Fraunhofer FEP will present the results of its findings on the subject of anti-reflective coatings at ICCG 2016 (Braunschweig, Germany, June 13th-16th). Researchers at the organisation have tested a new way to create these coatings on glass.
The first step in the new method is to deposit a gradient layer, consisting of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and a supplementary component, by means of a co-sputtering process. Next, the supplementary component is removed through an etching process. This leaves a remnant layer of rough SiO2. Due to the resultant continuous transition in optical properties from air to glass, anti-reflective behaviour is exhibited by the surface of the glass.
Fraunhofer offers a similar process for making plastic sheets or web anti-reflective. It is known as PolAR and was developed with Fraunhofer IOF. In this method, the surface of polymers are nanoetched directly, using a plasma. The gradual transition in refractive index from air to polymer achieved is anti-reflective.
