Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOFMotivation
Black surfaces are required for solar absorbers, light traps for optical devices as well as for decorative purposes.
Our work
The process can be applied to manifold polymers to produce a black backside absorber.
Our solution
The subwavelength antireflective structure is generated by the AR-plas® etching process on the backside of transparent polymeric samples. The nanostructure is coated subsequently by a metal layer. Observed directly from the front side a broadband absorption close to 100% appears due to the structured polymer-metal-interface. On the backside a higher reflectance occurs and an enhanced electrical conductivity can be achieved. The front surface can provide a high contrast ratio in reflection if textured with masks.