Inventors:
Andrew J. Ouderkirk - Woodbury MN,
Olester Benson, JR. - Woodbury MN,
James C. Breister - Oakdale MN,
Robert L. Brott - Woodbury MN,
Yeun-Jong Chou - Woodbury MN,
Patrick R. Fleming - Lake Elmo MN,
William J. Kopecky - Hudson WI,
Diane North - Inver Grove Heights MN,
Roger J. Stumo - Shoreview MN,
Kristin L. Thunhorst - Stillwater MN,
Bruce B. Wilson - Woodbury MN,
International Classification:
B29D 11/00
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.