Importance

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Abstract

An optical article capable of modulating the reflection of polarized monochromatic electromagnetic radiation is disclosed comprising a reflective metal layer having a thickness of less than 0.5 .mu.m, means acting as a support for directing polarized electromagnetic radiation to the reflective metal layer, a dielectric layer interposed between the support and the reflective metal layer having a refractive index less than that of the support and a thickness in the range of from 0.1 to 10 times the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation directed toward the reflective metal layer, an electrooptic medium that exhibits a refractive index which is a function of an applied electrical potential, and a counter electrode. The optical article is characterized in that it is capable of modulating the reflection of polarized monochromatic electromagnetic radiation from differing wavelength sources to produce a multicolor image. To this end, the reflective metal layer is divided into a plurality of electrically isolated zones each intended to be addressed by electromagnetic radiation from a different wavelength source, the dielectric layer exhibits a different thickness adjacent each of the zones, the counter electrode is divided into electrically isolated zones, and the article additionally includes means for focusing reflected polarized electromagnetic radiation from each of the zones on a common target area. The invention particularly lends itself to producing multicolor images in photographic elements.

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First Claim