Optical element with high scratch resistance

Abstract

An optical element is provided that includes a substrate that is transparent in the visible spectral region and a multilayer anti-reflection coating on the substrate. The coating has alternating layers of layers having a first refractive index and of layers having a second, higher refractive index. The layers having the higher refractive index contain nitride or oxynitride and the layers having the first refractive index contain oxide of silicon and of at least one other element. The molar fraction of silicon in the layers having the first refractive index is predominant when compared to the molar fraction(s) of the other element or elements. The uppermost layer of the coating is a layer having the first refractive index. A layer of chain-form organofluoro molecules is disposed on the coating, wherein the molecules are bonded at the ends to the surface of the optical element.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of German Patent Application No. 10 2014 108 058.0 filed Jun. 6, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Disclosure[0003]In general, the invention relates to optical elements, such as viewing panels or cover glasses for optical displays, for example, of mobile phones or watches, or for optical systems, such as, for example, objectives or optical measuring instruments. In particular, the invention relates to measures for improving the stability of the surface relative to scratching.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]In order to protect surfaces of optical elements against scratching, it is known to provide the surface with a hard coating. Thus, a hard anti-reflection coating is known from EP 2492251 A1.[0006]However, it has been determined by the present disclosure that there is a continuing need for coatings with i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes the use of an organofluoro layer to improve scratch resistance of anti-reflection coatings based on nitride layers. The organofluoro layer reduces interaction with the surface, preventing chemical bonds from forming and increasing the material removed during abrasion. However, the organofluoro molecules can be stripped off if the surface is chemically attacked. Adding an oxide layer to the coating can improve its chemical resistance and durability. Overall, the patent text provides a technical solution to improve scratch resistance of optical elements.

Problems solved by technology

This single-molecule layer is thus not active optically or is just barely active and is also correspondingly visually inconspicuous.

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