Polymeric Interference Films For Horticultural Applications

Abstract

Multilayer polymeric films and other optical bodies are provided for use in horticultural applications. The optical bodies include a spectrally selective film comprising alternating polymeric layers configured to selectively reflect and transmit light at a design angle of incidence. The selective reflection and transmission is adapted to control plant growth or plant movement.

1 . A reflective article suitable for use in horticultural applications, comprising: 
 a spectrally selective film comprising alternating polymeric layers configured to selectively reflect and transmit light at a design angle of incidence;    wherein the selective reflection and transmission is adapted to control plant growth or plant movement.    
     
     
         2 . The article of  claim 1  in combination with a panel for use in a roof and/or wall of a greenhouse.  
     
     
         3 . The article of  claim 2 , wherein the film is laminated to the panel.  
     
     
         4 . The article of  claim 2 , wherein the film is disposed inside the panel.  
     
     
         5 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the film is formed into a rolling shade capable of being rolled up or unrolled.  
     
     
         6 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the film filters out infrared wavelengths.  
     
     
         7 . The article of  claim 6 , wherein the film also filters out green light.  
     
     
         8 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the film filters out blue light.  
     
     
         9 . The article of  claim 6 , wherein the film selectively reflects infrared wavelengths, and the article is oriented with respect to a plant of interest to direct reflected light away from the plant.  
     
     
         10 . The article of  claim 6 , wherein the film selectively transmits infrared wavelengths, and the article is oriented with respect to a plant of interest to direct reflected light towards the plant.  
     
     
         11 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the film selectively transmits or reflects magenta light.  
     
     
         12 . The article of  claim 11 , wherein the film is a magenta pass filter.  
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the alternating polymer layers have a bimodal layer thickness distribution.  
     
     
         14 . The article of  claim 13 , wherein the alternating polymer layers include a first set of layers reflecting green wavelengths and a second set of layers reflecting infrared wavelengths.  
     
     
         15 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the selective reflection and transmission controls a ratio of red light to far red light.  
     
     
         16 . The article of  claim 15 , wherein the red light extends from 660 to 680 nm, and the far red light extends from 700 to 740 nm.  
     
     
         17 . The article of  claim 1 , further comprising a UV protective coating on the film.