Methods for fabricating retroreflector tooling and retroreflective microstructures and devices thereof
US9050762B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03F7/30
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods for producing retroreflector tooling and retroreflective sheeting using laser writing techniques, and corresponding products thereof, are presented. In one embodiment, a seamless retroreflective sheet having a plurality of retroreflectors formed in a continuous retroreflective microstructured pattern is provided. In the methods described herein, a substrate having a photosensitive coating on a surface thereof is provided. A surface-relief microstructured pattern is produced in the photosensitive coating by selectively exposing the photosensitive coating to a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The exposed portions of the photosensitive coating are developed to form a retroreflective microstructured pattern on the surface of the substrate. The retroreflective microstructured pattern is then transferred into retroreflector tooling comprising the retroreflective microstructured pattern on a surface thereof. A retroreflective sheet containing the retroreflective microstructured pattern on a surface thereof is then formed from the retroreflector tooling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.