Transparent Materials
"Transparent materials in any field of application are used because of their transparency. Transparent materials that have no applications related to their transparency are excluded. The category is expected to contain all materials that are used for their transparency in optics and in the decorative arts including architecture, for example." (Wikipedia, Transparent Materials, 3/10/2011)
“In the field of optics, transparency (also called pellucidity or diaphaneity) is the physical property of allowing light to pass through a material; translucency (also called translucence or translucidity) only allows light to pass through diffusely. The opposite property is opacity. Transparent/Translucent materials appear clear, with the overall appearance of one color, or any combination leading up to a brilliant spectrum of every color. Translucent cannot be seen through clearly.”
(Wikipedia, Transparency, 12/4/2010)
Recent US Patents
9/7/2010
7,790,811
Pellicle and novel fluoropolymer
Matsukura et al of Asahi Glass, Japan has developed a useful fluoropolymer excellent in transparency and durability to a short wavelength light based on a fluoropolymers containing ether and cyclic groups in the main chain. (RDC 12/3/2010)