An etched glass lens

Abstract

This utility model discloses an etched glass lens, comprising: a glass substrate, on at least one surface of which is formed by etching a composite microstructure layer; the composite microstructure layer includes a first microstructure region and a second microstructure region arranged in a staggered manner; the second microstructure region is disposed on the top side surface of the first microstructure region; the first microstructure region is configured as a micrometer-level functional structure region, which is composed of a periodically arranged array of micrometer microstructures; the second microstructure region is configured as a micro / nano-level anti-reflective structure region, which is composed of an array of nano-microstructures, and the nano-microstructure array of the second microstructure region covers the surface of the micrometer microstructure array of the first microstructure region, thereby forming a composite microstructure; the nano-microstructure array of the second microstructure region is composed of several nano-protrusions arranged in a staggered manner. The etched glass lens enhances the reflectivity and high light transmittance of the glass lens through the staggered composite microstructure layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of glass lens technology, and in particular to an etched glass lens. Background Technology

[0002] Glass lenses, as a fundamental optical element, are widely used in imaging systems (such as cameras and telescopes), sensing devices (such as autonomous driving lidar and security cameras), displays and lighting (such as microscopes and projectors), and building curtain walls, among many other fields. Their surface properties, especially their anti-reflective (anti-reflective) properties and self-cleaning (anti-fouling) properties, directly determine the efficiency, reliability, and lifespan of the entire optical system.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream technologies for improving the performance of glass lenses mainly fall into two categories: Optical Coating Technology: To reduce light reflection loss and improve light transmittance on the lens surface, the most common method is to deposit single or multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings on the glass substrate. These coatings counteract reflected light through the interference effect of light. However, this technology has significant limitations: First, the adhesion between the coating and the glass substrate is limited, and it is prone to cracking, peeling, or detachment under temperature changes, mechanical friction, or long-term environmental aging, leading to permanent performance failure; second, although multi-layer coatings can broaden the anti-reflective band, the process is complex and costly; finally, the coating layer itself is relatively soft and has poor wear resistance, making it unsuitable for applications requiring frequent cleaning or operating under harsh conditions. Traditional Surface Etching Technology: To impart anti-glare or self-cleaning capabilities to the glass surface, the industry uses processes such as sandblasting and chemical etching to roughen the surface, forming an irregular micron-level uneven structure (i.e., "frosted glass"). While this random, rough structure can scatter light to prevent glare, it also causes severe haze, significantly sacrificing light transmittance and image clarity, making it unsuitable for high-performance optical systems. Furthermore, this disordered structure is far less efficient at hydrophobicity and stain resistance than naturally occurring biomimetic micro / nano structures.

[0004] In recent years, with the development of micro-nano fabrication technology, techniques for preparing periodic microstructures on glass surfaces have emerged. However, this approach mainly focuses on single nano or micro structures with limited functionality. For applications requiring multiple stringent requirements such as high light transmittance, self-cleaning, wear resistance, and weather resistance, existing technologies often resort to a simple "coating + surface treatment" approach. However, this introduces new problems such as poor compatibility between functional layers, weak bonding, complex processes, and poor overall durability. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an etched glass lens to address the technical problem that the existing etched glass lens has a single surface microstructure, resulting in limited performance and poor compatibility.

[0006] An etched glass lens, the etched glass lens comprising a glass substrate having a composite microstructure layer formed by etching on at least one surface of the glass substrate.

[0007] The composite microstructure layer includes a first microstructure region and a second microstructure region arranged in a staggered manner; the first microstructure region is disposed on the corresponding side surface of the glass substrate; and the second microstructure region is disposed on the top side surface of the first microstructure region.

[0008] The first microstructure region is set as a micrometer-level functional structure region, which is composed of a periodically arranged array of micrometer microstructures; the second microstructure region is set as a micro / nano-level anti-reflection structure region, which is composed of an array of nano-microstructures, and the nano-microstructure array of the second microstructure region covers the surface of the micrometer microstructure array of the first microstructure region, thereby forming a composite microstructure.

[0009] The nanostructure array in the second microstructure region consists of several nano-protrusions arranged in a row.

[0010] In one embodiment, several nano-protrusions of the second microstructure region are arranged in the gaps of the micron-microstructure array of the first microstructure region, thereby enabling the first microstructure region and the second microstructure region to combine to form a staggered structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, each nanoprotrusion of the second microstructure region described above is configured as one of a cone, a pyramid, or a domed column.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bottom feature size of each nanoprotrusion in the second microstructure region is set to 50 nm to 500 nm, and the height of each nanoprotrusion is set to 100 nm to 600 nm.

[0013] In one embodiment, the micron-scale array of the first microstructure region described above is composed of a plurality of micron-scale pillars arranged in a manner that is not explicitly stated in the original text.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cross-section of each micrometer column is set to one of a circle, a hexagon, or a square.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bottom feature size of each micrometer column is set to 1 μm to 20 μm, and the height is 1 μm to 30 μm.

[0016] In one embodiment, the micron-scale array of the first microstructure region described above is composed of a plurality of micron-sized pores.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cross-section of each micrometer-sized hole is set to one of a circle, a hexagon, or a square.

[0018] In one embodiment, the bottom feature size of each micrometer pore is set to 1 μm to 20 μm, and the height is 1 μm to 30 μm.

[0019] In one embodiment, the micron-scale array of the first microstructure region described above is composed of a plurality of microlenses arranged in a manner that is not explicitly stated in the original text.

[0020] In one embodiment, each of the microlenses described above is configured as either a spherical lens or a non-spherical curved lens.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of the microlenses described above has an aperture of 5 μm to 100 μm and a sagitta of 1 μm to 20 μm.

[0022] In one embodiment, the glass substrate described above is either borosilicate glass or aluminosilicate glass.

[0023] In one embodiment, the surface of the aforementioned composite microstructure layer is further covered with a superhydrophobic film, the superhydrophobic film being made of either fluorosilane or diamond-like carbon film.

[0024] The aforementioned etched glass lenses enhance reflection and high light transmittance through a composite microstructure layer with staggered layers. The lens surface exhibits extremely low reflectivity and significantly improved light transmittance, far exceeding that of traditional coated glass. Simultaneously, it effectively improves the lens's self-cleaning performance, making the lens surface less prone to water droplets, oil, and dust accumulation, and easily washed away by rain. Furthermore, it significantly improves the lens's mechanical weather resistance and environmental stability. Specifically, the glass lenses construct a composite microstructure on the same glass substrate, with a micron-structure as the framework and a nanostructure as the surface layer. A single lens simultaneously possesses ultra-low reflection, high light transmittance, superhydrophobic self-cleaning properties, and optional beam control capabilities. The anti-reflective function originates from the nano-microstructure array, which outperforms traditional coatings and eliminates the problem of film peeling. The self-cleaning function stems from the superhydrophobic effect formed by the combination of micron and nano structures, resulting in stable performance. Moreover, all microstructures are etched from the glass substrate itself, forming a unified whole with the substrate, eliminating adhesion issues. The mechanical strength and weather resistance are far superior to surface coatings, resulting in a stable and durable structure. The structure can be mass-produced using mature photolithography and plasma etching processes, exhibiting good consistency, controllable cost, and suitability for industrialization. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an etched glass lens in one embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an etched glass lens in one embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an etched glass lens in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0032] Please see Figure 1This invention discloses an etched glass lens 1, which includes a glass substrate 10. At least one surface of the glass substrate 10 has a composite microstructure layer 20 formed by etching. Specifically, the composite microstructure layer 20 includes a first microstructure region 21 and a second microstructure region 22 arranged in a staggered manner. The first microstructure region 21 is disposed on a corresponding side surface of the glass substrate 10; the second microstructure region 22 is disposed on the top side surface of the first microstructure region 21. The first microstructure region 21 is configured as a micrometer-level functional structure region, which is composed of a periodically arranged array of micrometer-level microstructures. The second microstructure region 22 is configured as a micro / nano-level anti-reflective structure region, which is composed of an array of nano-level microstructures. The nano-level microstructure array of the second microstructure region 22 covers the surface of the micrometer-level microstructure array of the first microstructure region 21, thereby forming a composite microstructure. More specifically, the nano-level microstructure array of the second microstructure region 22 is composed of a plurality of nano-protrusions 221 arranged in a specific manner. Based on the above configuration, the etched glass lens 1 of this invention constructs a composite microstructure on the same glass substrate 10, with a micron-structure as the framework and a nano-structure as the surface. A single lens simultaneously possesses ultra-low reflection, high light transmittance, superhydrophobic self-cleaning properties, and optional beam control capabilities. The anti-reflective function originates from the nano-microstructure array, which outperforms traditional coatings and eliminates the problem of film peeling. The self-cleaning function stems from the superhydrophobic effect formed by the combination of micron and nano structures, resulting in stable performance. Furthermore, all microstructures are formed by etching the glass substrate itself, making them an integral part of the substrate without adhesion issues. Their mechanical strength and weather resistance are far superior to surface coatings, resulting in a stable and durable structure. This structure can be mass-produced using mature photolithography and plasma etching processes, exhibiting good consistency, controllable cost, and suitability for industrialization.

[0033] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a plurality of nano-protrusions 221 of the second microstructure region 22 are arranged in the gaps of the micron-microstructure array of the first microstructure region 21, thereby enabling the first microstructure region 21 and the second microstructure region 22 to combine to form a staggered structure.

[0034] Furthermore, in one embodiment, each nanoprotrusion 221 of the second microstructure region 22 is configured as one of a cone, a pyramid, or a domed column.

[0035] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the bottom feature size of each nanoprotrusion 221 of the second microstructure region 22 is set to 50 nm to 500 nm, and the height of each nanoprotrusion 221 is set to 100 nm to 600 nm.

[0036] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the micron-scale microstructure of the first microstructure region 21 is composed of a plurality of micron-scale pillars 211a. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cross-section of each micron-scale pillar 211a is set to one of a circle, a hexagon, or a square. More specifically, in this embodiment, the bottom feature size of each micron-scale pillar 211a is set to 1 μm to 20 μm, and the height is 1 μm to 30 μm.

[0037] Please see Figure 2 Furthermore, in another embodiment, the micron-scale array of the first microstructure region 21 is composed of a plurality of micron-sized holes 211b. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cross-section of each micron-sized hole 211b is set to one of a circle, a hexagon, or a square. More specifically, in this embodiment, the bottom feature size of each micron-sized hole 211b is set to 1 μm to 20 μm, and the height is 1 μm to 30 μm.

[0038] Please see Figure 3 Furthermore, in another embodiment, the micron-scale array of the first microstructure region 21 is composed of a plurality of microlenses 211c arranged together. Specifically, in this embodiment, each microlens 211c is configured as either a spherical lens or a non-spherical curved surface lens. More specifically, in this embodiment, the aperture of each microlens 211c is 5μm to 100μm, and the sagitta is 1μm to 20μm.

[0039] Specifically, in one embodiment, the glass substrate 10 is made of either borosilicate glass or aluminosilicate glass.

[0040] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the surface of the composite microstructure layer 20 is also covered with a superhydrophobic film 30, which is made of either fluorosilane or diamond-like carbon film.

[0041] In summary, the etched glass lens of this invention enhances the reflectivity and high light transmittance of the glass lens through a composite microstructure layer with staggered layers. The lens surface has extremely low reflectivity and significantly improved light transmittance, far exceeding that of traditional coated glass. Simultaneously, it effectively improves the lens's self-cleaning performance, making the lens surface less prone to water droplets, oil, and dust accumulation, and easily washed away by rainwater. Furthermore, it significantly improves the lens's mechanical weather resistance and environmental stability. Specifically, the glass lens constructs a composite microstructure on the same glass substrate, with a micron-structure as the framework and a nanostructure as the surface layer. A single lens simultaneously possesses ultra-low reflectivity, high light transmittance, superhydrophobic self-cleaning properties, and optional beam control capabilities. The anti-reflective function originates from the nano-microstructure array, which outperforms traditional coatings and eliminates the problem of film peeling. The self-cleaning function stems from the superhydrophobic effect formed by the combination of micron and nano structures, resulting in stable performance. Moreover, all microstructures are formed by etching the glass substrate itself, making them an integral part of the substrate without adhesion issues. The mechanical strength and weather resistance are far superior to surface coatings, resulting in a stable and durable structure. The structure can be mass-produced using mature photolithography and plasma etching processes, exhibiting good consistency, controllable cost, and suitability for industrialization.

[0042] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0043] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An etched glass lens, characterized in that, include: A glass substrate, wherein a composite microstructure layer formed by etching is disposed on at least one surface of the glass substrate; The composite microstructure layer includes a first microstructure region and a second microstructure region arranged in a staggered manner; the first microstructure region is disposed on the corresponding side surface of the glass substrate; the second microstructure region is disposed on the top side surface of the first microstructure region; The first microstructure region is set as a micrometer-level functional structure region, which is composed of a periodically arranged array of micrometer microstructures; the second microstructure region is set as a micro / nano-level anti-reflection structure region, which is composed of an array of nano-microstructures, and the nano-microstructure array of the second microstructure region covers the surface of the micrometer microstructure array of the first microstructure region, thereby forming a composite microstructure. The nanostructure array in the second microstructure region consists of several nano-protrusions arranged in a row.

2. The etched glass lens according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several nano-protrusions in the second microstructure region are arranged in the gaps of the micron-microstructure array in the first microstructure region, thereby enabling the first microstructure region and the second microstructure region to combine to form a staggered structure.

3. The etched glass lens according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each nanometer protrusion in the second microstructure region is configured as one of a cone, a pyramid, or a domed column.

4. The etched glass lens according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first microstructure region consists of a micron-sized array of microstructures arranged in a series of micron-sized pillars.

5. The etched glass lens according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-section of each micrometer column is set to one of a circle, hexagon, or square.

6. The etched glass lens according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first microstructure region consists of a micron-sized array of microstructures arranged in a series of micron-sized pores.

7. The etched glass lens according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cross-section of each micrometer-sized pore is set to one of a circle, hexagon, or square.

8. The etched glass lens according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first microstructure region consists of a micron array of microstructures arranged in a series of microlenses.

9. The etched glass lens according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each microlens is configured as either a spherical lens or a non-spherical curved lens.

10. The etched glass lens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the composite microstructure layer is also covered with a superhydrophobic film, which is made of either fluorosilane or diamond-like carbon film.

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