Multilayer optical films suitable for bi-level internal patterning

摘要

A reflective film includes a first optical stack that provides a first reflective characteristic and a second optical stack that provides a second reflective characteristic. The optical stacks also have first and second absorptive characteristics that are suitable to absorptively heat the respective stacks upon exposure to light including a write wavelength while maintaining the structural integrity of the stacks. The absorptive heating can change the first and second reflective characteristics to third and fourth reflective characteristics, respectively. A blocking layer that at least partially blocks light of the write wavelength may also be provided between the optical stacks to permit absorptive heating of any selected one of the optical stacks. The reflective characteristics of the optical stacks can thus be independently modified in any desired patterns by appropriate delivery of light beams that include the write wavelength.

主权项

1. A multilayer optical film, comprising:
a first group of interior layers arranged to selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic, the first group of layers also having a first absorption characteristic suitable to, upon exposure to light comprising a write wavelength, absorptively heat the first group of layers by an amount sufficient to change the first reflective characteristic to a third reflective characteristic while maintaining the structural integrity of the first group of layers; a second group of interior layers arranged to selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a second reflective characteristic, the second group of layers also having a second absorption characteristic suitable to, upon exposure to light comprising the write wavelength, absorptively heat the second group of layers by an amount sufficient to change the second reflective characteristic to a fourth reflective characteristic while maintaining the structural integrity of the second group of layers, the second absorption characteristic of the second group of interior layers being different from the first absorption characteristic of the first group of interior layers; and a first blocking layer disposed between the first and second groups of interior layers, the first blocking layer being adapted to at least partially block light of the write wavelength wherein the first group of interior layers includes at least some first layers that are birefringent; wherein the change from the first reflective characteristic to the third reflective characteristic is associated with a reduction or elimination of the birefringence of the at least some first layers; wherein the second group of interior layers includes at least some second layers that are birefringent; and wherein the change from the second reflective characteristic to the fourth reflective characteristic is associated with a reduction or elimination of the birefringence of the at least some second layers.