3m Innovative Properties Company

Scott R Kaytor

Gary Timothy Boyd

Robert A Yapel

Tri Dinh Pham

Steven D Solomonson

Mitchell A F Johnson

Fei Lu

Joseph T Aronson

Slah Jendoubi

Steven J McMan

Steven H Kong

Joseph A Zigal

Robert B Secor

Wade D Kretman

Matthew R C Atkinson

Neal T Strand

Steven Hin-Chung Kong

Kenneth A Epstein

Clinton P Waller, Jr

David G Freier

Robert J Maki

Richard A Kollaja

Frank L Deyak

Stephen J Pojar

Bert J Exsted

William A Hibbard

Jeffrey M Mailand

John C Harvey

Sean B Mahoney

Claudia L Allison

David R Gagnon

Mitchell AF Johnson

Matthew RC Atkinson

Optical films for redirecting light are described, and optical systems, such as display systems, incorporating such optical films are described. The optical film may include a first structured surface including a plurality of prismatic structures, and a second structured surface opposing the first structured surface and including a plurality of microstructures. An effective transmission of the optical film is not more than 1% less than a film with a comparable construction except for a smooth, non-structured second surface.

Light redirecting film and display system incorporating same

An optical film having a structured surface is described. At least 90% of the structured surface has a slope magnitude that is less than about 5 degrees. The optical film may have an optical haze of less than about 10% and an optical clarity of less than about 50%, or may have an optical haze of less than about 7.5% and an optical clarity of less than about 60%, or may have an optical haze of less than about 3% and an optical clarity of less than about 65%.

Optical films, optical stacks including the optical films, and display systems including the optical films are described. The optical film includes a first major surface that may include a plurality of first microstructures that extend along a first direction. The optical film also includes a second major surface that is opposite to the first major surface and includes a plurality of second microstructures. The second major surface has an optical haze that is not greater than about 3% and an optical clarity that is not greater than about 85%.

Optical film and display system incorporating same

Light redirecting film is disclosed. The light redirecting film includes a first major surface that includes a plurality of first microstructures that extend along a first direction. The light redirecting film also includes a second major surface that is opposite to the first major surface and includes a plurality of second microstructures. The second major surface has an optical haze that is not greater than about 3% and an optical clarity that is not greater than about 85%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.75.

Light redirecting film is disclosed. The light redirecting film includes a first major surface that includes a plurality of first microstructures that extend along a first direction. The light redirecting film also includes a second major surface that is opposite to the first major surface and includes a plurality of second microstructures. The second major surface has an optical haze that is in a range from about 4% to about 20% and an optical clarity that is in a range from about 20% to about 60%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.55.

A light redirecting film () includes a first major surface () that includes first microstructures () that extend along a first direction and a second major surface (), which may form part of a matte layer, the second major surface being opposite to the first major surface and including second microstructures (). The second major surface has an optical haze that is not greater than about 3% and an optical clarity that is not greater than about 85%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.75. The light redirecting film () may comprise particles. The second microstructures may have a slope distribution.

Diffuse reflective materials proximate to a structure formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent providing enhanced flexibility and reflectivity especially in the visible wavelengths of 380-730 nanometers are described. Such materials find a wide variety of application among combinations with other reflective layers. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, photographic lights and the like.

Diffuse reflective articles

A low-loss, diffuser film is provided for translucent surface(s) of lighted signage. The film has little absorptivity and has partial transmissivity and partial reflectivity. Luminance efficiency and brightness are significantly improved over conventional films used in backlit signage. A luminance efficiency prediction equation is also provided to aid in selection of diffuser films and interior surfaces of the lighted sign cavity. A combination of effects of diffuser films and a diffuse reflective films lining the interior surfaces of the lighted sign cavity is unexpectedly greater than their sum of effects operating alone.

Low-loss face diffuser films for backlit signage and methods for using same

Microporous articles formed by thermally induced phase separation from a diluent in combination with a thermoplastic polymer and a flame retardant providing novel flame retardant articles. Such articles are useful in clothing, wall or roofing barriers, optical films in electronic devices (such as light reflective and dispersive films), printing substrates and electrical insulation.

Flame retardant microporous materials

Microporous materials formed by thermally induced phase transition from a crosslinkable oil in combination with a thermoplastic polymer providing covalent bonding and immobilization of the oil diluent. Such materials are useful in graphic imaging substrates and fluid-repellent diapers and garments.

Microporous materials containing cross-linked oil

Diffuse reflective materials attached to a structure formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent providing enhanced flexibility and reflectivity especially in the visible wavelengths of 380-730 nanometers are described. Such materials find a wide variety of application among combinations with other reflective layers. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, photographic lights and the like.

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Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Scott R Kaytor