Nanostructured antireflection coatings: AR-plas® and AR-plas2

Broadband antireflection coatings, universally applicable for quartz, glass, and plastics

 

The patented AR-plas® and AR-plas2 processes combine thin vapor-deposited layers with nanostructured layers. The very low effective refractive indices of the nanostructures allow perfect transitions to the air refractive index. Very wide spectral ranges and high angles of incidence can be addressed. The technology is particularly suitable for serial coating of optical parts with a size of a few millimeters up to 25 centimeters.

Our range of services

  • Optimized antireflection coatings according to customer specifications for broad spectral ranges (300 nm to 2500 nm) and light incidence angle ranges (0° to 75°) for any substrate materials (including plastics, glass and quartz)
  • Antireflection coatings of sample parts and small series made of polymers such as PMMA, PC, OKP, Zeonex, EP-8000, Apel, and many others
  • Realization of other surface functions:
    • Superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic (antifog properties).
    • Black with high absorption
    • Electrically conductive/antistatic
  • Licensing of the patented AR-plas® and AR-plas2 technologies
  • Surface and layer characterizations, in particular the precise measurement of reflection from curved surfaces

Advantages of our AR-plas® and AR-plas2 processes


  • Antireflection effect also for large angles of incidence and wide spectral ranges, better than possible results with interference coatings
  • Very good resistance in climatic tests: compared to conventional antireflective coatings, no tendency to crack due to temperature changes
  • Fast and cost-effective technology
  • Technology is well suited for economical mass production of small optical lenses and similar components

 

Visualization of the reflection from a plastic lens coated with AR-plas2.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Reflectance from a plastic lens coated with AR-plas2.

Scientific publications and patents

Many scientific results have been published by our researchers in scientific journals and various developments have been successfully patented. A list of scientific papers as well as patents on AR-plas® and AR-plas2 can be found below:

Selection of scientific publications

Selection of patents

SEM image of a structured glass surface.
© Fraunhofer IOF
SiO2 structure on glass coated with TiO2.

Details about our technology AR-plas® and the further development AR-plas2

 

AR-plas®

  • The structure formation in the AR-plas® process takes place by self-organization in an organic material (polymer or vaporized organic compound) using plasma etching in vacuum. It is advantageous to carry out the process with an industry-standard plasma IAD equipment, which allows the simultaneous treatment of large quantities. The functionalized surfaces are mechanically sensitive and therefore particularly suitable for protected areas.
  • Data sheet: AR-plas® antireflection of plastics by plasma etching 

AR-plas2

  • The further development of this technology offers lowest reflectance from UV to near IR and shows excellent resistance in climatic tests. Extreme light incidence angles and polarization neutrality can also be addressed. The process combines inorganic thin films and nanostructures. The layers are largely free of organic components.
  • Data sheet: AR-plas2 broadband antireflective coatings

 

Plasma ion source and electron beam gun during a plasma IAD coating process.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Plasma ion source and electron beam gun during a plasma IAD coating process.

Everything important at a glance

 

Find the important information summarized in our handy data sheet on the subject of AR-plas2 - broadband antireflective coatings.

Do you have questions about our services?  

In a personal meeting, we will advise you on our (individual) range of services and our core competencies. Please contact us. 

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