Products with engineered optical surfaces

Abstract

The present application discloses an article comprising: a coating comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a host material; and a plurality of optical elements embedded on a surface of the coating. The present application also discloses methods for making the coating and the article.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 163,436, filed on March 19, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an article comprising: a coating comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a host material; and a plurality of optical elements embedded on a surface of the coating. Methods of making the coating and the article are disclosed. Background Art

[0003] Optical devices may include coatings to provide optical characteristics to the device and / or to physically protect the optical device from environmental impacts. However, it is not possible for a single coating to provide both optical and physical characteristics to an optical device because the materials used for the optical coating may not provide the necessary properties required for the physical coating. For example, scratch-resistant coatings are typically hard but brittle and do not provide impact resistance. Impact-resistant coatings are typically flexible but can also scratch. In particular, glass or inorganic solid sensor devices are not impact-resistant and easily shatter due to their high hardness and low energy absorption properties when impacted. Conversely, polymer sensor devices are impact-resistant but not abrasion-resistant.

[0004] There is a need for a coating, such as a single coating, that can be engineered to provide specific functionality, where the components represent different ends of a scale. Coatings can be engineered to produce unique optical, mechanical, chemical, and biological properties. Combinations of components (such as discrete elements and bulk materials) can comprise opposite ends of a scale with respect to size, hardness, aspect ratio, and / or structural shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Features of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the following figures, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0006] Figure 1 is an article comprising a coating and a plurality of optical elements according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0007] Figure 2 is an article according to another aspect of the present invention comprising a coating and a plurality of optical elements;

[0008] Figure 3 is an article according to another aspect of the present invention comprising a coating and a plurality of optical elements;

[0009] Figure 4 is an article comprising a coating and a plurality of optical elements according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 5is an article comprising a coating and a plurality of optical elements according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 6 is an article according to one aspect of the present invention comprising a coating and a plurality of optical elements; and

[0012] Figure 7 is a graph showing the optical properties of a coating according to one aspect of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In one aspect, an article is disclosed that includes: a coating comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a host material; and a plurality of optical elements embedded on a surface of the coating.

[0014] In another aspect, a method of making an article is disclosed, comprising depositing a coating on a substrate, the coating comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a host material; and embedding a plurality of optical elements on a surface of the coating.

[0015] The additional features and advantages of the various embodiments will be explained in part in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the various embodiments. The objects and other advantages of the various embodiments will be realized and obtained by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the description. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0016] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by reference to its examples. In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it is apparent that the present disclosure can be practiced without being limited to these specific details. In other cases, some methods and structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary confusion of the present disclosure.

[0017] In addition, the elements depicted in the drawings may include additional components, and some of the components described in these figures may be removed and / or modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the elements depicted in the figures may not be drawn to scale, and therefore, the elements may have sizes and / or configurations different from those shown in the figures. Any reference to "top" or "bottom" is for ease of understanding the position relative to another element and should not be considered as limiting. In addition, if there is more than one element, the element is identified as first, second, third, etc. for ease of understanding.

[0018] In its broad and varied embodiments, disclosed herein are coatings and articles, such as optical devices comprising the coatings; and methods of making and using the coatings and articles. The articles can be optical devices, such as glass sensor devices, inorganic solid sensor devices, polymer sensor devices, sensor windows, sensor viewports, displays (e.g., for personal devices such as cell phones or tablets), touch panels (e.g., ATMs, airport kiosks, hospital equipment), camera lenses on cell phones.

[0019] The present disclosure describes an article 10 comprising: a coating 12 comprising a plurality of particles 14 dispersed in a host material 16; and a plurality of optical elements 18 embedded on the surface of the coating 12. The coating 12 with the embedded optical elements 18 can be an external interface between the article 10, which is part of the article or intended to enhance its performance, and has built-in engineered (adjustable) features designed to protect the optical and mechanical functions of the article 10 and provide various safety elements for its users. In particular, the engineered features include mechanisms for providing enhanced scratch resistance, impact resistance, stain resistance, water repellency, oil repellency, and dirt repellency to protect the intended original optical function of the article 10.

[0020] Due to the different scales of the physical dimensions of the components in article 10, their different mechanical properties, and aspect ratios, article 10 can exhibit synergies between optical and mechanical properties. For example, article 10 can include hard elements, such as plurality of optical elements 18, and flexible elements, such as coating 12 comprising host material 16. As another example, article 10 can include physically large components, such as plurality of optical elements 18, and physically small elements, such as coating 12 comprising plurality of particles 14, which can be nanoparticles. As a further example, article 10 can include elements at opposite ends of the mechanical hardness range, e.g., elements closer to the Shore A hardness scale and other elements at higher levels of the Mohs hardness scale.

[0021] By combining elements from opposite ends of several different parameters, article 10 can be engineered to possess specific optical and functional properties. For example, article 10 can include both scratch and impact resistance. This is a significant achievement because typically, a scratch-resistant coating needs to be mechanically tough, but the material can be brittle and thus break upon impact. Conversely, a coating that provides improved impact resistance can be mechanically softer, but the material can be easily scratched.

[0022] Figure 1-6 Various aspects of the disclosed article 10 are shown. Figure 1 An article 10 is shown that includes a substrate 20 that is planar on at least one surface, such as a top surface. In one aspect, as Figure 5 and 6As shown, substrate 20 may include a surface, such as a top surface, that interfaces with coating 12, including a diffractive surface. Coating 12 interfaces with a surface of substrate 20. Coating 12 includes a plurality of particles 14 within a host material 16, which may be random ( Figure 1 and 2 ) or spatially oriented ( Figure 3 and 4 ). Optical element 18 may interface with the surface of coating 12. For example, a first portion of optical element 18 may be embedded within coating 12, and a second portion of optical element 18 may extend above the surface of coating 12. Optical element 18 may exist in more than one shape or form. Optical element 18 may be present on the entire surface of coating 12. Figure 2 As shown, the optical elements 18 may be separated from each other by gaps. Figure 2 As shown, optical element 18 can include a diffractive surface, for example, the diffractive surface can be present on an outer surface of optical element 18. Article 10 and its elements are described more fully below.

[0023] In one aspect, the plurality of particles 14 in the coating 12 can be selected based on a particular shape and / or size, such as a particular aspect ratio of the particles 14 or an average particle size of the particles 14, to achieve desired optical and non-optical functions, such as electrical conductivity, electrostatic charge dissipation, and / or bioprotection of the surface of the coating 12.

[0024] Coating 12 can have a physical thickness that depends on the intended use of coating 12 within article 10. In one aspect, for example, coating 12 can have a physical thickness of from about 100 nm to about 1,000,000 nm, from about 1,000 nm to about 500,000 nm, and as another example, from about 10,000 nm to about 100,000 nm.

[0025] The coating 12 may include a host material 16. The host material 16 may be any suitable medium to enable the distribution of the plurality of particles 14. The host material 16 may be selected from organic polymers, inorganic polymers, and composite materials. Non-limiting examples of organic polymers include thermoplastics such as polyesters, polyolefins, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyimides, polyurethanes, acrylic resins, acrylates, polyvinyl esters, polyethers, polythiols, polysiloxanes, fluorocarbon polymers, and various copolymers thereof; thermosetting materials such as epoxies, polyurethanes, acrylates, melamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, and phenol formaldehyde; and energy-curable materials such as acrylates, epoxies, vinyls, vinyl esters, styrenes, and silanes. Non-limiting examples of inorganic polymers include silanes, siloxanes, titanates, zirconates, aluminates, silicates, phosphazenes, polyborazine, and polythiazoles.

[0026] The polymer chains in the host material 16 can be crosslinked and cured. Non-limiting examples include photoinduced polymerization, such as free radical polymerization, spectral-sensitized photoinduced free radical polymerization, photoinduced cationic polymerization, spectral-sensitized photoinduced cationic polymerization, and photoinduced cycloaddition; electron beam-induced polymerization, such as electron beam-induced free radical polymerization, electron beam-induced cationic polymerization, and electron beam-induced cycloaddition; and thermally induced polymerization, such as thermally induced cationic polymerization. Non-limiting examples of curing methods include non-free radical curing systems, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, and electron beam. In one aspect, the host material 16 can be mechanically energy dissipative.

[0027] The host material 16 may include additives, for example, in addition to the plurality of particles 14. The additives may be dispersed in the host material 16. The additives may include, but are not limited to, colorants such as dyes and pigments; quantum dots; micelles; chalcogenides; leveling agents such as polyacrylates; photoinitiators such as phosphine oxides; oxygen inhibition mitigation compositions; defoamers; wetting agents; dispersants; curing agents; hardeners; antioxidants; and combinations thereof. The coating 12 may also include a solvent.

[0028] The plurality of particles 14 may be randomly present in the host material 16, such as Figure 1 、 2 , 5 and 6. In one aspect, the plurality of particles 14 can be present in an ordered spatial distribution within the bulk material 16. By "ordered spatial distribution" is meant that the plurality of particles 14 can be physically spatially distributed within the bulk material 16 of the coating 12 in an ordered or arranged manner. In particular, the plurality of particles 14 can be subjected to a force that causes the plurality of particles 14 to be arranged in a particular physical spatial distribution within the bulk material 16 of the coating 12.

[0029] In one aspect, the ordered spatial distribution can be a continuous gradient of the bulk material 16 throughout the coating 12. For example, the physical concentration of the plurality of particles 14 can taper off between the surfaces of the coating 12, thereby forming a continuous gradient throughout the coating 12, such as Figure 3 and 4 shown. Figure 3 High index particles 14 are shown that are index matched to the substrate 20 . Figure 4High refractive index particles 14 are shown that are index matched to an optical element 18. In one aspect, the continuous gradient can be spherical, axial, or radial. Because the continuous gradient can be within the bulk material 16 of the coating 12, a less expensive and / or thinner coating 12 can be achieved. This can be an advantage over articles comprising multiple layers to provide a refractive index gradient across the multiple layers, rather than within the coating 12, as disclosed in the coating 12. The coating 12 can have a refractive index profile that varies from the top surface to the bottom surface, or vice versa. In this way, the particles 14 in the bulk material 16 can be engineered with a gradient to match (such as index match) the substrate 20 and / or the optical element 18.

[0030] In one embodiment, a plurality of particles 14 can comprise any particle of nanometer level, for example, from about 1nm to submicron size (less than one micron). In order to avoid light scattering, the average particle size of a plurality of particles 14 can be adapted to the wavelength of selection. A plurality of particles 14 have a specific shape and / or aspect ratio that is specific to optical and / or non-optical functions. As the example of non-optical functions, a plurality of particles 14 can provide low surface energy, and this can cause super-hydrophobicity. On the one hand, particle 14 can be spherical. On the other hand, particle 14 can be stratiform each other, for example, with the aspect ratio of the length-to-width ratio of about 2:1-10:1.

[0031] Particles 14 may comprise materials selected from metals, metal oxides, metal carbonates, metal sulfides, metal fluorides, metal nitrides, organic compounds or polymers and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of metal oxides include aluminum oxide, calcium oxide, cerium oxide, chromium oxide, cobalt oxide, copper oxide, iron oxide, lead oxide, magnesium oxide, nickel oxide, niobium oxide, silicon dioxide, silver oxide, tin oxide, and zinc oxide. Non-limiting examples of metal sulfides include barium sulfide, cobalt sulfide, copper sulfide, iron sulfide, manganese sulfide, nickel sulfide, silver sulfide, tin sulfide, titanium sulfide, and zinc sulfide. Non-limiting examples of metal fluorides include aluminum fluoride, barium fluoride, calcium fluoride, cerium fluoride, chromium fluoride, cobalt fluoride, copper fluoride, gold fluoride, iron fluoride, magnesium fluoride, nickel fluoride, niobium fluoride, silver fluoride, tin fluoride, and titanium fluoride. Non-limiting examples of organic compounds or polymers include polyimide sulfide, polyphosphonate, sulfur-containing polyimide, polyferrocene, polyferrocenylsilane, and organic-inorganic nanocomposites.The particles 14 may include magnetic and / or ferromagnetic materials.

[0032] The particles 14 can have a refractive index, such as a high refractive index or a low refractive index. A particle 14 having a high refractive index is defined herein as being greater than about 1.65. A particle 14 having a low refractive index is defined herein as being about 1.65 or less. Non-limiting examples of the high refractive index particles 14 include aluminum oxide (Al2O3), zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), diamond-like carbon, indium oxide (In2O3), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), cerium oxide (CeO2), yttrium oxide (Y2O3), europium oxide (Eu2O3), iron oxides such as (II) iron (III) oxide (Fe3O4) and iron oxide (Fe2O3), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO2), lanthanum oxide (La2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd2O3), praseodymium oxide (Pr6O3), and quartz crystals. 11 ), samarium oxide (Sm2O3), antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), silicon, silicon oxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se2O3), tin oxide (SnO2), tungsten trioxide (WO3), combinations thereof, etc. Non-limiting examples of the low refractive index particles 14 include silicon dioxide (SiO2), magnesium fluoride (MgF2), aluminum fluoride (AlF3), cerium fluoride (CeF3), lanthanum fluoride (LaF3), sodium aluminum fluoride (e.g., Na3AlF6 or Na5Al3F 14 ), neodymium fluoride (NdF3), samarium fluoride (SmF3), barium fluoride (BaF2), calcium fluoride (CaF2), lithium fluoride (LiF), ytterbium fluoride (YbF3), yttrium fluoride (YF3), hollow particles and micro-nano capsules (containing air and / or functional materials) and their combinations.

[0033] As described above, the plurality of particles 14 may include the same or different particles. For example, the plurality of particles 14 may be of the same material, have the same refractive index, have the same density, etc. The plurality of particles 14 may be different such that the plurality of particles 14 are a mixture of different components. For example, the plurality of particles 14 may include a first portion of magnetic particles 14 and a second portion of non-magnetic particles 14.

[0034] The coating 12 may also include a plurality of microcapsules on the surface of the coating 12. In the event of a scratch in the coating 12, the plurality of microcapsules may rupture due to the scratch to fill the voids in the coating 12. The coating 12 may be polymerized to cure the coating 12. In this manner, the coating 12 may be considered self-healing. The host material 16 may include an active material (such as microcapsules) or an elastomeric phase to provide self-healing.

[0035] In one aspect, the mechanical hardness of host material 16 can be less (Shore A hardness scale) than the mechanical hardness (Mohs hardness scale, high level) of plurality of optical elements 18. Host material 16 can include a refractive index that matches plurality of optical elements 18, substrate 20, or both.

[0036] The article 10 may further include a substrate 20. Figure 1 As shown, the coating 12 can be applied to the surface of a substrate 20. The substrate 20 can be any material that can accept the coating 12. For example, the substrate 20 can be plastic, glass, or mesh. The surface of the substrate 20 can be smooth and / or planar ( Figure 1-4 ), or it can be diffractive ( Figure 5-6 In one aspect, substrate 20 can be selected from a display, a sensor (e.g., glass, inorganic solid, polymer), a sensor window, a viewport, and a diffuser. For example, substrate 20 can be a flat glass lens. As another example, substrate 20 can be an engineered diffuser.

[0037] The plurality of optical elements 18 can each independently have a size of 0.5 micrometers to 5 millimeters (eg, about 1 micrometer to about 3 millimeters), and as another example, about 5 micrometers to about 1 millimeter.

[0038] A plurality of optical elements 18 may be embedded on the surface of coating 12. In one aspect, a portion of each optical element 18 may be embedded to a depth within coating 12 such that another portion of each optical element 18 extends beyond the surface of coating 12. For example, Figure 5 As shown, multiple optical elements 18 can be oriented to form a quasi-continuous optical surface. In one aspect, multiple optical elements 18 can include a first portion oriented in a first direction and one or more additional portions oriented in one or more directions different from the first direction. In another aspect, multiple optical elements 18 can all be oriented in the same direction.

[0039] Each optical element in the plurality of optical elements 18 can be a three-dimensional element selected from a lens, a plate, a cube, a cuboid, a prism, a sphere, a pyramid, a cylinder, and a cone. In one aspect, the plurality of optical elements 18 can be the same three-dimensional element. In another aspect, the plurality of optical elements 18 can be different three-dimensional elements.

[0040] Each optical element in the plurality of optical elements 18 may have at least one surface selected from the group consisting of flat, curved, and textured. Figure 1 Two different optical elements 18 are shown, one set of optical elements 18 having an oval or elliptical shape and another set of optical elements 18 having two concave surfaces. Figure 2 One set of optical elements 18 having a flat surface and another set of optical elements 18 having a flat surface and a textured surface are shown. Figure 6 As shown, at least one surface of each optical element 18 may include nanoparticles, nanorods, nanospears, or combinations thereof. At least one surface of each optical element 18 may be a diffusing surface. At least one surface of each optical element 18 may be engineered into an optical subsurface.

[0041] Each of the plurality of optical elements 18 can be made of a transparent material such as glass, synthetic minerals, minerals, optical polymers, microcapsules, or other optical materials. The microcapsules can contain functional liquids that influence self-healing properties, light absorption, and / or refractive properties. In this way, the microcapsules can have both mechanical and optical functions.

[0042] Each optical element in the plurality of optical elements 18 may have a coating 22 on at least a portion of a surface of each optical element 18, such as Figure 5 As shown. Coating 22 can be selected from anti-reflective, reflective, transparent conductive, oleophobic, hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, antifouling, cleanable or self-cleaning, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and combinations thereof. Coating 22 can be an optical coating or a functional coating, for example, providing radiation and / or thermal management. In one aspect, optical element 18 can have an integrated filter design that provides functionality such as notch, bandpass, or visible color. For example, an optical notch filter can provide performance for a lidar window used in autonomous vehicles, drones, and the like.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, the surface of the optical element 18 may include nanoparticles, nanorods, and / or nanospears that can provide antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties to the optical element 18. They can be made of materials such as copper, silver, phosphomolybdate, graphene, reduced graphene oxide, polyoxometalates, and metal oxides such as copper oxide or zinc oxide.

[0044] A method of making article 10 may include depositing coating 12 on substrate 20, the coating 12 including a plurality of particles 14 dispersed in a host material 16, and embedding a plurality of optical elements 18 on a surface of coating 12. Coating 12 may be deposited using a liquid coating method. Example

[0045] A 1 micron coating containing a plurality of silicon carbide nanoparticles dispersed in an epoxy resin host material was applied to a Gorilla Glass substrate (Sample A). The same coating as Sample A was applied to a Gorilla Glass substrate at a thickness of 2 microns (Sample B). In addition, the same coating as Sample A was applied to a silicon dioxide layer on top of the Gorilla Glass (Sample C). The light transmission of the incident light was measured, and the results are shown in Figure 2. Figure 7The data show that the combination of the host material and the plurality of particles dispersed therein exhibits high light transmission.

[0046] An article comprising: a coating comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a host material; and a plurality of optical elements embedded in a surface of the coating. The article further comprises a substrate, wherein the coating is on a surface of the substrate; and wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of a display, a sensor (glass, inorganic solid, polymer), a sensor window, a viewport, and a diffuser. The article wherein the plurality of particles have an average particle size in the nanometer range; and wherein the plurality of optical elements have a size range of 0.5 micrometers to 5 millimeters. The article wherein the mechanical hardness of the host material is less than (Shore A hardness scale) the mechanical hardness of the plurality of optical elements (high Mohs hardness scale). The article wherein the plurality of particles have a specific shape and / or aspect ratio specific to optical and / or non-optical functions. The article further comprises a plurality of microcapsules in the surface of the coating. The article wherein the coating has a refractive index profile. The article wherein the plurality of optical elements are oriented to form a quasi-continuous optical surface. The article wherein each of the plurality of optical elements is a three-dimensional element selected from the group consisting of a lens, a plate, a cube, a cuboid, a prism, a sphere, a pyramid, a cylinder, and a cone. The article, wherein each of the plurality of optical elements has a coating on at least a portion of a surface of the optical element; and wherein the coating is selected from the group consisting of anti-reflective, reflective, transparent conductive, oleophobic, hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, antifouling, cleanable or self-cleaning, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and combinations thereof. The article, wherein each of the plurality of optical elements is made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, synthetic minerals, minerals, optical polymers, microcapsules, and other optical materials. The article, wherein each of the plurality of optical elements has at least one surface selected from the group consisting of flat, curved, and textured. The article, wherein at least one surface of each optical element comprises nanoparticles, nanorods, nanospears, and combinations thereof. The article, wherein the host material has a refractive index that matches the plurality of optical elements, the substrate, or both.

[0047] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this teaching can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although these teachings have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples thereof, the true scope of this teaching should not be so limited. Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this teaching.

[0048] The scope of this disclosure is to be interpreted broadly. This disclosure is intended to disclose equivalents, devices, systems and methods for implementing the devices, activities and mechanical actions disclosed herein. For each device, article, method, device, mechanical element or mechanism disclosed, this disclosure is also encompassed in its disclosure and teaches equivalents, devices, systems and methods for practicing the many aspects, mechanisms and devices disclosed herein. In addition, this disclosure relates to coatings and many aspects, features and elements thereof. The device can be dynamic in its use and operation, and this disclosure is intended to cover equivalents, devices, systems and methods for optical devices using the device and / or manufacturing, as well as many aspects consistent with the description and spirit of the operations and functions disclosed herein. The claims of this application should also be interpreted broadly. The description of the present invention in its many embodiments is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore, changes that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such changes should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A product comprising: substrate; a coating comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a host material, said coating being on a surface of said substrate; and a plurality of optical elements embedded on the surface of the coating; wherein the plurality of optical elements are physically larger than the plurality of particles; wherein each optical element of the plurality of optical elements is a three-dimensional element selected from the group consisting of a lens, a plate, a cube, a cuboid, a prism, a sphere, a pyramid, a cylinder, and a cone; and i) wherein the substrate is an optical device selected from the group consisting of a display, a sensor, a viewport, and a diffuser; and wherein the plurality of optical elements are oriented to form a quasi-continuous optical surface; or ii) wherein the article further comprises a plurality of microcapsules in the surface of the coating.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a sensor window.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of a glass sensor, an inorganic solid sensor, and a polymer sensor.

4. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the average particle size of the plurality of particles is nanometer-sized; and wherein the plurality of optical elements has a size ranging from 0.5 micrometers to 5 millimeters.

5. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the mechanical hardness of the host material is less than the mechanical hardness of the plurality of optical elements.

6. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the plurality of particles have a specific shape selected from spherical or lamellar, or wherein the plurality of particles have an aspect ratio of 2:1 to 10:

1.

7. The article of any one of claims 1-3, comprising the plurality of microcapsules in a surface of the coating.

8. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the body material is mechanically energy dissipative.

9. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the coating has a refractive index profile to gradient match the refractive index of the substrate or optical element.

10. The article of any of claims 1-3, wherein the plurality of optical elements are oriented to form the quasi-continuous optical surface.

11. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein each optical element of the plurality of optical elements has a coating on at least a portion of a surface of the optical element.

12. The article of claim 11, wherein the coating on at least a portion of the surface of the optical element is selected from the group consisting of antireflective, reflective, transparent conductive, oleophobic, hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, antifouling, cleanable or self-cleaning, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and combinations thereof.

13. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein each optical element of the plurality of optical elements is made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, minerals, optical polymers, microcapsules, and other optical materials.

14. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein each optical element of the plurality of optical elements is made of a material selected from synthetic minerals.

15. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein each optical element of the plurality of optical elements has at least one surface selected from the group consisting of flat, curved, and textured.

16. The article of claim 15, wherein at least one surface of each of the optical elements comprises nanoparticles, nanorods, nanospears, and combinations thereof.

17. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the host material has a refractive index matched to the plurality of optical elements, the substrate, or both.

18. A method of manufacturing an article, comprising: depositing a coating on a substrate, the coating comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a host material; and embedding a plurality of optical elements on a surface of the coating; wherein the plurality of optical elements are physically larger than the plurality of particles; wherein each optical element of the plurality of optical elements is a three-dimensional element selected from the group consisting of a lens, a plate, a cube, a cuboid, a prism, a sphere, a pyramid, a cylinder, and a cone; and iii) wherein the substrate is an optical device selected from the group consisting of a display, a sensor, a viewport, and a diffuser; and wherein the plurality of optical elements are oriented to form a quasi-continuous optical surface; or iv) wherein the article further comprises a plurality of microcapsules in the surface of the coating.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the substrate is a sensor window.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of a glass sensor, an inorganic solid sensor, and a polymer sensor.

21. The method of any one of claims 18-20, wherein the coating is deposited using a liquid coating method.

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