Photochromic article having at least partially crossed polarized photochromic-dichroic and fixed-polarized layers

US9030740B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Transitions Optical, Ltd. · US

Inventors

• Rachel L. DeMeio · Gibsonia, US
• Anil Kumar · Dehradun, IN
• John S. Ligas · Palm Harbor, US
• Truman F. Wilt · Lock Haven, US
• Delwin S. Jackson · Clearwater, US
• Henry Nguyen · Largo, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 14, 2012
• Grant date: May 12, 2015
• Expiry date: Jun 26, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C09K2019/0448
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Photochromic-dichroic articles are provided, which include a substrate having a first surface, a fixed-polarized layer over the first surface of the substrate, and a photochromic-dichroic layer over the first surface of the substrate. The fixed-polarized layer optionally includes a fixed-colorant and has a first polarization axis. The photochromic-dichroic layer includes a photochromic-dichroic compound that is laterally aligned within the photochromic-dichroic layer, and which defines a second polarization axis. The first polarization axis and the second polarization axis are oriented relative to each other at an angle of greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°. The photochromic-dichroic articles can provide, for example, increased optical density and/or increased kinetics when exposed to a given amount of actinic radiation.