The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 08, 2008
Filed:
Feb. 28, 2005
Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Woodbury, MN (US);
Olester Benson, Jr., Woodbury, MN (US);
James C. Breister, Oakdale, MN (US);
Robert L. Brott, Woodbury, MN (US);
Yeun-jong Chou, Woodbury, MN (US);
Patrick R. Fleming, Lake Elmo, MN (US);
William J. Kopecky, Hudson, WI (US);
Diane North, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US);
Roger J. Stumo, Shoreview, MN (US);
Kristin L. Thunhorst, Stillwater, MN (US);
Bruce B. Wilson, Woodbury, MN (US);
Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Woodbury, MN (US);
Olester Benson, Jr., Woodbury, MN (US);
James C. Breister, Oakdale, MN (US);
Robert L. Brott, Woodbury, MN (US);
Yeun-Jong Chou, Woodbury, MN (US);
Patrick R. Fleming, Lake Elmo, MN (US);
William J. Kopecky, Hudson, WI (US);
Diane North, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US);
Roger J. Stumo, Shoreview, MN (US);
Kristin L. Thunhorst, Stillwater, MN (US);
Bruce B. Wilson, Woodbury, MN (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.