer 14 on the first surface of reflective layer 16, a second selective light modulation layer 14' on the second surface of reflective layer 16, a first azimuthal modulation layer 12 on the third surface of reflective layer 16, on the third surface of first selective light modulation layer 14, and on the third surface of second selective light modulation layer 14', and a second azimuthal modulation layer 12' on the fourth surface of reflective layer 16, on the fourth surface of first selective light modulation layer 14, and on the fourth surface of second selective light modulation layer 14'. The first and second selective light modulation layers 14, 14' can each independently have a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second azimuthal modulation layers 12, 12' can protect at least one of the third surface of the reflective layer 16, the fourth surface of the reflective layer 16, the third surface of the first selective light modulation layer 14, the fourth surface of the first selective light modulation layer 14, the third surface of the second selective light modulation layer 14', and the fourth surface of the second selective light modulation layer 14'. The reflective layer 16 can be as described above. In one embodiment, the reflective layer 16 can include a coloring material.

[0036] 3-8, the azimuth angle modulation layer 12, 12' can include a metal that is chemically converted to a colored compound, as disclosed above with respect to the reflective layer 16. In one embodiment, the azimuth angle modulation layer 12, 12' can include a pigment and / or an organic dye. The azimuth angle modulation layer 12, 12' can protect the surface of the article 10 from corrosion.

[0037] The article 10 disclosed herein can include a first selective light modulation layer (SLML) 14 and / or a second selective light modulation layer 14'. The SLML is a physical layer containing multiple optical functions intended to modulate (absorb and / or emit) light intensity in different selected regions of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths ranging from about 0.2 μm to about 20 μm. The article 10 can include an asymmetric layer structure (described in more detail below) that enables the SLML 14 to selectively modulate light through absorption provided by the selective SLML. In particular, the article 10 can include an SLML 14 that selectively absorbs energy of specific wavelengths, such as light.

[0038] The SLML 14 (and / or materials within the SLML 14) may selectively modulate light. For example, the SLML 14 may control the amount of transmission of specific wavelengths. In some examples, the SLML 14 may selectively absorb specific wavelengths of energy (e.g., within the visible and / or non-visible range). For example, the SLML 14 may be a “color layer” and / or a “wavelength-selective absorbing layer.” In some examples, the specific wavelengths absorbed may cause the article 10 to appear a specific color. For example, the SLML 14 may appear red to the human eye (e.g., the SLML 14 may absorb wavelengths of light less than about 620 nm and therefore reflect or transmit energy in wavelengths that appear red). This can be achieved by adding selective light-modulating particles (SLMPs), which are colorants (e.g., organic and / or inorganic pigments and / or dyes), to a host material such as a dielectric material (e.g., a polymer). For example, in some examples, the SLML 14 may be a colored plastic.

[0039] In some examples, some or all of the specific wavelengths absorbed may be in the visible range (e.g., SLML 14 may absorb the entire visible range but transmit in the infrared). The resulting article 10 may appear black but reflect infrared light. In some of the above examples, the absorption wavelengths (and / or specific visible color) of article 10 and / or SLML 14 may depend, at least in part, on the thickness of SLML 14. Additionally or alternatively, the wavelengths of energy absorbed by SLML 14 (and / or the visible color of these layers and / or flakes) may depend, in part, on the addition of specific aspects to SLML 14. In addition to absorbing specific wavelengths of energy, SLML 14 may strengthen reflective layer 16 against degradation; enable peeling from the substrate; enable sizing; provide resistance to environmental degradation, such as oxidation of aluminum or other metals and materials used in reflective layer 16; and achieve at least one of high performance in light transmission, reflection, and absorption based on the composition and thickness of SLML 14.

[0040] In some examples, in addition to or as an alternative to SLML 14 that selectively absorbs specific wavelengths of energy and / or specific wavelengths of visible light, the SLML 14 of article 10 can have a controllable refractive index and / or the SLML 14 can include selective light modulating particles (SLMPs) that can control the refractive index. In addition to or as an alternative to an absorption-controlling SLMP (e.g., a colorant), an SLMP that can control the refractive index of the SLML 14 can be included within the host material. In some examples, the host material can be combined with both an absorption-controlling SLMP and a refractive index SLMP for the SLML 14. In some examples, the same SLMP can control both absorption and refractive index.

[0041] The performance of the SLML 14 may be determined based on the selection of materials present in the SLML 14. In one aspect, the SLML 14 may improve at least one of flake handling, corrosion, alignment, and environmental performance of other layers in the article 10, such as the reflective layer 16.

[0042] The first (and optionally the second, third, fourth, etc.) SLMLs 14 can each independently comprise a host material alone or a host material in combination with a selective light modulation system (SLMS). In one embodiment, at least one of the first SLMLs 14 can comprise a host material. In another embodiment, at least one of the first SLMLs 14 can comprise a host material and an SLMS. The SLMS can comprise a selective light modulation molecule (SLMM), a selective light modulation particle (SLMP), an additive, or a combination thereof.

[0043] The SLML 14 composition can have a solids content ranging from about 0.01% to about 100%, for example, from about 0.05% to about 80%, and as a further example, from about 1% to about 30%. In some embodiments, the solids content can be greater than 3%. In some embodiments, the SLML 14 composition can have a solids content ranging from about 3% to about 100%, for example, from about 4% to 50%.

[0044] The host material of the first SLML 14 can be a film-forming material that can be applied independently as a coating liquid and serve optical and structural purposes, and can be used as a host (matrix) for incorporating a guest system, such as a selective light modulation system (SLMS), to provide additional light-modulating properties to the article 10, if desired.

[0045] The host material may be a dielectric material. Additionally or alternatively, the host material may be at least one of an organic polymer, an inorganic polymer, and a composite material. Non-limiting examples of organic polymers include thermoplastics such as polyesters, polyolefins, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyimides, polyurethanes, acrylics, acrylates, polyvinyl esters, polyethers, polythiols, silicones, fluorocarbons, and various copolymers thereof; thermosetting resins such as epoxies, polyurethanes, acrylates, melamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, and phenol formaldehyde; and energy-curable materials such as acrylates, epoxies, vinyls, vinyl esters, styrenes, and silanes. Non-limiting examples of inorganic polymers include silanes, siloxanes, titanates, zirconates, aluminates, silicates, phosphazenes, polyborazylenes, and polythiazyls.

[0046] The first SLML 14 can include from about 0.001% to about 100% by weight of the host material. In one embodiment, the host material can be present in the SLML 14 at from about 0.01% to about 95% by weight of the SLML 14, such as from about 0.1% to about 90% by weight, and as another example, from about 1% to about 87% by weight.

[0047] The SLMS for use in the SLML 14 with the host material may each independently comprise a selective light modulating particle (SLMP), a selective light modulating molecule (SLMM), an additive, or a combination thereof. The SLMS may comprise other materials. The SLMS may provide amplitude modulation (absorption, reflection, fluorescence, etc.) of electromagnetic radiation in a selected region or in the entire spectral range of interest (0.2 μm to 20 μm).

[0048] Each of the first SLMLs 14 can independently include an SLMP in the SLMS. The SLMP can be any particle that selectively controls light modulation in combination with a host material, such as color-shifting particles, dyes, colorants including colorants containing one or more dyes, pigments, reflective pigments, color-shifting pigments, quantum dots, and selective reflectors. Non-limiting examples of SLMPs include organic pigments, inorganic pigments, quantum dots, nanoparticles (selectively reflecting and / or absorbing), micelles, and the like. Nanoparticles include, for example, organic and organometallic materials with high refractive index values ​​(n>1.6 at a wavelength of about 550 nm); TiO2, ZrO2, In2O3, In2O3-SnO, SnO2, Fe x O y (x and y are each independently an integer greater than 0), metal oxides such as WO3; ZnS and Cu x S y (x and y are each independently an integer greater than 0), metal sulfides such as; chalcogenides, quantum dots, metal nanoparticles; carbonates; fluorides; and combinations thereof.

[0049] Examples of SLMMs include, for example, organic dyes, inorganic dyes, micelles and other molecular systems that contain chromophores.

[0050] In some embodiments, the SLMS of the first SLML 14 may include at least one additive, such as a curing agent and a coating aid.

[0051] A curing agent can be a compound or material that can initiate the curing, vitrification, crosslinking, or polymerization of a host material. Non-limiting examples of curing agents include solvents, radical generators (energy or chemical), acid generators (energy or chemical), condensation initiators, and acid / base catalysts.

[0052] Non-limiting examples of coating aids include leveling agents, wetting agents, defoamers, adhesion promoters, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, cure retardants, stain repellents, corrosion inhibitors, photosensitizers, secondary crosslinkers, and infrared absorbers for improved infrared drying. In one embodiment, the antioxidant may be present in the SLML14 composition in an amount ranging from about 25 ppm to about 5 wt. %.

[0053] Each of the first SLMLs 14 can independently contain a solvent. Non-limiting examples of solvents include acetates such as ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, and butyl acetate; acetone; water; ketones such as dimethyl ketone (DMK), methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), sec-butyl methyl ketone (SBMK), tert-butyl methyl ketone (TBMK), cyclopentanone, and anisole; glycols and glycol derivatives such as propylene glycol methyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether acetate; alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol and diacetone alcohol; esters such as malonates; heterocyclic solvents such as n-methylpyrrolidone; hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene; coalescing solvents such as glycol ethers; and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the solvent can be present in the first SLML 14′ in an amount ranging from about 0% to about 99.9% by weight, e.g., from about 0.005% to about 99% by weight, and as a further example, from about 0.05% to about 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the SLML 14.

[0054] In some examples, the first SLML 14 can include a composition having at least one of: (i) a photoinitiator; (ii) an oxygen inhibitor mitigation composition; (iii) a leveling agent; and (iv) an antifoaming agent.

[0055] The oxygen inhibition mitigation composition can be used to mitigate oxygen inhibition of free radical materials. Molecular oxygen can quench the triplet state of the photoinitiator sensitizer or scavenge free radicals, resulting in poor coating properties and / or an uncured liquid surface. The oxygen inhibition mitigation composition can reduce oxygen inhibition or improve the cure of any SLML14.

[0056] The oxygen-inhibiting composition can contain two or more compounds. The oxygen-inhibiting mitigation composition can contain at least one acrylate, such as at least one acrylate monomer and at least one acrylate oligomer. In one embodiment, the oxygen-inhibiting mitigation composition can contain at least one acrylate monomer and two acrylate oligomers. Non-limiting examples of acrylates for use in the oxygen-inhibiting mitigation composition include acrylates; methacrylates; epoxy acrylates, such as modified epoxy acrylates; polyester acrylates, such as acid-functional polyester acrylates, tetrafunctional polyester acrylates, modified polyester acrylates, and bio-based polyester acrylates; polyether acrylates, such as amine-modified polyether acrylates containing amine-functional acrylate coinitiators and tertiary amine coinitiators; urethane acrylates, such as aromatic urethane acrylates, modified aliphatic urethane acrylates, aliphatic urethane acrylates, and aliphatic allophanate-based urethane acrylates; and monomers and oligomers thereof. In one embodiment, the oxygen-inhibiting mitigation composition can contain at least one acrylate oligomer, such as two oligomers. The at least one acrylate oligomer can be selected from polyester acrylates and polyether acrylates, such as mercapto-modified polyester acrylates and amine-modified polyether tetraacrylates. The oxygen inhibitory mitigation composition can also include at least one monomer, such as 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate. The oxygen inhibitory mitigation composition can be present in the first SLML 14 in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 95% by weight, for example, from about 10% to about 90% by weight, and as yet another example, from about 15% to about 85% by weight, based on the total weight of the SLML 14.

[0057] In some cases, the host material of SLML14 can use a non-radical cure system, such as a cationic system. Cationic systems may not require an oxygen-inhibiting mitigation composition because they are less susceptible to oxygen-inhibiting mitigation of free-radical processes. In one example, the use of the monomer 3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyloxetane eliminates the need for an oxygen-mitigating composition.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first SLML 14 can each independently comprise at least one photoinitiator, such as two or three photoinitiators. The photoinitiator can be used for shorter wavelengths. The photoinitiator can be active at actinic wavelengths. The photoinitiator can be a Type 1 or Type II photoinitiator. The SLML 14 can include only Type I photoinitiators, only Type II photoinitiators, or a combination of both Type I and Type II photoinitiators. The photoinitiator can be present in the SLML 14 composition in an amount ranging from about 0.25 wt % to about 15 wt %, for example, from about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt %, and as yet another example, from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the SLML 14 composition.

[0059] The photoinitiator may be a phosphine oxide. The phosphine oxide may include, for example, a monoacylphosphine oxide and a bisacylphosphine oxide. The monoacylphosphine oxide may be diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide. The bisacylphosphine oxide may be bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphine oxide. In one embodiment, at least one phosphine oxide may be present in the composition of SLML14. For example, two phosphine oxides may be present in the composition of SLML14.

[0060] A sensitizer can be present in the SLML14 composition and can act as a sensitizer for the Type 1 and / or Type II photoinitiators. The sensitizer can also function as a Type II photoinitiator. In one embodiment, the sensitizer can be present in the SLML14 composition in an amount ranging from about 0.05 wt % to about 10 wt %, for example, from about 0.1 wt % to about 7 wt %, and as a further example, from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the SLML14 composition. The sensitizer can be a thioxanthone, such as 1-chloro-4-propoxythioxanthone.

[0061] In one embodiment, the SLML14 can include a leveling agent. The leveling agent can be a polyacrylate. The leveling agent can eliminate craters in the SLML14 composition. The leveling agent can be present in the SLML14 composition in an amount ranging from about 0.05 wt % to about 10 wt %, for example, from about 1 wt % to about 7 wt %, and as a further example, from about 2 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the SLML14 composition.

[0062] The first SLML 14 can also include an antifoaming agent. The antifoaming agent can reduce surface tension. The antifoaming agent can be a silicone-free liquid organic polymer. The antifoaming agent can be present in the SLML 14 composition in an amount ranging from about 0.05 wt % to about 5 wt %, for example, from about 0.2 wt % to about 4 wt %, and as another example, from about 0.4 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the SLML 14 composition.

[0063] The first SLMLs 14 can each independently have a refractive index greater than or less than about 1.5. For example, each SLML 14' can have a refractive index of about 1.5. The refractive index of each SLML 14 can be selected to provide a desired degree of color shift, and the color shift varies with L with viewing angle. * a * b *The refractive index can be defined as the change in hue angle measured in color space. In some examples, each SLML 14 can include a refractive index ranging from about 1.1 to about 3.0, from about 1.0 to about 1.3, or from about 1.1 to about 1.2. In some examples, the refractive index of each SLML 14 can be less than about 1.5, less than about 1.3, or less than about 1.2. In some examples, the SLMLs 14 can have substantially equal or different refractive indices when two or more SLMLs are present in article 10.

[0064] The first SLML 14 can have a thickness ranging from about 1 nm to about 10,000 nm, from about 10 nm to about 1,000 nm, from about 20 nm to about 500 nm, from about 1 nm to about 100 nm, from about 10 nm to about 1,000 nm, or from about 1 nm to about 5,000 nm. In one embodiment, the article 10, such as an optical tool, can have an aspect ratio of thickness to width of 1:1 to 1:50.

[0065] However, one advantage of the article 10 described herein is that, in some instances, the optical effects appear to be relatively insensitive to thickness variations. Thus, in some embodiments, each SLML 14 can independently have an optical thickness variation of less than about 5%. In one embodiment, each SLML 14 can independently include an optical thickness variation of less than about 3% across the layer. In one embodiment, each SLML 14 can independently have an optical thickness variation of less than about 1% across a layer having a thickness of about 50 nm.

[0066] In one embodiment, the article 10, such as an optical tool in the form of a flake, foil, or sheet, can also include a substrate and / or a release layer. In one embodiment, the release layer can be disposed between the substrate and the article 10.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, article 10 in flake, sheet, or foil form may also include a hard coat or protective layer on article 10. In some instances, these layers (hard coats or protective layers) do not need to be of optical quality.

[0068] Articles 10, such as optical tools described herein, can be made in any manner. For example, sheets can be made and then split, crushed, ground, etc. into smaller pieces that form the optical tools. In some examples, sheets can be made by a liquid coating process, including, for example, the processes described below and / or with respect to FIG. 9.

[0069] As described herein, a method of manufacturing article 10, for example in the form of a sheet, flake, or foil, is disclosed. The method can include depositing a colored reflective layer 16 on a substrate; and depositing a selective light modulating layer 14 on colored reflective layer 16 using a liquid coating process. Selective light modulating layer 14 can be a first selective light modulating layer, and the method can further include depositing a second selective light modulating layer 14' between the substrate and colored reflective layer 16.

[0070] The colored reflective layer 16 is not passivated. The colored reflective layer can enhance the color attributes of the selective light modulation layer 14. The colored reflective layer 16 can control outgassing. The colored reflective layer 16 can be deposited using a physical vapor deposition process. The colored reflective layer 16 can include colored metals, colored metal alloys, colored non-metals, and metals chemically converted to colored compounds. The colored reflective layer 16 can be a colored metal selected from copper, gold, and bronze. Metals chemically converted to colored compounds include aluminum and stainless steel. The colored reflective layer 16 can include colored non-metals, including polyacetylene and organic materials.

[0071] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing an article 10, such as an optical tool, is disclosed, the method including depositing a reflective layer 16 on a substrate, the reflective layer 16 having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; depositing a first selective light modulation layer 14 on the first surface of the reflective layer 16; and providing an azimuthal modulation layer 12 on at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of the reflective layer 16. The method can also include depositing a second selective light modulation layer 14' between the substrate and the reflective layer 16. The azimuthal modulation layers 12, 12' can inhibit corrosion of the reflective layer 16. The first and second selective light modulation layers 14, 14' can provide a first color attribute, and the azimuthal modulation layers 12, 12' can provide a second color attribute different from the first color attribute. The azimuthal modulation layers 12, 12' can include chemically converted portions of the reflective layer 16. The azimuth modulating layers 12, 12' can include pigments and organic dyes.

[0072] In this method, the substrate can include a release layer. In the disclosed method, the reflective layer 16 can be deposited using known conventional deposition processes such as physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, thin film deposition, atomic layer deposition, etc., including modified techniques such as plasma-enhanced fluidized bed deposition.

[0073] The substrate can be made of a flexible material. The substrate can be any suitable material capable of accepting a deposited layer. Non-limiting examples of suitable substrate materials include polymer webs such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass foils, glass sheets, polymer foils, polymer sheets, metal foils, metal sheets, ceramic foils, ceramic sheets, ionic liquids, paper, silicon wafers, and the like. The thickness of the substrate can vary, but may range, for example, from about 2 μm to about 100 μm, and as another example, from about 10 to about 50 μm.

[0074] The first and / or second SLML 14, 14′ can be deposited by a liquid coating process such as a slot die process, including slot bead, slide bead, slot curtain, slide curtain, single and multi-layer coating, tensioned web slot, gravure, roll coating and other liquid coating and printing processes that apply a liquid onto a substrate or onto an already deposited layer to form a liquid layer or film that is then dried and / or cured.

[0075] The substrate can then be peeled from the deposited layer to create article 10. In one embodiment, the substrate can be cooled to embrittle any associated release layer, if present. In another embodiment, the release layer can be embrittled, for example, by heating and / or curing with photonic or electron beam energy, increasing the degree of crosslinking to enable peeling. The deposited layer can then be mechanically peeled, such as by sharp bending or brushing the surface. The peeled layer can be sized into article 10, such as an optical tool, in the form of a flake, foil, or sheet using known techniques.

[0076] Alternatively, the deposited layer can be transferred from the substrate to another surface. The deposited layer can be punched or cut to produce large flakes of well-defined size and shape.

[0077] The liquid coating process allows for faster transfer of the composition of the SLML 14, 14' compared to other deposition techniques, such as vapor deposition. Furthermore, the liquid coating process allows for a variety of materials to be used in the SLML 14, 14' to be set up with simple equipment. It is believed that the SLML 14, 14' formed using the disclosed liquid coating process may exhibit improved optical performance.

[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates the formation of a layer using a liquid coating process. A layer, such as a SLML 14 composition (liquid coating composition), is inserted into a slot die 320 and deposited onto a substrate 340 to obtain a wet film. As with the processes disclosed above, the substrate 340 can include at least one of a substrate, a release layer, a reflective layer 16, and a previously deposited layer. The distance from the bottom of the slot die 320 to the substrate 340 is the slot gap G. As shown in FIG. 9, the liquid coating composition can be deposited with a wet film thickness D that is greater than the dry film thickness H. After the wet film of the liquid coating composition is deposited on the substrate 340, the solvent present in the wet film of the liquid coating composition can be evaporated. The liquid coating process is followed by curing the wet film of the liquid coating composition, resulting in a cured, self-planarizing layer with the correct optical thickness H (in the range of about 30 to about 700 nm). The self-planarizing ability of the liquid coating composition is believed to reduce the optical thickness variation throughout the layer. Ultimately, an article 10, such as an optical tool, comprising a self-planarizing liquid coating composition can exhibit high optical precision. For ease of understanding, the terms "wet film" and "dry film" are used to refer to the liquid coating composition at various stages of the liquid coating process.

[0079] The liquid coating process can include adjusting at least one of the coating speed and the slot gap G to achieve a predetermined wet film thickness D. The liquid coating composition can be deposited to have a wet film thickness D ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 500 μm, e.g., from about 0.1 μm to about 5 μm. The formed liquid coating composition having a wet film thickness D in the disclosed range can provide a stable SLML layer, i.e., a dielectric layer, free of damage or defects such as stripes or streaks. In one embodiment, the wet film can have a thickness of about 10 μm for a stable wet film using a slot die bead mode at a coating speed of up to about 100 m / min. In another embodiment, the wet film can have a thickness of about 6 to about 7 μm for a stable wet film using a slot die curtain mode at a coating speed of up to about 1200 m / min.

[0080] The liquid coating process can include a ratio of slot gap G to wet film thickness D of about 1 to about 100 at a speed of about 0.1 to about 1000 m / min. In one embodiment, the ratio is about 9 at a coating speed of about 100 m / min. In one embodiment, the ratio can be about 20 at a coating speed of about 50 m / min. The liquid coating process can have a slot gap G ranging from about 0 to about 1000 μm. Reducing the slot gap G allows for a thinner wet film thickness. In slot bead mode, faster coating speeds can be achieved with wet film thicknesses greater than 10 μm.

[0081] The liquid coating process can have a coating speed ranging from about 0.1 to about 1000 m / min, e.g., from about 25 m / min to about 950 m / min, e.g., from about 100 m / min to about 900 m / min, and as a further example, from about 200 m / min to about 850 m / min. In one embodiment, the coating speed is greater than about 150 m / min, and as a further example, greater than about 500 m / min.

[0082] In one embodiment, the coating speed of a bead mode liquid coating process can range from about 0.1 m / min to about 600 m / min, e.g., from about 50 to about 150 m / min. In another embodiment, the coating speed of a curtain mode liquid coating process can range from about 200 m / min to about 1500 m / min, e.g., from about 300 m / min to about 1200 m / min.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 9 , solvent can be evaporated from the wet film, such as before the wet film is cured. In one embodiment, about 100%, for example, about 99.9%, and as a further example, about 99.8% of the solvent can be evaporated from the liquid coating composition before the liquid coating composition is cured. In a further embodiment, trace amounts of solvent can be present in the cured / dried liquid coating composition. In one embodiment, a wet film with a greater original weight percent of solvent can result in a dried film with a reduced film thickness H. In particular, a wet film with a high weight percent of solvent deposited at a thick wet film thickness D can result in a liquid coating composition, such as SLML14, with a small dry film thickness H. It is important to note that after solvent evaporation, the wet film remains liquid, thereby avoiding issues such as skinning and island formation during the subsequent curing step of the liquid coating process.

[0084] The dynamic viscosity of the wet film can range from about 0.5 to about 50 cP, for example, from about 1 to about 45 cP, and as a further example, from about 2 to about 40 cP. The viscosity measurement temperature was 25°C, and the rheology was measured on an Anton Paar MCR 101 rheometer equipped with a solvent trap using a 40 mm diameter cone / plate at a 0.3° angle with a 0.025 mm gap setting.

[0085] In some embodiments, the liquid coating composition and solvent can be selected so that the wet film exhibits Newtonian behavior for precision coating of the liquid coating composition using a liquid coating process. The wet film exhibits Newtonian behavior for up to 10,000 seconds. ‐1In one embodiment, the shear rate of the liquid coating process can be greater than 1000 s for coating speeds up to 25 m / min. ‐1 , e.g., 3900 seconds at coating speeds up to 100 m / min ‐1 and as a further example, at coating speeds of 200 m / min or less, ‐1 It is understood that the maximum shear rate may occur in very thin wet films, such as 1 μm thick.

[0086] As the thickness of the wet film increases, the shear rate is expected to decrease, for example, by 15% for a 10 μm wet film, and as a further example, by 30% for a 20 μm wet film.

[0087] Evaporation of the solvent from the wet film can change the viscosity behavior to pseudoplastic, which can be beneficial for achieving precision SLML 14. After the solvent evaporates, the dynamic viscosity of the deposited first and second SLML 14, 14' can range from about 10 cP to about 3000 cP, for example, from about 20 cP to about 2500 cP, and as a further example, from about 30 cP to about 2000 cP. If solvent is present, evaporating it from the wet film can increase the viscosity and result in pseudoplastic behavior. The pseudoplastic behavior allows the wet film to self-planarize.

[0088] In one embodiment, the method can include evaporating the solvent present in the wet film using known techniques. The time required to evaporate the solvent can depend on the speed of the web / substrate and the capacity of the dryer. In one embodiment, the temperature of the dryer (not shown) can be less than about 120°C, for example, less than about 100°C, or, as a further example, less than about 80°C.

[0089] Wet films deposited using liquid coating processes can be cured using known techniques. In one aspect, the wet film can be cured using a curing agent that utilizes at least one of ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, or an electron beam. Curing can proceed in an inert atmosphere or an ambient atmosphere. In one aspect, the curing step utilizes an ultraviolet light source having a wavelength of about 395 nm. The ultraviolet light source has an intensity of about 200 mJ / cm. 2 ~Approx. 10000mJ / cm 2 , for example, about 250 mJ / cm 2 ~Approx. 900mJ / cm 2 , and as a further example, about mJ / cm 2 ~about 850mJ / cm 2 can be applied to the wet film at a dose in the range of

[0090] The wet film can be crosslinked by known techniques, non-limiting examples of which include photo-induced polymerization such as free radical polymerization, spectrally sensitized photo-induced free radical polymerization, photo-induced cationic polymerization, spectrally sensitized photo-induced cationic polymerization, and photo-induced cycloaddition; electron beam-induced polymerization such as electron beam-induced free radical polymerization, electron beam-induced cationic polymerization, and electron beam-induced cycloaddition; and thermally induced polymerization such as thermally induced cationic polymerization.

[0091] The SLML 14, 14′ formed using a liquid coating process may exhibit improved optical performance, i.e., may be a precision SLML, which in some examples may be understood to mean an SLML having an optical thickness variation of less than about 3%, an optical thickness variation of about 5%, or an optical thickness variation of about 7% across the layer.

[0092] In one embodiment, the liquid coating process can include adjusting at least one of a speed of about 5 to about 100 m / min and a coating gap of about 50 μm to about 100 μm to deposit a wet film of about 2 μm to 10 μm of the selective light modulating layer having a predetermined thickness of about 500 nm to about 1500 nm. In a further embodiment, the process can include a speed of 30 m / min, a gap of 75 μm, a wet film of 10 μm, and a dry film thickness of 1.25 μm.

[0093] Article 10, described above and shown, for example, in the Figures, can be further illustrated by the following example: In one example, article 10 can include selective light modulating layer 14 that can include a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin host that uses a solvent dye as the SLMM, and reflective layer 16 can include aluminum.

[0094] In one example, article 10 can include a first SLMP 14 that includes an aliphatic epoxy resin host that uses a diketopyrrolopyrrole insoluble red dye as the SLMP, and reflective layer 16 can include aluminum.

[0095] In one example, the article 10 can include a first SLML 14 that includes an acrylate oligomer resin host that uses a white pigment (titania) as the SLMP.

[0096] In one example, article 10 can include SLML 14 that includes an acrylate oligomer resin host using a black IR-transmitting pigment as the SLML, and reflective layer 16 can include aluminum.

[0097] In one example, article 10 can include an azimuthal layer 12 that includes surface selective dye staining on both the first SLML 14 and the reflective layer 16 (metallic and non-metallic) sides. In one embodiment, article 10 can further include a functional layer on the second surface of both first selective light modulating layer 14 and second selective light modulating layer 14' to prevent dye staining of the outer surface (second surface of SLML 14, 14').

[0098] In one example, article 10 can include an azimuthal layer 12 that includes selective decorative anodization of metal around pigment flakes.

[0099] In one example, article 10 can include an azimuthal layer 12 that includes selective dye dyeing of the first and / or second light modulating layers 14, 14'. In one example, article 10 can include an azimuthal layer 12 that includes two different colors, one from selective decorative anodization of the metal and one from selective dye dyeing of the first selective light modulating layer 14 and / or the reflective layer 16.

[0100] From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the present teachings can be embodied in a variety of forms. Accordingly, while these teachings have been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples thereof, the true scope of the present teachings should not be so limited. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the teachings herein.

[0101] The scope of this disclosure should be interpreted broadly. This disclosure is intended to disclose equivalents, means, systems, and methods for achieving the tools, acts, and mechanical operations disclosed herein. For each tool, article, method, means, mechanical element, or mechanism disclosed, the disclosure is intended to include that disclosure and to teach equivalents, means, systems, and methods for implementing the many aspects, mechanisms, and tools disclosed herein. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to coatings and their many aspects, features, and elements. Such tools can be dynamic in their use and operation, and this disclosure is intended to encompass equivalents, means, systems, and methods of using the tools and / or optical tools of manufacture, and many aspects thereof, consistent with the spirit of the description and operation and function disclosed herein. The claims of this application should likewise be interpreted broadly. The description of many embodiments of the present invention herein is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. an optical tool selected from pigments, optical taggants, and optical security devices, a reflective layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; a first selective light-modulating layer outer than the first surface of the reflective layer; a second selective light-modulating layer outer than the second surface of the reflective layer; a first azimuth modulation layer on the third surface of the reflective layer; and a second azimuth modulation layer overlying the fourth surface of the reflective layer; each of the first and second azimuth modulation layers may independently include at least one colorant selected from a pigment and a dye; both the first azimuthal modulation layer and the second azimuthal modulation layer are between the first selective light modulation layer and the second selective light modulation layer; the first selective light modulation layer provides a first color, and the first and second azimuthal modulation layers provide a second color different from the first color; the first azimuth-modulating layer is present only on a first side of the optical tool and the second azimuth-modulating layer is present only on a second side of the optical tool opposite the first side to provide the second color to the first and second sides of the optical tool; an optical tool, wherein the first selective light-modulating layer and the second selective light-modulating layer each comprise a host matrix material and selective light-modulating particles (SLMPs) incorporated into the host matrix material, the host matrix material being cured using a curing agent;

2. an optical tool selected from pigments, optical taggants, and optical security devices, a reflective layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; a first selective light-modulating layer outer than the first surface of the reflective layer; a first azimuth modulation layer on the third surface of the reflective layer; and a second azimuth modulation layer overlying the fourth surface of the reflective layer; each of the first and second azimuth angle modulation layers may independently include at least one of a pigment and a dye; the reflective layer is a colored polyacetylene; the first selective light modulation layer provides a first color, and the first and second azimuthal modulation layers provide a second color different from the first color; the first azimuth-modulating layer is present only on a first side of the optical tool and the second azimuth-modulating layer is present only on a second side of the optical tool opposite the first side to provide the second color to the first and second sides of the optical tool; An optical tool, wherein the first selective light-modulating layer comprises a host matrix material and selective light-modulating particles (SLMPs) incorporated into the host matrix material, the host matrix material being cured using a curing agent.

3. an optical tool selected from pigments, optical taggants, and optical security devices, a reflective layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; a first selective light-modulating layer outer than the first surface of the reflective layer; a first azimuth modulation layer on the third surface of the reflective layer; and a second azimuth modulation layer overlying the fourth surface of the reflective layer; each of the first and second azimuth angle modulation layers may independently include at least one of a pigment and a dye; the second surface of the reflective layer opposite the first surface is exposed to the atmosphere; the first selective light modulation layer provides a first color, and the first and second azimuthal modulation layers provide a second color different from the first color; the first azimuth-modulating layer is present only on a first side of the optical tool and the second azimuth-modulating layer is present only on a second side of the optical tool opposite the first side to provide the second color to the first and second sides of the optical tool; An optical tool, wherein the first selective light-modulating layer comprises a host matrix material and selective light-modulating particles (SLMPs) incorporated into the host matrix material, the host matrix material being cured using a curing agent.

4. an optical tool selected from pigments, optical taggants, and optical security devices, a reflective layer having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface; a first selective light-modulating layer outer than the first surface of the reflective layer; a first azimuth modulation layer on the third surface of the reflective layer; and a second azimuth modulation layer overlying the fourth surface of the reflective layer; each of the first and second azimuth modulation layers may independently include at least one colorant selected from a pigment and a dye; the first azimuth modulating layer and the second azimuth modulating layer are on only sides of the optical tool; the first selective light modulation layer provides a first color, and the first and second azimuthal modulation layers provide a second color different from the first color; the first azimuth-modulating layer is present only on a first side of the optical tool and the second azimuth-modulating layer is present only on a second side of the optical tool opposite the first side to provide the second color to the first and second sides of the optical tool; An optical tool, wherein the first selective light-modulating layer comprises a host matrix material and selective light-modulating particles (SLMPs) incorporated into the host matrix material, the host matrix material being cured using a curing agent.

5. The optical tool of claim 3 , wherein the first selective light modulating layer is outside of each of the first and second azimuthal modulating layers.

6. The optical tool of claim 4 , further comprising a second selective light modulating layer outer than the second surface of the reflective layer.

7. 4. The optical tool of claim 3, wherein the first selective light modulation layer includes a third surface opposite a fourth surface, and the first azimuthal modulation layer is outboard of the third surface of the first selective light modulation layer.

8. The optical tool of claim 7 , wherein the second azimuthal modulating layer is outboard of the fourth surface of the first selective light modulating layer.

9. the first selective light modulation layer includes a third surface opposite a fourth surface, and the first azimuthal modulation layer is outboard of the third surface of the second selective light modulation layer; The optical tool of claim 4 , wherein the second azimuthal modulating layer is outboard of the fourth surface of the first selective light modulating layer.

10. further comprising a second selective light modulation layer outer than the second surface of the reflective layer; the second selective light-modulating layer includes a third surface opposite the fourth surface; the first azimuth modulation layer is on an outer side of the third surface of the second selective light modulation layer; The optical tool of claim 9 , wherein the second azimuthal modulation layer is outboard of the fourth surface of the second selective light modulation layer.

11. The optical tool of claim 1 , wherein the first color is present at a first viewing angle.

12. The optical tool of claim 1 , wherein the second color is present at a second viewing angle.

13. The optical tool of claim 12 , wherein the second field of view angle is different from the first field of view angle.

14. The optical tool of claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer comprises a colored material.

15. 10. The optical tool of claim 1, wherein the reflective layer is a colored metal selected from copper, gold, and bronze.

Images