Anti-Reflection (AR) Film — Moth-Eye Nanostructure That Removes Reflection
How the Moth-Eye Structure Works
Light reflects wherever the refractive index changes abruptly. A moth-eye surface carries dense sub-wavelength conical protrusions, so the refractive index shifts gradually from air to film rather than in a single step. With no distinct boundary, there is no clear surface from which light can reflect. Unlike deposited AR coatings, which are optimised for a narrow wavelength band, the structural approach maintains uniformly low reflectance across the visible spectrum.
Key Benefits
Film Structure
| Layer | Composition | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Layer 3 (top) | Low-refractive-index hollow silica topcoat | Further lowers index to minimise residual reflection |
| Layer 2 | High-refractive-index NIL moth-eye layer | Forms the graded refractive index profile |
| Layer 1 (base) | PET substrate | Mechanical support and processability |
FAQ
Deposited AR requires stacking thin films in a vacuum chamber, which carries high equipment cost and long cycle times. A structural moth-eye AR is imprinted from a nano mould, enabling continuous roll-to-roll production with lower wavelength and angle dependence.
A protective low-refractive-index topcoat is applied over the nanostructure, and abrasion resistance can be tuned to the operating environment.
Yes. Surface scattering (AG) and low reflectance (AR) can be combined in a single design depending on the application.
Moth-Eye Nanostructure — Removing the Surface to Reflect From
Flat conventional surface
Moth-eye nanostructured surface
