Article, solar panel, and insulated glass unit each including an infrared-reflective-visible-Anti-reflective coating

Abstract

An article is described herein including a substrate with a first major surface and a second major surface and an infrared-reflective-visible-anti-reflective (IRVAR) coating disposed on the first major surface, the IRVAR coating including a plurality of multilayer sections, each of the multilayer sections disposed successively with respect to one another on the first major surface, each multilayer section comprising at least two layers exhibiting unique indices of refraction. The IRVAR coating exhibits a maximum hardness that is greater than or equal to 4 GPa. The article exhibits (i) an average transmittance that is greater than or equal to 90.0% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm and (ii) an average transmittance through the article that is less than or equal to 85% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTARTICLE, SOLAR PANEL, AND INSULATED GLASS UNIT EACH INCLUDING AN INFRARED-REFLECTIVE- VISIBLE- ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATINGCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63 / 759,589 filed February 18, 2025, and also claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 730,553, filed on December 11, 2024, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to an article that includes an infrared-reflective-visible- anti-reflective (IRVAR) coating and, more particularly, an article that exhibits high hardness with an IRVAR coating that includes a plurality of multilayer sections with at least two layers that exhibit a unique index of refraction, with the IRVAR coating exhibiting high average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but lower average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm.BACKGROUND

[0003] Electricity demand tends to increase as the human population of the Earth increases. Traditionally, carbon- based fuels have been utilized to generate electricity. However, the Earth’s reserves of carbon-based fuels are finite. Alternative ways to generate electricity have been developed and are in development, such as generating electricity from the Sun, from wind, from waves, from tidal changes, and so on.

[0004] As a particular example, solar panels generate electricity from the Sun. Nuclear fusion and other processes at the Sun generate photons, which are packets of energy, spanning a broad range of wavelengths. These photons travel toward the Earth. Photons of certain wavelength ranges manage to penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and reach the Earth’s surface. The photons from the Sun that reach the Earth’s surface correspond to wavelengths in the visible spectrum, the near-infrared spectrum, the infrared spectrum, the radio wave spectrum, and the ultraviolet spectrum, among others. Of the photons from the Sun that reach the Earth’s surface, the photons corresponding to the visible, near-infrared, and radio wave spectrums are the most abundant. TableAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTA below, as well as FIG. 1 of the Drawings, show the relative abundance of photons as a function of wavelength. However, photons corresponding to the radio wave spectrum have much less energy per photon than photons corresponding to the visible and near-infrared spectrums (because energy per photon is inversely proportional to wavelength).

[0005] In turn, solar panels include a semiconductor material that provides a photovoltaic effect that transforms photons into electricity. The semiconductor material absorbs the photons from the Sun. If the photon that the semiconductor material absorbs has sufficient energy, then the photon excites an electron to move from a relatively lower energy valence band to a relatively higher energy conduction band. The electron that moved to the conduction band leaves a “hole” in the valence band and thus a charge separation. When the semiconductor material is connected to an electrical circuit, with appropriate doping and structure of the semiconductor material, such as in various combinations of n-doped and p-doped silicon regions arranged into junction structures known in the field of photovoltaics, the charge separation leads to electrical current.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0006] Whether the photon that the semiconductor material absorbs has sufficient energy to excite an electron to move from the valence band to the conduction band depends on the bandgap of the semiconductor material. Silicon, for example, has a bandgap energy of about 1.1 electronvolts (eV), which corresponds to a photon having a wavelength of about 1100 nm, which is in the near-infrared spectrum. Photons having wavelengths of about 1100 nm and shorter (thus having higher energy per photon), when absorbed by the silicon semiconductor, excite the electron to move from the valence band to the conduction band. Practical silicon-based PV cells can generate at least some energy using wavelengths as long as about 1200 nm, and shorter wavelengths, but not using wavelengths longer than 1200 nm. Other semiconductor materials have different bandgap energies.

[0007] Photons that the semiconductor material absorb but do not excite electrons to the conductive band can generate heat. The heat generated can result in suboptimal solar panel electricity generation. In general, photons associated with wavelengths of 1200 nm or greater do not excite electrons to move from the valence band to the conductive band. Thus, those photons may be absorbed by elements within the solar panel, or by elements surrounding the solar panel, and generate heat. Although these infrared photons with wavelengths longer than 1200 nm would typically have low absorption within an undoped (intrinsic) silicon material, they are in fact absorbed at appreciable levels in doped silicon (e.g., p-doped or n-doped) of the type used in solar cells. This sub-bandgap absorption in silicon at wavelengths in the range of 1200nm to 2500nm varies with doping levels and cell architecture, but may be as high as 30% or even higher, leading to appreciable heat generation in the solar cell or solar panel. These sub-bandgap infrared photons may also be absorbed by other elements within the solar cell and panel, such as the cover glass, polymer encapsulant, metal contacts, semiconductor junctions, and interfaces between these elements and / or the semiconductor materials. This absorption typically leads to heat generation.

[0008] In addition to a semiconductor material that converts photons into electricity, solar panels typically include a cover article over the semiconductor material. The cover article separates the semiconductor material from the external environment, such as rain, hail, debris, and other things that could damage the semiconductor material or wiring and electrical connections needed to efficiently harvest electricity from photovoltaic cells within the solar panel.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0009] The cover article sometimes includes a substrate having a glass composition. However, a typical glass-to-air interface reflects about 4% of incident electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. The reflected photons cannot be used to generate electricity. To counter the natural reflectance of the glass-to-air interface, the cover article sometimes includes an anti-reflection (AR) coating coated onto the surface of the substrate of glass. The AR coating is typically a porous layer of SiCh.

[0010] However, there are problems in that the typical porous SiCh AR coating (i) lacks durability and (ii) exhibits suboptimal transmittance (e.g., too much) and / or reflectance (e.g., not enough) for wavelengths (e.g., wavelengths of 1200 nm or longer) that are not beneficial to produce electricity and instead generate heat. Regarding the lack of durability, the typical porous S i O2 AR coating is readily removed via weather events, abrasion from dirt or sand, and cleaning. It is estimated that the typical porous SiCh AR coating is completely removed from the substrate after only five years of use and, in some cases, after only six months of use. The lack of durability is a problem because removal of the AR coating causes the substrate of glass to revert to its natural reflectance, and photons that otherwise could have been converted into electricity are reflected into the external environment. Further, SiCh AR coatings are susceptible to scratches, chips, and partial delamination, which cause light scattering or multi-bounce reflection events resulting in an even higher reflectance (or lower transmittance) than if the substrate did not include the SiCh coating at all. These degradation mechanisms result in reduced electrical energy generation from the solar panel over time, which also leads to higher effective costs for electricity, which can be quantified as a higher levelized cost of energy over the life of the solar panel.

[0011] Further, for the suboptimal transmittance and / or reflectance of wavelengths that are absorbed resulting in increased heat but not converted into electricity, the increased heat decreases electrical conversion efficiency. The aforementioned shortcomings and other shortcomings are addressed by the present disclosure.SUMMARY

[0012] The present disclosure addresses those shortcomings, among others, with an article with a substrate generally transparent to relevant wavelengths and an infrared-reflective-visible- anti-reflective (IRVAR) coating disposed thereon that is designed to exhibit (i) sufficient hardness to increase durability relative to the typical porous SiCh AR coating and (ii) simultaneously highAtorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT transmitance of photons associated with the 450 nm to 900 nm wavelength range and low transmittance of photons associated with the 1200 nm to 1800 nm wavelength range. The IRVAR coating may include thin film layers of a material with a high index of refraction such as SiNxor TiCh that imparts the IRVAR coating with a high hardness. Thus, durability of the IRVAR coating relative to the typical porous SiCh AR coating is improved. Further, the IRVAR coating includes multiple thin film layers that collectively manipulate the incident electromagnetic radiation both to increase average transmittance across the 450 nm to 900 nm wavelength range and to decrease average transmitance across the 1200 nm to 1800 nm wavelength range. Thus, less photons associated with the 1200 nm to 1800 nm wavelength range transmit through the article to be absorbed by photovoltaic cells or other components and generate undesirable heat. In some instances where the average transmittance within an infrared wavelength range is sought to be further decreased a low-emissivity coating is applied to the backsheet of the solar panel, the back of the cover glass, architectural window, or whatever other component is utilized in conjunction with the article including the IRVAR coating to reduce transmission to the desired level.

[0013] According to aspect 1 of the present disclosure, an article comprises: (A) a substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface and the second major surface facing in generally opposite directions; and (B) an infrared-reflective-visible-anti- reflective (IRVAR) coating disposed on the first major surface of the substrate, the IRVAR coating comprising (1) a plurality of multilayer sections, each of the multilayer sections disposed successively with respect to one another on the first major surface, each multilayer section comprising at least two layers, wherein (a) both of the at least two layers exhibit unique indices of refraction, (b) the layer of the at least two layers disposed closer to the first major surface of the substrate is one of (i) an LRI layer exhibiting a low index of refraction within a range of from 1.35 to 1.60, (ii) an MLRI layer exhibiting a medium-low index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.61 to 1.84, and (iii) an MHRI layer exhibiting a medium-high index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.85 to 2.10, and (c) the layer of the at least two layers disposed farther from the first major surface of the substrate exhibits a greater index of refraction than the closer layer and is one of (i) an MLRI layer, (ii) an MHRI layer, and (iii) an HRI layer exhibiting a high index of refraction that is within a range of from 2.11 to 2.70, and (2) a capping LRI layer disposed over the plurality of multilayer sections, the capping LRI layer exhibiting the low index ofAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT refraction, wherein (i) the IRVAR coating exhibits a maximum hardness that is greater than or equal to 5 GPa measured at any depth rather than all depths within an indentation depth range from 0 to 500 nm or from 0 to the IRVAR coating thickness according to a Berkovich Indenter Hardness, (ii) the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is greater than or equal to 90.0% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm, and (iii) the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is less than or equal to 82% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm.

[0014] According to aspect 2 of the present disclosure, the article of aspect 1 is presented, wherein (i) the plurality of multilayer sections of the IRVAR coating numbers within a range of from 2 to 100, and (ii) the IRVAR coating further comprises a total coating thickness that is within a range of from 400 nm to 10000 nm.

[0015] According to an aspect 3 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1- 2 is presented, wherein some of the plurality of multilayer sections comprise only two layers, the closer layer to the substrate being the LRI layer.

[0016] According to an aspect 4 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1- 2 is presented, wherein the IRVAR coating comprises at least three layers exhibiting at least three unique indices of refraction.

[0017] According to an aspect 5 of the present disclosure, the article of aspect 4 is presented, wherein the at least three layers comprises: a first layer comprising an LRI layer; a second layer comprising an MLRI layer or an MHRI layer; and a third layer having a refractive index that is different from the second layer, comprising an MHRI layer or an HRI layer.

[0018] According to an aspect 6 of the present disclosure, the article of aspect 5 is presented, wherein at least one of the MLRI layer or the MHRI layer comprise SiOxNy.

[0019] According to an aspect 7 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1- 2 is presented, wherein at least two of the plurality of multilayer sections have six layers layered as follows: the LRI layer, one of the MLRI layers, one of the MHRI layers, the HRI layer, another one of the MHRI layers, and another one of the MLRI layers, with the LRI layer disposed closest to the first major surface of the substrate.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0020] According to an aspect 8 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 5- 6 is presented, wherein at least two of the plurality of multilayer sections have six layers layered as follows: the LRI layer, one of the MLRI layers, a first MHRI layer, a second MHRI layer exhibiting an index of refraction that is greater than the first MHRI layer, a third MHRI layer exhibiting an index of refraction less than the second MRHI layer, and another MLRI layer, with the LRI disposed closest to the first major surface of the substrate.

[0021] According to an aspect 9 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1-8 is presented, wherein (i) each of the HRI layers comprises one or more of Nb2Os, AIN, SiNx, AlOxNy, SiOxNy, and TiCL, (ii) each of the MHRI layers comprises one or more of AlSixOyNz, SiNx, AlOxNy, and SiOxNy, (iii) each of the MLRI layers comprises AlSixOyNz, A10xNy, and SiOxNy, and (iv) each of the LRI layers and the capping LRI layer comprise one or more of SiCL, doped SiC>2, AI2O3, GeCh, SiO, A10xNy, SiOxNy, SiuAlyOxNy, MgO, MgF2, BaF2, CaF2, DyFs, YbFs, YF3, and CeFs.

[0022] According to an aspect 10 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1-9 is presented, wherein (i) each of the LRI layers and the capping LRI layer comprise an LRI thickness, (ii) each of the MLRI layers comprises an MLRI thickness, (iii) each of the MHRI layers comprises an MHRI thickness, and (iv) each of the HRI layers comprises an HRI thickness.

[0023] According to an aspect 11 of the present disclosure, the article of aspect 10 is presented, wherein (i) a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 30% to 45% of the total coating thickness, (ii) a sum of the MLRI thicknesses is within a range of from 15% to 30% of the total coating thickness, (iii) a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 10% to 25% of the total coating thickness, and (iv) a sum of the HRI thicknesses is within a range of from 13% to 28% of the total coating thickness.

[0024] According to an aspect 12 of the present disclosure, the article of aspect 10 is presented, wherein (i) the article is substantially free of an HRI layer, (ii) a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 27% to 40% of the total coating thickness, (iii) a sum of the MLRI thicknesses is within a range of from 15% to 30% of the total coating thickness, and (iv) a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 37% to 50% of the total coating thickness.

[0025] According to an aspect 13 of the present disclosure, the article of aspect 10 is presented, wherein (i) the article is substantially free of an MLRI layer and an HRI layer, (ii) a sum of theAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTLRI thicknesses is within a range of from 58% to 78% of the total coating thickness, and (iii) a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 22% to 42% of the total coating thickness.

[0026] According to an aspect 14 of the present disclosure, the article of aspect 10 is presented, wherein (i) the article is substantially free of an MHRI layer, (ii) a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 60% to 80% of the total coating thickness, (iii) a sum of the MLRI thicknesses is within a range of from 0.1% to 5% of the total coating thickness, and (iv) a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 20% to 36% of the total coating thickness.

[0027] According to an aspect 15 of the present disclosure, the article of aspect 10 is presented, wherein (i) the article is substantially free of an MLRI layer, (ii) a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 50% to 65% of the total coating thickness, (iii) a sum of the MRHI thicknesses is within a range of from 15% to 25% of the total coating thickness, and (iv) a sum of the HRI thicknesses is within a range of from 18% to 28% of the total coating thickness.

[0028] According to an aspect 16 of the present disclosure, the article of aspect 10 is presented, wherein (i) a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 52% to 72% of the total coating thickness, (ii) a sum of the MLRI thicknesses is within a range of from 0.1% to 5% of the total coating thickness, (iii) a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 10% to 20% of the total coating thickness, and (iv) a sum of the HRI thicknesses is within a range of from 13% to 28% of the total coating thickness.

[0029] According to an aspect 17 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1-16 further comprises: a surface-modifying layer upon the IRVAR coating.

[0030] According to an aspect 18 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1-17 is presented, wherein (i) the substrate further comprises a glass composition or a glass-ceramic composition, and (ii) the glass composition is an alkali aluminosilicate glass composition, a soda lime glass composition, alkaline earth aluminosilicate, or an alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition.

[0031] According to an aspect 19 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1-18 is presented, wherein the substrate comprises one of following: (i) a downshifting substrate that exhibits absorption of photons associated with an ultraviolet wavelength and emits photons associated with a visible or a near-infrared wavelength; (ii) a strengthened substrate with a transparency greater than 85% in the visible spectrum from 450 nm to 900 nm; (iii) a temperedAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT material with a transparency greater than 85% in the visible spectrum from 450 nm to 900 nm; and (iv) the substrate comprises a region of compressive stress at or near the first major surface.

[0032] According to an aspect 20 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1-19 is presented, wherein (i) the maximum hardness measured at any depth rather than all depths within an indentation depth range from 0 to 500 nm or from 0 to the IRVAR coating thickness according to the Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test that the IRVAR coating exhibits is greater than or equal to 6 GPa, and (ii) the IRVAR coating exhibits an elastic modulus of greater than or equal to 60 GPa.

[0033] According to an aspect 21 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1-20 is presented, wherein the average transmittance through the article that the article exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, is less than or equal to 80% across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm.

[0034] According to an aspect 22 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1- 20 is presented, wherein the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is less than or equal to 75% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm.

[0035] According to an aspect 23 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1- 20 is presented, wherein the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is greater than or equal to 93.5% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm.

[0036] According to an aspect 24 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1- 20 is presented, wherein the average transmittance through the article that the article exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, is greater than or equal to 94.5% across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm.

[0037] According to an aspect 25 of the present disclosure, the article of any one of aspects 1- 20 is presented, wherein the average transmittance through the article that the article exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, is greater than or equal to 94.8% across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0038] According to an aspect 26 of the present disclosure, a solar panel comprises: the article of any one of aspects 1-25 and one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells disposed beneath the second major surface of the substrate.

[0039] According to an aspect 27 of the present disclosure, an insulated glass unit comprises: a first outer pane comprising the article of any one of aspects 1-25; and a second outer pane separated from the first outer pane by a space.

[0040] According to an aspect 28 of the present disclosure, a structure comprises any one of a patio roof, an awning, an entryway roof, an overhang, a ceiling, a skylight, or an architectural window comprising the article of any one of aspects 1-25.

[0041] According to an aspect 29 of the present disclosure, a solar panel comprises: (I) an article comprising: (A) a substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface and the second major surface facing in generally opposite directions; and (B) an infrared-reflective-visible-anti-reflective (IRVAR) coating disposed on the first major surface of the substrate, the IRVAR coating comprising (1) a plurality of multilayer sections, each of the multilayer sections disposed successively with respect to one another on the first major surface, each multilayer section comprising at least two layers, wherein (a) both of the at least two layers exhibit unique indices of refraction, (b) a closer layer of the at least two layers disposed closest to the first major surface of the substrate is one of (i) an LRI layer exhibiting a low index of refraction within a range of from 1.35 to 1.60, (ii) an MLRI layer exhibiting a medium-low index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.61 to 1.84, or (iii) an MHRI layer exhibiting a medium-high index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.85 to 2.10, and (c) a farther layer of the at least two layers disposed farther from the first major surface of the substrate than the closer layer exhibits a greater index of refraction than the closer layer and is one of (i) an MLRI layer, (ii) an MHRI layer, or (iii) an HRI layer exhibiting a high index of refraction that is within a range of from 2.11 to 2.70, and (2) a capping LRI layer disposed over the plurality of multilayer sections, the capping LRI layer exhibiting the low index of refraction, and (II) one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells disposed beneath the second major surface of the substrate, wherein (i) the IRVAR coating exhibits a maximum hardness that is greater than or equal to 5 GPa measured at any depth rather than all depths within an indentation depth range from 0 to 500 nm or from 0 to the IRVAR coating thickness according to a Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test, (ii) the articleAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is greater than or equal to 90.0% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm, and (iii) the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is less than or equal to 82% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm.

[0042] According to an aspect 30 of the present disclosure, the solar panel of aspect 29 further comprises a backsheet, wherein, the one or more PV cells is disposed between the backsheet and the article.

[0043] According to an aspect 31 of the present disclosure, the solar panel of any one of aspects 29-30 further comprises a low-emissivity coating disposed on a surface (e.g., exterior facing surface, interior facing surface) of the backsheet, wherein, the low-emissivity coating exhibits (i) an average transmittance of greater than or equal to 20% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm and (ii) an average reflectance of greater than or equal to 50% across a wavelength range of from 2 pm to 20 pm.

[0044] According to an aspect 32 of the present disclosure, an insulated glass unit comprises: (I) a first outer pane comprising an article comprising: (A) a substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface and the second major surface facing in generally opposite directions; and (B) an infrared-reflective-visible-anti-reflective (IRVAR) coating disposed on the first major surface of the substrate, the IRVAR coating comprising (1) a plurality of multilayer sections, each of the multilayer sections disposed successively with respect to one another on the first major surface, each multilayer section comprising at least two layers, wherein (a) both of the at least two layers exhibit unique indices of refraction, (b) a closer layer of the at least two layers disposed closest to the first major surface of the substrate is one of (i) an LRI layer exhibiting a low index of refraction within a range of from 1.35 to 1.60, (ii) an MLRI layer exhibiting a medium-low index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.61 to 1.84, or (iii) an MHRI layer exhibiting a medium-high index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.85 to 2.10, and (c) a farther layer of the at least two layers disposed farther from the first major surface of the substrate than the closer layer exhibits a greater index of refraction than the closer layer and is one of (i) an MLRI layer, (ii) an MHRI layer, or (iii) an HRI layer exhibiting a high index of refraction that is within a range of from 2.11 to 2.70, and (2) a capping LRI layer disposedAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT over the plurality of multilayer sections, the capping LRI layer exhibiting the low index of refraction, and (II) a second outer pane separated from the first outer pane by a space, wherein (i) the IRVAR coating exhibits a maximum hardness that is greater than or equal to 5 GPa measured at any depth rather than all depths within an indentation depth range from 0 to 500 nm or from 0 to the IRVAR coating thickness according to a Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test, (ii) the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is greater than or equal to 90.0% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm, and (iii) the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is less than or equal to 82% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm.

[0045] According to an aspect 33 of the present disclosure, the insulated glass unit of aspect 32 further comprises: a low-emissivity coating disposed on the second outer pane or another pane disposed between the first outer pane and the second outer pane, wherein, the low-emissivity coating exhibits (i) an average transmittance of greater than or equal to 25% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm and (ii) an average reflectance of greater than or equal to 50% across a wavelength range of from 1 pm to 10 pm.

[0046] According to an aspect 34 of the present disclosure, the insulated glass unit of any one of aspects 32-33 further comprises: an electrochromic, photochromic, thermochromic, suspended- particle, micro-blind, or polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal device associated with the first outer pane to adjustably control the transmittance therethrough of one or more wavelengths.

[0047] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0048] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] In the Drawings:

[0050] FIG. 1 is a graph plotting photon flux from the Sun reaching the surface of the Earth as a function of wavelength according to the standard spectrum currently used in solar cell research, illustrating that while the highest percentage of the photons from the Sun that reach the surface of the Earth is associated with the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm and is thus usable by photovoltaic cells, a significant percentage of the photons is associated with the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm, which is generally unusable and would be converted suboptimally to heat;

[0051] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an article of the present disclosure, illustrating a substrate and an infrared blocking anti-reflective (IRVAR) coating disposed on a first major surface of the substrate;

[0052] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2, illustrating the IRVAR coating including a plurality of multilayer sections, each of which includes at least two of (i) an LRI layer exhibiting a low index of refraction, (ii) an MLRI layer exhibiting a medium-low index of refraction, (iii) an MHRI layer exhibiting a medium-high index of refraction, and (iv) an HRI layer exhibiting a high index of refraction;

[0053] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a solar panel that incorporates the article of FIG. 2 as a cover glass over one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells, illustrating the photons from the Sun having to transmit through the article to reach the PV cells;

[0054] FIG. 5 is an overhead plan view of the solar panel of FIG. 4, illustrating the article and the PV cells forming part of a package held by a frame;

[0055] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the solar panel taken through line VI- VI of FIG. 5, illustrating the package held within a C-Channel of the frame;

[0056] FIG. 7 is a magnified view of area VII of FIG. 6, illustrating a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer encapsulating the PV cells, which are together sandwiched between the article and a backsheet, with the IRVAR coating of the article facing an external environment;

[0057] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of an insulated glass unit incorporating the article of the present disclosure as a first outer pane;Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0058] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a cross-section of the insulated glass unit taken through line IX-IX of FIG. 8, illustrating the IRVAR coating of the article facing outward to an external environment and the insulated glass unit further including a second outer pane, which is a laminate and separated from the first outer pane by a space;

[0059] FIG. 10, pertaining to Example 1, is a graph plotting transmittance through an article of the present disclosure with an IRVAR coating as a function of wavelength and a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively high average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively low average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm;

[0060] FIG. 11, again pertaining to Example 1, is a graph plotting reflectance off the article at the IRVAR coating side as a function of wavelength and as a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively low average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively high average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm;

[0061] FIG. 12, pertaining to Example 2, is a graph plotting transmittance through an article of the present disclosure with an IRVAR coating as a function of wavelength and a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively high average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively low average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm;

[0062] FIG. 13, again pertaining to Example 2, is a graph plotting reflectance off the article at the IRVAR coating side as a function of wavelength and as a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively low average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively high average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm;

[0063] FIG. 14, pertaining to Example 3, is a graph plotting transmittance through an article of the present disclosure with an IRVAR coating as a function of wavelength and a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively high average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively low average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm;Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0064] FIG. 15, again pertaining to Example 3, is a graph plotting reflectance off the article at the IRVAR coating side as a function of wavelength and as a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively low average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively high average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm;

[0065] FIG. 16, pertaining to Example 4, is a graph plotting transmittance through an article of the present disclosure with an IRVAR coating as a function of wavelength and a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively high average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively low average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm;

[0066] FIG. 17, again pertaining to Example 4, is a graph plotting reflectance off the article at the IRVAR coating side as a function of wavelength and as a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively low average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively high average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm;

[0067] FIG. 18, pertaining to Example 5, is a graph plotting transmittance through an article of the present disclosure with an IRVAR coating as a function of wavelength and a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively high average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively low average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm;

[0068] FIG. 19, again pertaining to Example 5, is a graph plotting reflectance off the article at the IRVAR coating side as a function of wavelength and as a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively low average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively high average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm;

[0069] FIG. 20, pertaining to Example 6, is a graph plotting transmittance through an article of the present disclosure without an IRVAR coating, but with an anti-reflective coating, as a function of wavelength and a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively high average transmittance across the wavelength rangeAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT of from 450 nm to 900 nm but lower average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm and especially from 1200 nm to 2000 nm;

[0070] FIG. 21, again pertaining to Example 6, is a graph plotting reflectance off the article at the anti-reflective coating side as a function of wavelength and as a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively low average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but higher average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm and especially from 1200 nm to 2000 nm;

[0071] FIG. 22, pertaining to Example 7, is a graph plotting transmittance through an article of the present disclosure without an IRVAR coating, but with an anti-reflective coating, as a function of wavelength and a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively high average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but lower average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm and especially from 1200 nm to 2000 nm;

[0072] FIG. 23, again pertaining to Example 7, is a graph plotting reflectance off the article at the anti-reflective coating side as a function of wavelength and as a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively low average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but higher average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm and especially from 1200 nm to 2000 nm;

[0073] FIG. 24, pertaining to Example 8, is a graph plotting transmittance through an article of the present disclosure without an IRVAR coating, but with an anti-reflective coating, as a function of wavelength and a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively high average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but lower average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2000 nm and especially from 1200 nm to 1800 nm;

[0074] FIG. 25, pertaining to Example 8, is a graph plotting reflectance off the article at the anti-reflective coating side as a function of wavelength and as a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively low average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively high average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2000 nm and especially from 1200 nm to 1800 nm;Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0075] FIG. 26, pertaining to Example 9, is a graph plotting transmittance through an article of the present disclosure with an IRVAR coating as a function of wavelength and a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively high average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively low average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm;

[0076] FIG. 27, again pertaining to Example 9, is a graph plotting reflectance off the article at the IRVAR coating side as a function of wavelength and as a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits relatively low average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm but relatively high average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm;

[0077] FIG. 28, pertaining to Comparative Example 1, is a graph plotting transmittance through a commercially available solar cover glass with a porous sol-gel anti-reflective coating as a function of wavelength, illustrating a relatively high average transmittance across both wavelength ranges of from 450 nm to 900 nm and 1200 nm to 2000 nm;

[0078] FIG. 29, again pertaining to Comparative Example 1, is a graph plotting reflectance off the solar cover glass at the porous sol-gel anti-reflective coating as a function of wavelength, illustrating a relatively low average reflectance across both wavelength ranges of from 450 nm to 900 nm and 1200 nm to 2000 nm;

[0079] FIG. 30, pertaining to Comparative Example 2, is a graph plotting transmittance through an article with an anti-reflective coating that includes only multilayer sections of only two different materials as a function of wavelength and a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits comparatively unsatisfactory average transmittance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm; and

[0080] FIG. 31, again pertaining to Comparative Example 2, is a graph plotting reflectance off the article at the anti-reflective coating side as a function of wavelength and as a function of angle of incidence, illustrating that, for all angles of incidence, the article exhibits comparatively unsatisfactory average reflectance across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0081] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0082] Article 10 with the IRVAR coating 14

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an article 10 includes a substrate 12 and an infraredblocking anti-reflective (IRVAR) coating 14 disposed on the substrate 12. The substrate 12 includes a first major surface 16 and a second major surface 18. The first major surface 16 and the second major surface 18 face in generally opposite directions 20, 22. The first major surface 16 and the second major surface 18 can both be substantially planar but need not be, but rather can be at least partially curved. The IRVAR coating 14 is disposed on the first major surface 16.

[0084] The IRVAR coating 14 includes a plurality of multilayer sections 24. Each of the multilayer sections 24 is disposed successively with respect to one another on the first major surface 16. For example, the multilayer section 24 / 7 is disposed first on the first major surface 16 of the substrate 12, the multilayer section 24 / 7+1 is then disposed on the multilayer section 24 / 7, the multilayer section 24 / 7+2 is disposed on the multilayer section 24 / z+l, and so on. In embodiments, the plurality of multilayer sections 24 of the IRVAR coating 14 numbers within a range of from 2 to 20. For example, the IRVAR coating 14 can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 multilayer sections 24. The IRVAR coating 14 can include 21 or more multilayer sections 24.

[0085] Each multilayer section 24 includes at least two layers 26. The at least two layers 26 can be distinguishable from one another via, for example, their respective compositions and / or optical properties (e.g., index of refraction). Indeed, both of the at least two layers 26 exhibit unique indices of refraction - the index of refraction that one layer 26 exhibits is different than the index of refraction that the other layer 26 of the at least two layers 26 exhibits. All of the multilayer sections 24 need not have the same number of layers 26. However, all of the multilayer sections 24 can have the same number of layers 26.

[0086] The layer 26 of the at least two layers 26 disposed closest to the first major surface 16 is an LRI layer 261, an MLRI layer 26 ml, or an MHRI layer 26mh. The layer 26 of the at least two layers 26 disposed farther from the first major surface of the substrate exhibits a greater index of refraction than the closer layer and is one of an MLRI layer 26ml, an MHRI layer 26mh, or anAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTHRI layer 26h. The IRVAR coating 14 further includes a capping LRI layer 28 that is disposed over the plurality of multilayer sections 24. The LRI layer 261 of the multilayer section 24 disposed closest to the first major surface 16 of the substrate 12 can be disposed directly on the first major surface 16 of the substrate 12, which can improve adhesion of the IRVAR coating 14 onto the substrate 12.

[0087] The LRI layer 261 and the capping LRI layer 28 both exhibit a low index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.35 to 1.60. For example, the low index of refraction can be 1.35, 1.38, 1.40, 1.42, 1.44, 1.46, 1.48, 1.50, 1.52, 1.54, 1.56, 1.58, 1.60, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 1.40 to 1.50, from 1.44 to 1.58, and so on).

[0088] The MLRI layer 26 ml exhibits a medium-low index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.61 to 1.84. For example, the medium-low index of refraction can be 1.61, 1.62, 1.64, 1.66, 1.68, 1.70, 1.72, 1.74, 1.76, 1.78, 1.80, 1.82, 1.84, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 1.66 to 1.78, from 1.70 to 1.82, and so on).

[0089] The MHRI layer 26mh exhibits a medium-high index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.85 to 2.10. For example, the medium-high index of refraction can be 1.85, 1.86, 1.88, 1.90, 1.92, 1.94, 1.96, 1.98, 2.00, 2.02, 2.04, 2.06, 2.08, 2.10, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 1.86 to 1.98, from 1.90 to 2.06, and so on).

[0090] The HRI layer 26h exhibits a high index of refraction that is within a range of from 2.11 to 2.70. For example, the high index of refraction can be 2.11, 2.15, 2.20, 2.25, 2.30, 2.40, 2.45, 2.50, 2.55, 2.60, 2.65, 2.70, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 2.15 to 2.20, from 2.15 to 2.40, and so on). All indices of refraction are as determined in accordance with ASTM E1967-19, where the wavelength of measurement is 589 nm.

[0091] The IRVAR coating 14 has a total coating thickness 30. In embodiments, the total coating thickness 30 is within a range of from 400 nm to 10000 nm. For example, the total coating thickness 30 can be 400 nm, 500 nm, 600 nm, 700 nm, 800 nm, 900 nm, lOOOnm, 1100 nm, 1200 nm, 1300 nm, 1400 nm, 2000 nm, 2500 nm, 3000 nm, 3500 nm, 4000 nm, 4500 nm, 5000 nm, 5500 nm, 6000 nm, 6500 nm, 7000 nm, 7500 nm, 8000 nm, 8500 nm, 9000 nm, 9500 nm, 10000 nm, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 3000 nm to 8500 nm, from 4000 nm to 6500 nm, and so on). The total coating thickness 30 can be less than 400 nm or greater than 10000 nm. Reducing the total coating thickness 30 can reduce cost, while increasing the totalAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT coating thickness 30 can increase hardness or durability, and the two criteria could be balanced, as within the ranges set forth above.

[0092] In embodiments, some, or each, of the plurality of multilayer sections 24 include only two layers 26. For example, the multilayer section 24 could include an MHRI layer 26mh disposed over an LRI layer 261. As another example, the multilayer section 24 could include an HRI layer 26h disposed over an LRI layer 261. As yet another example, the multilayer section 24 could include an HRI layer 26h disposed over an MHRI layer 26mh. As yet another example, the multilayer section 24 could include an MLRI layer 26ml disposed over an LRI layer 261. Various combinations can be found in the same IRVAR coating 14. The IVAR coating 14 can include more than one multilayer section 24 with only two layers 26 consisting of an MHRI layer 26mh disposed over an LRI layer 261 and more than one multilayer section 24 with only two layers 26 consisting of an HRI layer 26h disposed over an LRI layer 261.

[0093] In embodiments, at least one of the multilayer sections 24 includes exactly three layers 26. For example, such a multilayer section 24 can have exactly three layers 26 having an order of an LRI layer 261 disposed closest to the substrate 12, an MLRI layer 26ml disposed furthest from the substrate 12, and an MHRI layer 26mh sandwiched between the LRI layer 261 and the MLRI layer 261.

[0094] In embodiments, each multilayer section 24 includes at least four layers 26. In such embodiments, at least three layers 26 of the at least four layers 26 each exhibit unique indices of refraction. Stated another way, the indices of refraction of at least three of the at least four layers 26 are different from the others. In some instances, at least one of the at least four layers 26 is or includes SiOxNy.

[0095] In embodiments, at least two of the plurality of multilayer sections 24 have six layers 26 layered as follows: the LRI layer 261, one of the MLRI layers 2ml, one of the MHRI layers 26mh, the HRI layer 26h, another one of the MHRI layers 26mh, and another one of the MLRI layers 26ml. The LRI layer 261 is disposed closest to the first major surface 16 of the substrate 12.

[0096] In embodiments, at least two of the plurality of multilayer sections 24 have six layers 26 layered as follows: the LRI layer 26ml, one of the MLRI layers 26ml, a first MHRI layer 26mh, a second MHRI layer 26mh exhibiting an index of refraction that is greater than the first MHRI layer 26mh, a third MHRI layer 26mh exhibiting an index of refraction less than the second MRHIAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT layer 26mh, and another MLRI layer. The LRI layer 261 is disposed closest to the first major surface 16 of the substrate 12.

[0097] The compositions of the LRI layer 261, the capping LRI 28 layer, the MLRI layers 26ml, the MHRI layers 26mh, and the HRI layers 26h are not particularly limited but can be any composition that provides the low index of refraction associated with the layer 26. In embodiments, the LRI layer 261, and the capping LRI layer 28 considered individually, are or include one or more of SiCL, doped SiCL, AI2O3, GeCh, SiO, A10xNy, SiOxNy, SiuAlyOxNy, MgO, MgF2, BaF2, CaF2, DyFs, YbFs, YF3, and CeFs. Doped SiCL means SiCL doped with a small amount of one or more other oxides, such as 1 mol% to 10 mol% of AI2O3 or ZrCL. Doped SiCh may also include nitrogen doping, which can also be represented as SiOxNy. Doping the SiCL can enhance durability. The compositions are not particularly limited as long as the relative indices of refraction are exhibited.

[0098] In embodiments, each of the MLRI layers 26ml is or includes AlSixOyNz, A10xNy, and SiOxNy. In embodiments, each of the MHRI layers 26mh is or includes one or more of AlSixOyNz, SiNx, A10xNy, and SiOxNy. In embodiments, each of the HRI layers 26h is or includes one or more of Nb2O5, AIN, SiNx, A10xNy, SiOxNy, and TiCh. In embodiments, at least one of the HRI layers 26h, MHRI layers 26mh, or MLRI layers 26ml is or includes SiOxNy. The chemical formulas that use a letter subscript (e.g., A10xNy) are atomic fraction formulas. In an atomic fraction formula, each of the subscript values can range from 0 to 1, the sum of all subscript values is 1, and the balance of the composition is the first element in the material. Thus, in the example of A10xNy, x + y = 1, and the balance is Al. If the atomic fraction of oxygen (denoted by x) is 0.1, then the atomic fraction of nitrogen (denoted by y) is 0.9. As another example, the value for the subscript “u” in SiuAlxOyNzcan be zero, and in such a case the material can be described as A10xNybecause the balance is the first remaining element, in this case Al, after the exclusion of Si with u being 0. The values of the subscripts for any particular atomic fraction formula cannot all be 0 such that it would result in a pure elemental form (e.g., pure silicon, pure aluminum metal, oxygen gas, etc.). Atomic fraction descriptions are described in many general textbooks and atomic fraction descriptions are often used to describe alloys. The index of refraction that A10xNyand SiOxNyeach exhibit is tunable depending on the concentrations of Al, Si, O, and N. The concentration of any one or more of Si, Al, O, and N can be varied to increase or decrease the index of refraction.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0099] Each of the LRI layers 261 and the capping LRI 28 have an LRI thickness 32, which can all be unique. Each of the MLRI layers 26ml has an MLRI thickness 34, which can all be unique. Each of the MHRI layers 26mh has an MHRI thickness 36, which can all be unique. Each of the HRI layers 26h has an HRI thickness 38, which can all be unique. The total coating thickness 30, the LRI thicknesses 32, the MLRI thicknesses 34, the MHRI thicknesses 36, and the HRI thicknesses 38 are all measured orthogonal to the first major surface 16 of the substrate 12. The measurements can be made by taking a cross-section of the article 10, capturing an image thereof with a scanning electron microscope, and then measuring the various layers. Alternatively, the values can be determined from parameters utilized during the deposition process used to form the IRVAR coating 14.

[0100] In embodiments, a sum of the LRI thicknesses 32 is within a range of from 30% to 45% of the total coating thickness 30, a sum of the MLRI thicknesses 34 is within a range of from 15% to 30% of the total coating thickness 30, a sum of the MHRI thicknesses 36 is within a range of from 10% to 25% of the total coating thickness 30, and a sum of the HRI thicknesses 38 is within a range of from 13% to 28% of the total coating thickness 30. For example, the sum of the LRI thicknesses 32 can be 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 34% to 42%, from 36% to 44%, and so on). The sum of the MLRI thicknesses 34 can be 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19% 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 17% to 26%, from 20% to 28%, and so on). The sum of the MHRI thicknesses 36 can be 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19% 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 13% to 21%, from 16% to 23%, and so on). The sum of the HRI thicknesses 38 can be 13%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19% 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 17% to 26%, from 20% to 28%, and so on).

[0101] In other embodiments, the article 10 is substantially free of an HRI layer 26h, while a sum of the LRI thicknesses 32 is within a range of from 27% to 40% of the total coating thickness 30, a sum of the MLRI thicknesses 34 is within a range of from 15% to 30% of the total coating thickness 30, and a sum of the MHRI thicknesses 36 is within a range of from 37% to 50% of the total coating thickness 30.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0102] In other embodiments, the article 10 is substantially free of an MLRI layer 26ml and an HRI layer 26h, while a sum of the LRI thicknesses 32 is within a range of from 58% to 78% of the total coating thickness 30, and a sum of the MHRI thicknesses 36 is within a range of from 22% to 42% of the total coating thickness 30.

[0103] In other embodiments, the article 10 is substantially free of an MHRI layer 26mh, while a sum of the LRI thicknesses 32 is within a range of from 60% to 80% of the total coating thickness 30, a sum of the MLRI thicknesses 34 is within a range of from 0.1% to 5% of the total coating thickness 30, and a sum of the MHRI thicknesses 36 is within a range of from 20% to 36% of the total coating thickness 30.

[0104] In other embodiments, a sum of the LRI thicknesses 32 is within a range of from 52% to 72% of the total coating thickness 30, a sum of the MLRI thicknesses 34 is within a range of from 0.1% to 5% of the total coating thickness 30, a sum of the MHRI thicknesses 36 is within a range of from 10% to 20% of the total coating thickness 30, and a sum of the HRI thicknesses 38 is within a range of from 13% to 28% of the total coating thickness 30.

[0105] In other embodiments, the article 10 is substantially free of an MLRI layer 25ml, while a sum of the LRI thicknesses 32 is within a range of from 50% to 65% of the total coating thickness 30, a sum of the MRHI thicknesses 34 is within a range of from 15% to 25% of the total coating thickness 30, and a sum of the HRI thicknesses 34 is within a range of from 18% to 28% of the total coating thickness 30.

[0106] Each LRI layer 261 has an LRI optical thickness. Each MLRI layer 26ml has an MLRI optical thickness. Each MHRI has an MHRI optical thickness. Each HRI layer 26h has an HRI optical thickness. The LRI optical thickness is the low index of refraction of the LRI layer 261 multiplied by the LRI thickness 32. The MLRI optical thickness is the medium-low index of refraction of the MLRI layer 26ml multiplied by the MLRI thickness 34. The MHRI optical thickness is the medium-high index of refraction of the MHRI layer 26mh multiplied by the MHRI thickness 36. The HRI optical thickness is the high index of refraction of the HRI layer 26h multiplied by the HRI thickness 36. A total RI optical thickness is a sum of the LRI optical thicknesses, the MLRI optical thicknesses, the MHRI optical thicknesses, and the HRI optical thicknesses.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0107] In embodiments, a sum of the LRI optical thicknesses is greater than a sum of the MLRI optical thicknesses. The sum of the LRI optical thicknesses is greater than a sum of the MHRI optical thicknesses. The sum of the LRI optical thicknesses is greater than a sum of the HRI optical thicknesses. The sum of the HRI optical thicknesses is greater than the sum of the MLRI optical thicknesses. The sum of the HRI optical thicknesses is greater than the sum of the MHRI optical thicknesses. The sum of the LRI optical thicknesses plus the sum of the HRI optical thicknesses is greater than 50% of the total RI optical thickness.

[0108] The reflectance (and thus the transmittance) that article 10 exhibits is a function of the LRI thicknesses 32 and the low indices of refraction of the LRI layers 261 included (if any), the MLRI thicknesses 34 and the medium-low indices of refraction of the MLRI layers 26ml included (if any), the MHRI thicknesses 36 and the medium-high indices of refraction of the MHRI layers 26mh included (if any), and the HRI thicknesses 38 and the high indices of refraction of the HRI layers 26h included (if any), as a collection. Without being bound by theory, the IRVAR coating 14 manipulates reflectance at any particular wavelength by utilizing principles of interference and wave behavior of electromagnetic radiation. The LRI thickness 32, the MLRI thickness 34, the MHRI thickness 36, and the HRI thickness 38 of each of the LRI layers 261, the MLRI layers 26ml, the MHRI layers 26mh, and the HRI layers 26h (whichever are included) are engineered to achieve destructive interference for specific wavelength ranges (e.g., from 1200 nm to 1800 nm, 1200 nm to 2000 nm, or from 1200 nm to 2500 nm, among other options), thus increasing reflectance within that range, while minimizing reflectance and thus permitting high transmittance for other specific wavelength ranges (e.g., from 450 nm to 900 nm). In general, the LRI thickness 32, the MLRI thickness 34, the MHRI thickness 36, and the HRI thickness 38 for any given multilayer section 24 will be different than the LRI thickness 32, the MLRI thickness 34, the MHRI thickness 36, and the HRI thickness 38 for all other multilayer sections 24 of the IRVAR coating 14. However, one or more of the LRI thickness 32, the MLRI thickness 34, the MHRI thickness 36, and the HRI thickness 38 can be the same or repeated for different layers 26 within the same section 24, or in different sections 24, of the IRVAR coating 14.

[0109] In embodiments, the article 10 further includes a surface- modifying layer 40 upon the IRVAR coating 14. The surface-modifying layer 40 is disposed further from the first major surface 16 of the substrate 12 than the IRVAR coating 14 and is exposed to an external environment 42.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTThe surface-modifying layer 40 forms a prime surface 44 of the article 10, which is exposed to the external environment 42. If the article 10 does not include the surface-modifying layer 40, then the capping LRI layer 28 of the IRVAR coating 14 forms the prime surface 44 of the article 10.

[0110] The surface-modifying layer 40 changes a physical property or other behavior of the article 10. For example, a surface-modifying layer 40 can modify one or more of a water contact angle, an oleic contact angle, a visibility of a fingerprint (e.g., simulated fingerprint), and / or an ability to remove a fingerprint (e.g., by wiping). As such, the surface-modifying layer 40 can be a fingerprint hiding coating, an anti-fingerprint hiding coating, or an easy-to-clean coating. Examples of a suitable anti -fingerprint hiding layer and easy-to-clean coatings are described in the following U.S. patent applications: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0113083, published on April 24, 2014, entitled “Process for Making of Glass Article with Optical and Easy- to-Clean Coatings”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 603,156, filed on November 28, 2023, entitled “Coated Articles with a Surface-Modifying Layer and Methods of Making the Same”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 546,775, filed on November 1, 2023, entitled “Coated Articles with a Planarization Layer and a Surface-Modifying Layer and Methods of Making the Same”; and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 528,916, filed on December 5, 2023, entitled “Coated Articles with an Anti-Fingerprint Coating or Surface- Modifying Layer and Methods of Making the Same”, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The easy-to-clean coating can be a fluorine- containing material. Alternatively, the easy-to-clean coating (anti-fingerprint coating) can include a partial silica-like network having a ratio of Si-O-Si bonds to Si atoms in the coating from about 2 to about 3, the coating is fluorine-free, and the coating further comprises an alkyl silane at the exterior surface and bonded to Si-0 groups in the anti-fingerprint coating. The easy-to-clean coating may have a thickness in the range from about 5 nm to about 50 nm and may include known materials such as fluorinated or non-fluorinated silanes. The easy-to-clean coating may alternately or additionally comprise a low-friction coating or surface treatment. Exemplary low-friction coating materials may include diamond-like carbon, silanes (e.g., fluorosilanes), phosphonates, alkenes, and alkynes. The surface-modifying layer 40 can exhibit hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. In embodiments, surface-modifying layer 40 has a thickness 46 in the range from 1 nm to 40 nm. For example, the thickness 46 of the surface-modifying layer 40 can be 1 nm, 2 nm, 5 nm, 8 nm, 10Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT nm, 12 nm, 15 nm, 18 nm, 20 nm, 22 nm, 25 nm, 28 nm, 30 nm, 32 nm, 35 nm, 38 nm, 40 nm, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 2 nm to 32 nm, from 5 nm to 38 nm, and so on). The thickness 46 of the surface-modifying layer 40 is sufficiently thin so as to not suboptimally affect the transmittance and reflectance properties that the article 10 would otherwise exhibit due to the IRVAR coating 14 without the surface-modifying layer 40.

[0111] The IRVAR coating 14, and the surface-modifying layer 40 if included, may be formed using various deposition methods such as vacuum deposition techniques, for example, chemical vapor deposition (e.g., plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), low-pressure chemical vapor deposition, atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition, and plasma-enhanced atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition), physical vapor deposition (e.g., reactive or nonreactive sputtering or laser ablation, including metal mode reactive sputtering), thermal or e- beam evaporation, and / or atomic layer deposition. Liquid-based methods may also be used such as spraying, dipping, spin coating, or slot coating (for example, using sol-gel materials). Where vacuum deposition is utilized, inline processes may be used to form the IRVAR coating 14 (and the surface-modifying layer 40 if included) in one deposition run. In some instances, the vacuum deposition can be made by a linear PECVD source. Generally, vapor deposition techniques may include a variety of vacuum deposition methods which can be used to produce thin films. For example, physical vapor deposition uses a physical process (such as heating or sputtering) to produce a vapor of material, which is then deposited on the object which is coated.

[0112] In particular, TiCh may be deposited either as an amorphous, semi-crystalline, or poly crystalline material, where the crystalline phases may comprise anatase or rutile. The TiCh may be semi-crystalline or poly crystalline having at least 50% rutile by volume or at least 80% rutile by volume. The rutile phase has been shown to have the highest hardness among TiCh phases. Example thin film deposition techniques for depositing rutile have been described in, for example, Pradhan, Swati S., et al. "Low temperature stabilized rutile phase TiCh films grown by sputtering." Thin Solid Films 520.6 (2012): 1809-1813, and also in Guillen, C., J. Montero, and J. Herrero. "Anatase and rutile TiCh thin films prepared by reactive DC sputtering at high deposition rates on glass and flexible polyimide substrates." Journal of Materials Science 49 (2014): 5035- 5042. Both references are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0113] Further, SiNxand SiOxNycan be deposited as amorphous materials with high hardness and high index of refraction through reactive sputtering or metal-mode reactive sputtering.

[0114] The substrate 12 can be made of any material so long as the article 10 exhibits the various properties mentioned herein, particularly transmittance. In embodiments, the substrate 12 has a glass composition or a glass-ceramic composition. The substrate 12 having the glass-ceramic composition differs from the substrate 12 having the glass composition in that the former has both an amorphous phase and a crystalline phase, while the latter includes an amorphous phase but no substantial crystalline phase.

[0115] The substrate 12 having the glass composition can be formed from any suitable process. In embodiments where the substrate 12 takes the form of a sheet, the substrate 12 can be formed via a float process or an overflow downdrawn fusion process or a rolling process (in which glass formed between two rollers), although other processes are envisioned. In the float process, a glass ribbon is formed on the surface of a molten metal bath, e.g., a molten tin bath, and after being removed from the bath is passed through an annealing lehr before being cut into individual sheets. In the case of the fusion process, a glass ribbon is formed by passing molten glass around the outside of a forming structure (known in the art as an “isopipe”) to produce two layers of glass that fuse together at the bottom of the forming structure (the root of the isopipe) to form the glass ribbon. The glass ribbon is pulled away from the isopipe by pulling rollers and cooled as it moves vertically downward through a temperature-controlled housing. At, for example, the bottom of the housing (bottom of the draw), individual glass sheets are cut from the ribbon.

[0116] The glass-ceramic composition can be formed from the glass composition through a suitable heat-treatment process or formed directly where crystallization occurs upon casting and does not require a separate heat-treatment process. Suitable glass-ceramic compositions are set forth in Table B below.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0117] After heat-treatment, the glass-ceramics resulting from the above compositions contain the following phase assemblages presented in Table C.

[0118] Suitable glass compositions include an alkali aluminosilicate glass composition, a soda lime glass composition, or an alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition. Other glass compositions are envisioned however, and the list is not meant to be exhaustive.

[0119] The alkali aluminosilicate glass composition, if included as part of the substrate 12, includes alumina, at least one alkali metal, and SiO2, such as greater than 50 mol% SiO2. The alkali aluminosilicate glass composition can include at least 58 mol% SiO2, and in still other embodiments at least 60 mol% SiO2, wherein the ratio ((AI2O3 + B2O3) / ^modifiers) > 1, and where in the ratio the components are expressed in mol% and the modifiers are alkali metal oxides. A more particular example includes from 58 mol% to 72 mol% SiCh; from 9 mol% to 17 mol% AI2O3; from 2 mol% to 12 mol% B2O3; from 8 mol% to 16 mol% Na2O, and from 0 to 4 mol% K2O, wherein the ratio ((AI2O3 + B2O3) / ^modifiers) > 1.

[0120] The soda lime glass composition, if included as part of the substrate 12, includes SiCh, Na2O, and CaO. An example soda lime composition includes 72 mol% SiCh, 1 mol% AI2O3, 14 mol% Na2O, 4 mol% MgO, and 7 mol% CaO.

[0121] The alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition, if included as part of the substrate 12, includes an alkaline earth metal, B2O3, alumina, and silica. An example alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition comprises, on an oxide basis, from 65 wt% to 75Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT wt% SiC>2, from 7 wt% to 13 wt% AI2O3, from 5wt% to 15 wt% B2O3, from 5 wt% to 15 wt% CaO, from 0 to 5 wt% BaO, from 0 to 3 wt% MgO, and from 0 to 5 wt% SrO. Another example alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition comprises, on an oxide basis, from 65 mol% to 70 mol% SiC>2, from 3.0 mol% to 4.0 mol% B2O3, from 12.0 mol% to 13.0 mol% AI2O3, from 13.0 mol% to 14.0 mol% Na2O, >0 mol% K2O, from 1.7 mol% to 2.7 mol%MgO, >0 mol% Fe2O3, and >0 mol% SnCh. Yet another example alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition comprises, on an oxide basis, from 70 mol% to 80 mol% SiCh, from 12.0 mol% to 13.0 mol% B2O3, from 3.0 mol% to 4.0 mol% AI2O3, from 5.0 mol% to 6.0 mol% Na2O, from 0.5 mol% to 1.5 mol% K2O, from 1.3 mol% to 2.3 mol% MgO, >0 mol% CaO, >0 mol% BaO, >0 mol% Fe2O3, >0 mol% TiO2, >0 mol% SnO2, and >0 mol% ZnO2. These glass compositions are exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. Two more particular glass compositions are set forth in Table D below, which were also used in the modeling of Examples 1-6 discussed further below.

[0122] In embodiments, the glass composition exhibits absorption of photons associated with an ultraviolet wavelength and subsequent emittance of photons associated with a visible or a nearinfrared wavelength. Such glass compositions are sometimes referred to as downshifting glassAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT compositions. Example glass compositions that exhibit downshifting can include an oxide of europium (e.g., EU2O3) and / or an oxide of cerium (e.g., CeCh).

[0123] In embodiments, the substrate 12 further comprises a compressive stress region 48 at or near the first major surface 16. In such a circumstance, the substrate 12 can be referred to as a strengthened substrate. Similarly, the substrate 12 can include another compressive stress region 48 at or near the second major surface 18. In such instances, a tensile stress region 50 (e.g., a region of central tension) balances, and is disposed between the compressive stress regions 48. The compressive stress regions 48 strengthen the substrate 12. Photoelastic methods (e.g., transmission photoelasticity) can be utilized to determine whether a substrate 12 has the compressive stress regions 48. The strengthened substrate 12 can have a transparency greater than 85% in the visible spectrum from 450 nm to 900 nm.

[0124] The compressive stress regions 48 can be imparted to the substrate 12 through a variety of methods. Examples include chemical tempering (e.g., ion-exchange), thermal tempering, and lamination.

[0125] With ion-exchange, alkali cations within a source of such cations (e.g., a molten salt or “ion-exchange” bath) are exchanged with smaller alkali cations within the substrate 12. For example, potassium ions from the cation source are exchanged for sodium and / or lithium ions within the substrate 12 during ion-exchange by immersing the substrate 12 in a molten salt bath comprising a potassium salt such as, but not limited to, potassium nitrate (KNO3). Other potassium salts that may be used in the ion-exchange process include, but are not limited to, potassium chloride (KC1), potassium sulfate (K2SO4), combinations thereof, and the like. The ion-exchange baths described herein may contain alkali ions other than potassium and their corresponding salts. For example, the ion-exchange bath may also include sodium salts such as sodium nitrate, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, or the like. The exchange of the cations generates the compressive stress regions 48. The compressive stress region 48 extends from the first major surface 16 to a depth of compression (DOC) within the substrate 12 (not separately illustrated). Likewise, the other compressive stress region 48, if included, extends from the second major surface 18 to the DOC.

[0126] With thermal tempering, the substrate 12 is heated to a temperature near its softening point. The substrate 12 is then removed from the heating medium and the first major surface 16 and the second major surface 18 thereof are rapidly cooled to below the strain point of the glass ofAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT the substrate 12, e.g., the temperature at which a molten glass is deemed to have become rigid. Thus, the glass near the first major surface 16 and the second major surface 18 of the substrate 12 quickly contracts and rigidifies while the glass at an interior further away from the first major surface 16 and the second major surface 18 is still relatively more fluid and expanded. As the substrate 12 is cooled to a constant ambient temperature, the interior tries to contract more than the glass near the first major surface 16 and the second major surface 18 due to the slower cooling rate of the interior, but it is restrained by the rigidity of the glass near the first major surface 16 and the second major surface 18. Hence, when the substrate 12 temperatures reach equilibrium, the stresses at the first major surface 16 and the second major surface 18 become highly compressive and are balanced by tensile stress within the interior of the substrate 12. When the compressive stress regions 48 have been imparted by thermal tempering, the substrate 12 can be referred to as a tempered material. The tempered material can have a transparency greater than 85% in the visible spectrum from 450 nm to 900 nm.

[0127] With lamination, surface layers or skins of relatively low thermal expansion are fused to core layers of relatively high thermal expansion so that compressive stress can develop in the major surface regions as the substrate 12 (with the laminated layers) is cooled following fusion. Lamination is similar to thermal tempering in that, as the substrate 12 cools, the interior (with the relatively high thermal expansion) tries to contract but is restrained by the major surface regions (with the relatively low thermal expansion) that are contracting less upon cooling.

[0128] The substrate 12 has a thickness 52. The thickness 52 is the straight-line distance between the first major surface 16 and the second major surface 18 measured orthogonal to the first major surface 16. In embodiments, the thickness 52 of the substrate 12 is within a range of from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. In embodiments, the thickness 52 of the substrate 12 is 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.75 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.25 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.75 mm, or 5.0 mm, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 1.75 mm to 4.0 mm, from 0.4 mm to 2.75 mm, and so on). Thicknesses 52 less than 0.1 mm and greater than 5.0 mm are contemplated. The thicknesses 52 on the thinner end of the spectrum are likely to be useful for applications where reduced weight of the article 10 is beneficial, such as when the article 10 covers photovoltaic cells integrated into a vehicle, satellite, or mobile device.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTThe thickness 52 of the substrate 12 of the article 10 can be determined with a scanning electron microscope or a micrometer, among other ways.

[0129] The IRVAR coating 14 exhibits beneficial physical properties. For example, the IRVAR coating 14 exhibits a maximum hardness that is greater than or equal to 4 GPa measured over an indentation depth range from 0 to 500 nm according to a Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test. As used herein, the “Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test” includes measuring the hardness of a material on a surface thereof by indenting the surface with a diamond Berkovich indenter. The Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test includes indenting the prime surface 44 of the article 10 with the diamond Berkovich indenter to form an indent to an indentation depth of about 100 nm, a depth of about 500 nm, or a depth of about 1000 nm and measuring the maximum hardness from this indentation along the entire indentation depth range (e.g., the maximum hardness measured at any depth in the range of from 0 to 100 nm, from 0 to 125 nm, from 0 to 500 nm, or from 0 to 1000 nm, including any sub-ranges selected from within these ranges), generally using the methods set forth in Oliver, W. C.; Pharr, G. M. An improved technique for determining hardness and elastic modulus using load and displacement sensing indentation experiments. J. Mater. Res., Vol. 7, No. 6, 1992, 1564-1583; and Oliver, W. C.; Pharr, G. M. Measurement of Hardness and Elastic Modulus by Instrument Indentation: Advances in Understanding and Refinements to Methodology. J. Mater. Res., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2004, 3-20. As used herein, hardness refers to a maximum hardness, and not an average hardness.

[0130] Typically, in nanoindentation measurement methods (such as by using a Berkovich diamond indenter) of a coating that is harder than the underlying substrate (e.g., substrate 12), the measured hardness may appear to increase initially due to development of the plastic zone at shallow indentation depths and then increases and reaches a maximum value or plateau at deeper indentation depths. Thereafter, hardness begins to decrease at even deeper indentation depths due to the effect of the underlying substrate. Where a substrate having an increased hardness compared to the coating is utilized, the same effect can be seen; however, the hardness increases at deeper indentation depths due to the effect of the underlying substrate.

[0131] The indentation depth range and the hardness values at certain indentation depth range(s) can be selected to identify a particular hardness response of the IRVAR coating 14 and layers thereof, described herein, without the effect of the substrate 12 underlying the IRVARAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT coating 14. When measuring hardness of the multilayer film (when disposed on a substrate) with a Berkovich diamond indenter, the region of permanent deformation (plastic zone) of a material is associated with the hardness of the material. During indentation, an elastic stress field extends well beyond this region of permanent deformation. As indentation depth increases, the apparent hardness and modulus are influenced by stress field interactions with the underlying substrate. The substrate influence on hardness occurs at deeper indentation depths (i.e., typically at depths greater than about 10% of the multilayer coating). Moreover, a further complication is that the hardness response requires a certain minimum load to develop full plasticity during the indentation process. Prior to that certain minimum load, the hardness shows a generally increasing trend.

[0132] At small indentation depths (which also may be characterized as small loads) (e.g., up to about 50 nm), the apparent hardness of a material appears to increase dramatically versus indentation depth. This small indentation depth regime does not represent a true metric of hardness but instead, reflects the development of the aforementioned plastic zone, which is related to the finite radius of curvature of the indenter. At intermediate indentation depths, the apparent hardness approaches maximum levels. At deeper indentation depths, the influence of the substrate becomes more pronounced as the indentation depths increase. Hardness may begin to drop dramatically once the indentation depth exceeds about 30% of the total thickness of the multilayer coating.

[0133] In embodiments, the maximum hardness that the IRVAR coating 14 exhibits greater than or equal to 5 GPa measured at any depth rather than all depths within an indentation depth range from 0 to 500 nm or from 0 to the IRVAR coating thickness according to a Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test. In embodiments, the maximum hardness that the IRVAR coating exhibits is greater than or equal to 6 GPa, greater than or equal to 7 GPa, greater than or equal to 8 GPa, greater than or equal to 9 GPa, greater than or equal to 10 GPa, greater than or equal to 11 GPa, or even greater than or equal to 12 GPa. In embodiments, the maximum hardness that the IRVAR coating exhibits is within a range of from 4 GPa to 15 GPa. For example, the maximum hardness that the IRVAR coating exhibits can be 4 GPa, 5 GPa, 6 GPa, 7 GPa, 8 GPa, 9 GPa, 10 GPa, 11 GPa, 12 GPa, 13 GPa, 14 GPa, 15 GPa, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 7 GPa to 12 GPa, from 8 GPa to 11 GPa, and so on).

[0134] In embodiments, the IRVAR coating exhibits an elastic modulus that is greater than or equal to 60 GPa. The elastic modulus can be greater than or equal to 70 GPa, or greater than orAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT equal to 80 GPa, greater than or equal to 90 GPa, greater than or equal to 100 GPa, greater than or equal to 110 GPa, greater than or equal to 120 GPa, or even greater than or equal to 130 GPa. For example, the elastic modulus that the IRVAR coating exhibits can be 60 GPa, 65 GPa, 70 GPa, 75 GPa, 80 GPa, 85 GPa, 90 GPa, 95 GPa, 100 GPa, 105 GPa, 110 GPa, 115 GPa, 120 GPa, 125 GPa, 130 GPa, 135 GPa, 140 GPa, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 80 GPa to 140 GPa, from 100 GPa to 115 GPa, and so on). The elastic modulus can be determined via methods referred to above.

[0135] In addition to beneficial physical properties like hardness, the article 10 exhibits beneficial transmittance and reflectance properties. As used herein, the term “transmittance” is defined as the percentage of incident optical power within a given wavelength range transmitted through a material (e.g., the article 10, the substrate 12, or the IRVAR coating 14 or portions thereof). The term “reflectance” is similarly defined as the percentage of incident optical power within a given wavelength range that is reflected from a material (e.g., the article 10, the substrate 12, or the IRVAR coating 14 film or portions thereof). Transmittance and reflectance are measured using a specific linewidth. As used herein, an “average transmittance” refers to the average amount of incident optical power transmitted through a material over a defined wavelength regime. “Transmittance” as used here is generally two-surface transmittance, unless noted otherwise, which is measured for an article with an AR coating on one surface and uncoated glass on the other surface, where the uncoated glass surface will typically reduce the transmittance by about 4% (meaning the max transmittance possible as measured for these article configurations, with only one AR coated surface, is typically -96%). As used herein, an “average reflectance” refers to the average amount of incident optical power reflected by the material over the defined wavelength regime. The average reflectance is determined by removing the reflections from the second major surface 18 of the substrate 12, such as through using index-matching oils on the second major surface 18 coupled to an absorber, or other known methods. Average reflectance thus generally refers to the first-surface reflectance, unless noted otherwise.

[0136] In that regard, the article 10 exhibits an average transmittance through the article 10, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that is greater than or equal to 90.0% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm. The wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm is relevant because photovoltaic cells are oftenAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT configured to convert photons associated with such wavelengths to electrical current and the incoming solar photon flux is highest in this range, as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the stated wavelength range overlaps with the visible spectrum, which is relevant to view-through applications such as insulated glass units. In embodiments, the average transmittance through the article 10 that the article 10 exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, is greater than or equal to 92.5%, greater than or equal to 93.5%, greater than or equal to 94.0%, greater than or equal to 94.5%, greater than or equal to 94.8%, or even greater than or equal to 95.0% across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm. In embodiments, the average transmittance through the article 10 that the article 10 exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, is 85.0%, 85.5%, 86.0%, 87.5%, 88.0%, 88.5%, 89.0%, 89.5%, 90.0%, 90.5%, 91.0%, 91.5%, 92.0%, 92.5%, 93.0%, 93.5%, 94.0%, 95.0%, 95.5%, 95.6%, 95.7%, 95.8%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 85.0% to 94.0%, from 88.0% to 92.5%, from 90.0% to 95.8%, and so on).

[0137] In embodiments, the article 10 exhibits an average transmittance through the article 10, at an angle of incidence of 60 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that is greater than or equal to 60% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm. The average transmittance through the article 10 that the article 10 exhibits at an angle of incidence of 60 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16 across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm can be greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 80%, or even greater than or equal to 85%. That angle of incidence is relevant to the use of the article 10 as a cover glass of a solar panel disposed over photovoltaic cells, because the solar panel is often stationary relative to the Sun 104, and high transmittance despite high angles of incidence of impinging photons increases the electrical current generation capability of the photovoltaic cells. In short, the IRVAR coating 14 enhances transmittance at high angles of incidence throughout the stated wavelength range. For example, the average transmittance through the article 10, at an angle of incidence of 60 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm that the article 10 exhibits can be 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86.0%, 87.5%, 88.0%, 88.5%, 89.0%, 89.5%, 90.0%, or within any range bound by any twoAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT of those values (e.g., from 60% to 80%, from 70% to 85%, from 65% to 75%, and so on). Similarly, the average transmittance through the article 10, at an angle of incidence of 40 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm that the article 10 exhibits can be greater than 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, or even 93%, For example, the average transmittance through the article 10, at an angle of incidence of 40 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm that the article 10 exhibits can be 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 80% to 95%, from 90% to 94%, and so on).

[0138] The article 10 exhibits an average transmittance through the article 10, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that is less than or equal to 82% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm. That wavelength range is relevant because photons associated with wavelengths within that range are unlikely to cause photovoltaic cells to generate an electrical current but are likely to increase the heat of the photovoltaic cells and other components of the solar panel, and the heat decreases the lifespan and conversion efficiency of the solar panel. Further, that wavelength range is relevant to insulated glass units, because transmission of electromagnetic radiation associated with such a wavelength range through the insulated glass unit may suboptimally transfer heat across the insulated glass unit into the building (or structure). In embodiments, the average transmittance through the article 10 that the article 10 exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, is less than or equal to 81%, less than or equal to 80%, less than or equal to 75%, less than or equal to 70%, less than or equal to 65%, less than or equal to 60%, less than or equal to 55%, less than or equal to 52%, less than or equal to 50%, less than or equal to 40%, less than or equal to 30%, less than or equal to 25%, less than or equal to 20%, or even less than or equal to 15% across one or more of the following wavelength ranges - from 1200 nm to 1800 nm, from 1200 nm to 2000 nm, or from 1200 nm to 2500 nm. For example, the average transmittance through the article 10 that the article 10 exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, can be 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%,Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 11% to 52%, from 35% to 60%, from 47% to 52%, and so on).

[0139] In embodiments, the article 10 exhibits an average transmittance through the article 10, at an angle of incidence of 60 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that is less than or equal to 70%, less than or equal to 60%, less than or equal to 50%, less than or equal to 40%, less than or equal to 30%, less than or equal to 25%, or even less than or equal to 25% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm. For example, the average transmittance that the article 10 exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 60 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm is 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 20% to 70%, from 20% to 50%, from 30% to 50%, and so on).

[0140] In embodiments, the article 10 exhibits an average first-surface reflectance, at an angle of incidence of 6 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that is less than or equal to 10%, less than or equal to 5%, less than or equal to 4%, less than 3.5%, less than 3%, less than 2.5%, less than 2.0%, less than 1.5%, less than 1.0%, or less than 0.85%. less than 0.75%, less than 0.70%, less than 0.65%, less than 0.60%, or even less than 0.50% across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm. Decreasing reflectance increases transmittance for this usable wavelength range. For example, the average first-surface reflectance, at an angle of incidence of 6 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that the article 10 exhibits across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm can be 0.5%, 0.85%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5%, 10%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 1.0% to 10%, from 1.0% to 5%, from 1.0% to 4%, from 1.2% to 3.5%, from 0.5% to 3.5%, and so on).Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0141] In embodiments, the article 10 exhibits an average first-surface reflectance, at an angle of incidence of 60 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that is less than or equal to 10%, or even less than or equal to 8%, across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm. For example, the average first-surface reflectance, at an angle of incidence of 60 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that the article 10 exhibits can be 7.0%, 7.2%, 7.4%, 7.6%, 7.8%, 8.0%, 8.2%, 8.4%, 8.6%, 8.8%, 9.0%, 9.2%, 9.4%, 9.6%, 9.8%, 10%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 7.0% to 10%, from 8.0% to 9.5%, and so on).

[0142] In embodiments, the article 10 exhibits an average first-surface reflectance, at an angle of incidence of 6 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that is greater than or equal to 10% across one or more infrared wavelength ranges (e.g., from 1200 nm to 1800 nm, from 1200 nm to 2000 nm, or from 1200 nm to 2500 nm). Increasing reflectance decreases transmittance for this potentially suboptimal wavelength range. The average first-surface reflectance, at an angle of incidence of 6 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16 across the infrared wavelength range that the article 10 exhibits is greater than or equal to 15%, greater than or equal to 20%, greater than or equal 30%, greater than or equal to 40%, greater than or equal to 45%, greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 80%, or even greater than 84%. For example, the average first-surface reflectance, at an angle of incidence of 6 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface 16 across the infrared wavelength range can be 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%,44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%,61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%,78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 30% to 90%, from 58% to 90%, from 85% to 89%, and so on).

[0143] In embodiments, the article 10 exhibits an average transmittance, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that is greater than or equal to 80% across a wavelength range of from 390 nm to 1050 nm. The average transmittance, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that the article 10 exhibits across the wavelength range of from 390 nm to 1050Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT nm can be greater than or equal to 85%, greater than or equal to 88%, greater than or equal to 89%, greater than or equal 90%, greater than or equal to 91%, or even greater than or equal to 95%. The average transmittance, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that the article 10 exhibits across the wavelength range of from 390 nm to 1050 nm can be 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95.5%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 80% to 93%, from 90% to 93%, and so on).

[0144] In embodiments, the article 10 exhibits an average transmittance, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that is greater than or equal to 75% across a wavelength range of from 380 nm to 1100 nm. The average transmittance, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that the article 10 exhibits across the wavelength range of from 390 nm to 1050 nm can be greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 85%, greater than or equal to 88%, greater than or equal to 89%, greater than or equal to 90%, or even greater than or equal to 95%. The average transmittance, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that the article 10 exhibits across the wavelength range of from 390 nm to 1050 nm can be 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95.5%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 75% to 92%, from 89% to 92%, and so on).

[0145] In embodiments, the article 10 exhibits an average transmittance, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that is greater than or equal to 50% across a wavelength range of from 1050 nm to 1150 nm. The average transmittance, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees) from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that the article 10 exhibits across the wavelength range of from 1050 nm to 1150 nm can be greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 75%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 85%, greater than or equal to 90%, or even greater than 93%. The average transmittance, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees (or 0-10 degrees)from orthogonal to the first major surface 16, that the article 10 exhibits across the wavelength range of from 390 nm to 1050 nm can be 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%,Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 93.7%, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., from 50% to 91%, from 65% to 91%, and so on).

[0146] Solar Panel 100 With the Article 10 Having the IRVAR coating 14

[0147] Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, a solar panel 100 is herein described that includes the article 10 and one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells 106 disposed beneath the second major surface 18 of the substrate 12. During use of the solar panel 100, photons from the Sun 104 enter the solar panel 100 through the article 10 and impinge upon the one or more PV cells 106. The type of PV cells 106 is not particularly limited, though in preferred embodiments, the PV cells 106 are monocrystalline silicon PV cells 106. Alternatively, the one or more PV cells 106 can rely on cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), perovskite, or Si-perovskite tandem technologies.

[0148] The prime surface 44 of the article 10 is intended to face the Sun 104, such as during daytime hours for terrestrial applications. A second major surface 18 of the article 10 (e.g., the second major surface 18 of the substrate 12) faces inward into the solar panel 100 in the opposite direction as the prime surface 44 of the article 10. The one or more PV cells 106 faces the second major surface 18 of the article 10. The IRVAR coating 14 on the article 10 beneficially provides the solar panel 100 with a durable anti-reflective (within the visible range) coating associated with an exterior facing surface (e.g., the prime surface 44) above the one or more PV cells 106 that, in embodiments, includes both SiCh layering (e.g., the LRI layers 261) and layering with an index of refraction that is greater than 1.45, such as with the MLRI layers 26ml and the MHRI layers 26mh. The article 10 thus acts as a front cover for the solar panel 100, and the substrate 12 component of the article 10, in embodiments, is or includes glass (e.g., has a glass composition).

[0149] In embodiments, the solar panel 100 further includes a backsheet 108. The one or more PV cells 106 is disposed between the article 10 and the backsheet 108. The backsheet 108 can be thought of as a rear cover of the solar panel 100. The backsheet 108 (e.g., rear cover) can have a glass composition. The glass composition of the backsheet 108 can be the same as the composition of the substrate 12 of the article 10 but need not be. For example, the glass composition of the backsheet 108 can be substantially free of alkali ions (meaning, e.g., that alkali ions are not intentionally added to the batch from which the glass composition was made). Further, theAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT backsheet 108 can also include the IRVAR coating 14 of the present disclosure to enhance the performance of the backsheet 108, such as when the solar panel 100 is intended to be used in a bifacial manner. To expand, having the one or more PV cells 106 sandwiched between the article 10 and the backsheet 108 having a glass composition allows the one or more PV cells 106 to receive photons transmitting through both the article 10 and the backsheet 108. That arrangement in theory should increase the electricity production of the solar panel 100 compared to if the one or more PV cells 106 received photons transmitted only through the article 10 and not the backsheet 108 as well.

[0150] The backsheet 108 has an inward major surface 110, an outward major surface 112, and a thickness 114 between the inward major surface 110 and the outward major surface 112. The inward major surface 110 faces the one or more PV cells 106. The outward major surface 112 faces outward out of the solar panel 100. The thickness 114 of the backsheet 108 can be less than or equal to 2 mm. For example, the thickness 114 can be 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm, 4.0 mm, or within any range bound by any of two of those values (e.g., from 0.3 mm to 4.0 mm, from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, from 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm, from 0.6 mm to 1.3 mm, and so on). The thickness 114 of the backsheet 108 being less than 0.3 mm or greater than 4.0 mm is also envisioned.

[0151] A first polymer layer 116 can be disposed between the article 10 and the one or more PV cells 106. Similarly, a second polymer layer 118 can be disposed between the backsheet 108 and the one or more PV cells 106. The first polymer layer 116 and the second polymer layer 118 can reduce migration of ions (e.g., Na+, K+) from the article 10 and the backsheet 108, respectively, to the one or more PV cells 106 that could cause potential- induced degradation, which is degradation of the one or more PV cells 106 that lowers efficiency thereof. The first polymer layer 116 and the second polymer layer 118 can be formed of a transparent polymer, such as ethylenevinyl acetate (EVA). The first polymer layer 116 and the second polymer layer 118 can encapsulate the one or more PV cells 106.

[0152] In embodiments, the solar panel 100 further includes a frame 120. When the solar panel 100 is oriented horizontally such that the prime surface 44 of the article 10 is horizontal andAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT facing upwards, the frame 120 defines a top 122 and a bottom 124 of the solar panel 100 where the top 122 is the most elevated portion of the solar panel 100 and the bottom 124 is the least elevated portion of the solar panel 100, excluding wiring that may extend from the solar panel 100. In a more detailed example, the frame 120 includes a sidewall 126, a C-channel 128 that is contiguous with the sidewall 126, and a tab 130 that extends inward relative to the sidewall 126. The C-channel 128 is disposed at or near the top 122 of the frame 120, and the tab 130 is disposed at or near the bottom 124 of the frame 120. The tab 130 forms a plane 132 that is generally parallel to the outward major surface 112 of the backsheet 108. The article 10, the one or more PV cells 106, and the backsheet 108 are all coupled to each other as a package 134. The sidewall 126 extends around a perimeter 136 of the package 134 with the perimeter 136 of the package 134 secured within the C-channel 128 of the frame 120.

[0153] In embodiments, the solar panel 100 further includes a low-emissivity coating 138 disposed on one or more surfaces or interfaces below the exterior surface that the article 10 provides, for example at the outward major surface 112 of the backsheet 108. Low-emissivity coatings are known in the art and can include, without limitation, sputter-coated and pyrolytic coatings. The emissivity coating 138 may comprise at least one thin metal layer or 2-3 thin metal layers. The thin metal layers may comprise e.g., silver, copper or gold layers. Typical thicknesses of the thin metal layers may be in the range from 5 nm to 50nm or 8 nm to 30nm. The metal layers are typically encapsulated or separated by dielectric layers comprising e.g. SiCh, AI2O3, SiNx, MgF2, ITO, TiO2, SnO2, S11BO2, NiCrOx, or ZnO, having layer thickness of 2 nm to 150nm. These low-E films effectively reflect light in the 2 micron to 50 micron wavelength range, but also reduce the transmission in the visible light portion of the spectrum. Other materials such as transparent conductive oxides (TCO’s), including indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and aluminum-zinc-oxide (AZO), have been explored for low-E coating applications, either as the IR-reflecting layers or the encapsulating layers, but typically the best performing commercial solutions contain at least one thin metal layer. The low-emissivity coating 138 can exhibit an average transmittance of greater than or equal to 20% (or 30%) across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm. In addition, the low-emissivity coating 138 can exhibit an average reflectance of greater than or equal to 50% (or 60%) across a wavelength range of from 2 pm to 20 pm. “Low-emissivity” may be abbreviated herein as “Low-E.”Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0154] The article 10 with the IRVAR coating 14 thereupon is particularly beneficial for the solar panel 100 application, for a variety of reasons. Among them, the IRVAR coating 14 causes the solar panel 100 to reflect more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 30%, more than 40%, or even more than 60% on average of the incident light from the 1200-2500 nm wavelength range while simultaneously allowing more than 90% of light in the 450 nm to 900 nm wavelength range to reach the surface of the one or more PV cells 106.

[0155] Insulated Glass Unit 200 With the Article 10 Having the IRVAR coating 14

[0156] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, an insulated glass unit (IGU) 200 includes a first outer pane 202 that is or includes the article 10 and a second outer pane 204. A space 206 separates the first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204. The first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204 are disposed substantially parallel to each other.

[0157] The insulated glass unit 200 can further include a spacer 208 between the first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204 to further define the space 206 and help establish a distance 210 between the first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204. The distance 210 can be any value, but can be from 50 pm to 50 mm, such as from 5 mm to 25 mm. The spacer 208 may be an edge seal formed around respective edges of the first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204, a metallic pillar between the surfaces of the first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204, a low thermal conduction material, or a glass bump attached to or formed integral with one or both of the first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204. The insulated glass unit 200 can further include a frame 212 around the edges of the first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204. The space 206 may be sealed and include an insulating gas such as air, argon, krypton, xenon, and combinations thereof. The space 206 may be sealed and include a pressure less than atmospheric pressure. The first outer pane 202 can be considered to be the outside glass pane (e.g., intended to face an exterior during use). The second outer pane 204 can be considered to be the inside glass pane (e.g., intended to face an interior during use). The insulated glass unit 200 may be part of a window or a door, among other options. Although the insulated glass unit 200 is illustrated and described herein as a double pane structure, the insulated glass unit 200 can be a triple pane structure or a structure including any number of additional panes.

[0158] The first outer pane 202 includes an outside surface 214 opposite an inside surface 216. In embodiments, the outside surface 214 is directly exposed to the exterior environment (e.g.,Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT outside). In embodiments, the inside surface 216 is adjacent the space 206 between the first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204. In embodiments where the article 10 is the first outer pane 202, the prime surface 44 of the article 10 is the outside surface 214 while the second major surface 18 of the article 10 is the inside surface 216. The first outer pane 202 can be a laminate with the article 10 forming one layer of the laminate and another glass layer being laminated to the article 10. In such embodiments, the other glass layer can provide the inside surface 216 of the first outer pane 202.

[0159] For completeness, the second outer pane 204 is illustrated as a laminate that includes a first glass layer 218, a second glass layer 220, and an interlayer 222 disposed between the first glass layer 218 and the second glass layer 220. In embodiments, the first glass layer 218 is or includes soda lime glass. The interlayer 222 can assist with bonding the first glass layer 218 and the second glass layer 220 together. Examples of the interlayer 222 include polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polycarbonate, acoustic PVB, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), an ionomer, a thermoplastic material, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, no interlayer 222 is utilized and the first glass layer 218 and the second glass layer 220 directly contact each other.

[0160] The first glass layer 218 provides an outside surface 224 of the second outer pane 204. The outside surface 224 is adjacent the space 206 between the first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204. The second glass layer 220 provides an inside surface 226 of the second outer pane 204. In embodiments, the inside surface 224 is directly exposed to the interior of a building (or structure).

[0161] In embodiments, the insulated glass unit 200 further includes a low-emissivity coating 138 disposed on the second outer pane 204 or another pane (in the case of a three or more pane IGU) disposed between the first outer pane 202 and the second outer pane 204. The low-emissivity coating 138 can include the same attributes as mentioned above in connection with the solar panel 100. The low-emissivity coating 138 can be disposed on either the inside surface 226 or the outside surface 224 of the second outer pane 226.

[0162] In embodiments, the insulated glass unit 200 further includes an electrochromic, photochromic, thermochromic, suspended-particle, micro-blind, or polymer-dispersed liquidcrystal device 228 associated with the first outer pane 202 to adjustably control the transmittanceAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT therethrough of one or more wavelengths. The device 228 can be associated with the inside surface 216 of the first outer pane 202. Although the article 10 transmits a high percentage of visible light, the device 228 can be utilized to reduce transmittance through the insulated glass unit 200 as a whole toward the second outer pane 204 and into an interior of a building (or structure) of which the insulated glass unit 200 is a component.

[0163] The insulated glass unit 200 could be used for an automotive windshield or other automotive window. The insulated glass unit 200 would reduce visible reflections from the windshield, while reducing solar heating of the vehicle.

[0164] Building Incorporation of the Solar panel 100 or the Insulated glass Unit 200

[0165] A building (or structure or other architectural structure) can advantageously incorporate the above-described solar panel 100 or insulated glass unit 200. For example, the solar panel 100 and insulted glass unit 200 can be utilized to form or be a component of a patio roof, an awning, an entryway roof, an overhang, a ceiling, a skylight, or an architectural window. These applications could, via the article 10 with the IRVAR coating 14, optionally in conjunction with a pane or backsheet 108 with the low-emissivity coating 138, prevent heating of objects underneath or behind the solar panel 100 or insulated glass unit 200. An example is when the solar panel 100 is used as an architectural element to provide shade or cooling, such as to provide shade over parking lots. Reflecting electromagnetic radiation within the infrared wavelength range (e.g., from 1200 nm to 1800 nm, and so on) via the IRVAR coating 14, optionally in conjunction with a component with the low-emissivity coating 138, will contribute to cooling of the parking lot and cars below, thus also saving energy used to cool the automobiles. A similar concept can apply to building integrated PV (BIPV) applications, where the solar panel 100 can be integrated into patio roofs, awnings, entryway roofs, overhangs, ceilings, skylights, or even into main architectural windows. In the application of main architectural windows, the one or more PV cells 106 can be made thin enough to transmit at least some visible light (with some possible loss of electrical generation), providing a semi-transparent BIPV window. The semi-transparent PV window concept can also be applied to automotive roofs, known as vehicle-integrated PV (VIPV) applications.

[0166] EXAMPLESAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0167] Example 7 - For Example 1 , an article with an IRVAR coating of the present disclosure was modeled to determine average transmittance through the article and average first-surface reflectance off the surface closest to the IRVAR coating. This Example, as well as the others that follow (except where noted otherwise), were modeled using optical transfer matrix simulations, using input parameters (index of refraction and extinction coefficient vs. wavelength) from experimentally fabricated and measured sputtered thin film materials. We have found this modeling approach to yield good agreement with fabricated multilayer film optical properties in numerous prior experiments. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition) and an IRVAR coating is as follows in Table 1 below.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0168] ‘ ‘Incident” refers to the material (in this case, air) that the model assumes is disposed above the prime surface of the article. Likewise, “emergent” refers to the material (in this case, air) that the model assumes is disposed below the second major surface of the article (provided by the substrate). Layers 1 through 37 refer to the layers of the IRVAR coating.

[0169] The model calculated reflectance off the prime surface (“1-side”) of the article as a function of wavelength. In addition, the model calculated transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance). The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs for transmittance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively.

[0170] Example 2 - For Example 2, an article with an IRVAR coating of the present disclosure was modeled to determine average transmittance through the article and average first-surface reflectance off the surface closest to the IRVAR coating, in the same manner as Example 1. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition) and an IRVAR coating is as follows in Table 2 below.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0171] The model calculated reflectance off the prime surface (“1-side”) of the article as a function of wavelength. In addition, the model calculated transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance). The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs for transmittance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0172] Example 3 - For Example 3, an article with an IRVAR coating of the present disclosure was modeled to determine average transmittance through the article and average first-surface reflectance off the surface closest to the IRVAR coating, in the same manner as Example 1. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition) and an IRVAR coating is as follows in Table 3 below.Atorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0173] The model calculated reflectance off the prime surface (“1-side”) of the article as a function of wavelength. In addition, the model calculated transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance). The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs for transmittance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively.

[0174] Example - For Example 4, an article with an IRVAR coating of the present disclosure was modeled to determine average transmittance through the article and average first-surface reflectance off the surface closest to the IRVAR coating, in the same manner as Example 1. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition) and an IRVAR coating is as follows in Table 4 below. xample 4 |Atorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0175] The model calculated reflectance off the prime surface (“1-side”) of the article as a function of wavelength. In addition, the model calculated transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance). The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs for transmittance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 16 and 17, respectively.

[0176] Example 5 - For Example 5, an article with an IRVAR coating of the present disclosure was modeled to determine average transmittance through the article and average first-surface reflectance off the surface closest to the IRVAR coating, in the same manner as Example 1. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition) and an IRVAR coating is as follows in Table 5 below. xample 5 |Atorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTAtorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0177] The model calculated reflectance off the prime surface (“1-side”) of the article as a function of wavelength. In addition, the model calculated transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance). The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs for transmittance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 18 and 19, respectively.

[0178] Example 6 - For Example 6, an article with an IRVAR coating of the present disclosure was modeled to determine average transmittance through the article and average first-surface reflectance off the surface closest to the anti-reflective coating, in the same manner as Example 1. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition) and an anti-reflective coating is as follows in Table 6 below.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTThe model calculated reflectance off the prime surface (“1-side”) of the article as a function of wavelength. In addition, the model calculated transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance). The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs for transmittance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 20 and 21, respectively.

[0179] Example 7 - For Example 7, an article with an anti-reflective coating of the present disclosure was modeled to determine average transmittance through the article and average first- surface reflectance off the surface closest to the anti-reflective coating, in the same manner as Example 1. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition) and an anti-reflective coating is as follows in Table 7 below.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT| HRI thickness % | | | | | 28% |The model calculated reflectance off the prime surface (“1-side”) of the article as a function of wavelength. In addition, the model calculated transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance). The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs for transmittance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 22 and 23, respectively.

[0180] Example 8 - For Example 8, an article with an anti-reflective coating of the present disclosure was modeled to determine average transmittance through the article and average first- surface reflectance off the surface closest to the anti-reflective coating, in the same manner as Example 1. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition) and an anti-reflective coating is as follows in Table 8 below.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTwavelength. In addition, the model calculated transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance). The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs for transmittance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 24 and 25, respectively.

[0181] Example 9 - For Example 9, an article with an IRVAR coating of the present disclosure was modeled to determine average transmittance through the article and average first-surface reflectance off the surface closest to the IRVAR coating, in the same manner as Example 1. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition) and an IRVAR coating is as follows in Table 9 below.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTThe model calculated reflectance off the prime surface (“1-side”) of the article as a function of wavelength. In addition, the model calculated transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance). The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs for transmittance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 26 and 27, respectively.

[0182] Comparative Example 7 - For Comparative Example 1 , a commercially available solar cover glass with a porous sol-gel anti-reflective coating was obtained. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition) and an anti- reflective coating (single layer) is as follows in Table 10 below.measured. In addition, transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance) was measured. The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs forAtorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT transmitance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 28 and 29, respectively. Values are presented in Table 12 further below.

[0183] Comparative Example 2 - For Comparative Example 2, an article with an anti- reflective coating was modeled to determine average transmittance through the article and average first-surface reflectance off the surface closest to the anti-reflective coating, in the same manner as Example 1. The design of the article consisting of a substrate (alkaline earth boro- aluminosilicate glass composition) and an anti-reflective coating is as follows in Table 11 below. The coating includes only SiCh as an LRI layer and TiCh as an HRI layer. Unlike the IRVAR coating, no MLRI layers or MHRI layers are utilized. The coating is designed to reflect infrared wavelengths in the range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0184] The model calculated reflectance off the prime surface (“1-side”) of the article as a function of wavelength. In addition, the model calculated transmittance through the entire article (referred to as “2-side” transmittance). The calculations were tabulated and graphed. The graphs for transmittance and reflectance are reproduced as FIGS. 30 and 31, respectively.

[0185] Measured (for Comparative Example 1) and calculated (for the remainder) transmittance data for Examples 1-9 and Comparative Examples 1-2 is consolidated in Table 12 below for ready comparison. Transmittance data reported in any particular row is an average of the transmittance data points measured within the stated wavelength range. For example, “T(450- 900)” means the average transmittance (in percentage) for measured values within the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm. Further provided are calculated maximum hardness and elastic modulus values for each of Examples 1-9.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0186] Measured (for Comparative Example 1) and calculated (for the remainder) reflectance data for Examples 1-9 and Comparative Examples 1-2 is consolidated in Table 13 below for ready comparison. Reflectance data reported in any particular row is an average of the transmittance data points measured within the stated wavelength range. For example, “R(450-900)” means the average reflectance (in percentage) for measured values within the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT

[0187] The transmittance, reflectance, and hardness values presented in Tables 12 and 13 are revealing. Comparative Example 1, with the single sol-gel anti-reflectance layer, exhibits a relatively high transmittance in the beneficial (for PV cells) wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm. However, the transmittance values in the detrimental (to solar panels) wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm are also relatively high. The single sol-gel anti-reflectance layer does not simultaneously reflect much radiation in the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm, which leads to the relatively high transmittance. Further, the porous sol-gel coating is generally understood to not be durable to abrasion and weathering events. For example, there is literature where values for hardness for porous sol-gel AR coatings have been reported in the range of 2-3 GPa. See, for example, Song, N., Chang, N., Gentle, A., Zeng, Y., Jiang, Y., Wu, Y., ... & Green, M. A. (2025). Multifunctional coatings for solar module glass. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 33(1), 200-208.

[0188] The multilayer coating of Comparative Example 2 exhibits a relatively high reflectance of radiation throughout the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm, which leads to a relatively low (and therefore beneficial to solar panels) transmittance through the same range. However, the multilayer coating simultaneously reflects a relatively high percentage of radiation within the visible range of from 450 nm to 900 nm, which leads to a relatively low percentage of radiation within that range reaching the PV cells. The comparative example illustrates the difficulty of achieving simultaneous infrared reflection and high visible transmission, because reflection bands in the infrared range will typically exhibit high-order harmonics in the visible range, in particular if a broad range of infrared wavelengths is targeted for reflection.

[0189] The IRVAR coatings of Examples 1 -5 exhibit relatively low reflectance throughout the beneficial wavelength range of 450 nm to 900 nm, which leads to relatively high transmittance therethrough. In addition, the IRVAR coatings simultaneously exhibit relatively high reflectance throughout the detrimental wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm, which leads to relatively low transmittance therethrough. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the inclusion of at least four layers in each of the multilayer sections, with at least three layers exhibiting unique indices of refraction (e.g., the high index of refraction, the medium-high index of refraction, and the medium-low index of refraction), provides sufficient flexibility in design to manipulate the wave behavior of the incident electromagnetic radiation to simultaneously lowerAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT reflectance throughout the wavelength range of 450 nm to 900 nm and increases reflectance throughout the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm. The further incorporation of the LRI exhibiting the low index of refraction in at least some of the multilayer sections further increases the tunability of the IRVAR coating as a whole. Further, the inclusion of the MHRI or HRI layers (e.g., SiNxor TiCh) imparts high hardness (as reflected in the Berkovich indenter test) to the IRVAR coating.

[0190] The IRVAR coatings of Examples 6 and 7 each exhibit a very low reflectance throughout the beneficial wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm, which leads to an exceptionally high transmittance therethrough, even higher transmittance in this wavelength range than the porous SiCh AR coating of Comp. Ex. 1. The IRVAR coatings of Examples 6 and 7 also demonstrate higher reflectance and lower transmittance than the porous, low-index SiCh AR coating in the infrared wavelength ranges of 1200-1800nm, 1200-2000nm, and 1200-2500nm. Further, the IRVAR coatings of Examples 6 and 7 are also designed to exhibit high hardness and durability, especially when compared to e.g. porous, low-index SiCh coatings. It would also be beneficial in embodiments to incorporate the article with the IRVAR coating of Example 6 or the coating of Example 7 as a front cover for a solar panel or first pane of an insulated glass unit along with a backsheet (in the case of a solar panel) or further pane (in the case of an insulated glass unit) that further includes a low emissivity coating to reflect longer wavelengths.

[0191] The IRVAR coatings of Examples 8 and 9 each exhibit very low average reflectance throughout the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm, which leads to an exceptionally high transmittance therethrough, even higher transmittance in this wavelength range than the porous SiO? AR coating of Comp. Ex. 1. In addition, Examples 8 and 9 exhibit higher reflectance than Comp. Ex. 1, Ex. 6, and Ex. 7 throughout the undesirable wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm and more broadly throughout 1200 nm to 2000 nm.

[0192] The IRVAR coatings of Examples 8 and 9 are versatile in that they both exhibit a high transmittance within the visible range while exhibiting moderately high average reflectance throughout the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm and even to 2000 nm. The reflectance of that infrared range of wavelengths that Examples 8 and 9 exhibits may be sufficient for some applications. For applications that would benefit from greater reflectance within those infrared ranges or throughout the wider range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm, an apparatus (e.g.,Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT solar panel, insulated glass unit, and so on) including the article of Example 8 or the article of Example 9 can further include low-emissivity coating as described above.

[0193] The IRVAR coatings of Examples 6-9 do not exhibit as high of reflectance of infrared wavelengths as some of Examples 1-5 (note: Examples 8 and 9 reflect more than Example 2 in some of the IR ranges). However, even lower reflectance of infrared wavelengths, such as that exhibited by Examples 6-9, is sufficient to lower temperature of the device of which the article is a component (e.g., insulated glass unit, solar panel). In addition, Examples 6-9 have the benefit in terms of a reduced total coating thickness and number of layers. For example, the total coating thickness of Example 8 is only 1383.9 nm. Similarly, the total coating thickness of Example 9 is only 1223.9 nm. For comparison, the total coating thicknesses for Examples 1-5 are 2888.0 nm, 1656.9 nm, 7828.2 nm, 5204.3 nm, and 8205.5, respectively. The article of Example 8 and the article of Example 9 would each thus be less expensive and less time-intensive to manufacture than the articles of Examples 1-5, which can be advantageous. Further, Examples 6-9 exhibit increased transmittance of visible wavelengths over Examples 1-5, which increases efficiency of the solar panel. Relative to Example 8, Example 9 has slightly improved optical properties while using a simpler design (using 3 materials instead of 4 materials, having less layers, and having a lower total thickness). In addition, Example 9 avoids placing nitride or oxynitride layers immediately adjacent to TiCh layers to avoid unwanted optical absorption, which could be caused by some deposition processes, due to the formation of light absorbing titanium nitride species at interfaces between TiCh and nitride (e.g. SiNx) or oxynitride (e.g. SiOxNylayers).

[0194] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCTCLAIM(S)What is claimed is:

1. An article comprising: a substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface and the second major surface facing in generally opposite directions; and an infrared-reflective-visible-anti-reflective (IRVAR) coating disposed on the first major surface of the substrate, the IRVAR coating comprising a plurality of multilayer sections, each of the multilayer sections disposed successively with respect to one another on the first major surface, each multilayer section comprising at least two layers, wherein both of the at least two layers exhibit unique indices of refraction, the layer of the at least two layers disposed closer to the first major surface of the substrate is one of (i) an LRI layer exhibiting a low index of refraction within a range of from 1.35 to 1.60, (ii) an MLRI layer exhibiting a medium-low index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.61 to 1.84, and (iii) an MHRI layer exhibiting a medium-high index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.85 to 2.10, and the layer of the at least two layers disposed farther from the first major surface of the substrate exhibits a greater index of refraction than the closer layer and is one of (i) an MLRI layer, (ii) an MHRI layer, and (iii) an HRI layer exhibiting a high index of refraction that is within a range of from 2.11 to 2.70, and a capping LRI layer disposed over the plurality of multilayer sections, the capping LRI layer exhibiting the low index of refraction, wherein, the IRVAR coating exhibits a maximum hardness that is greater than or equal to 5 GPa measured at any depth rather than all depths within an indentation depth range from 0 to 500 nm or from 0 to the IRVAR coating thickness according to a Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test, wherein, the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is greater than or equal to 90.0% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm, andAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT wherein, the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is less than or equal to 82% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm.

2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of multilayer sections of the IRVAR coating numbers within a range of from 2 to 20, and the IRVAR coating further comprises a total coating thickness that is within a range of from 400 nm to 10000 nm.

3. The article of any one of claims 1-2, wherein some of the plurality of multilayer sections comprise only two layers.

4. The article of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the IRVAR coating comprises at least three layers exhibiting at least three unique indices of refraction.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein the at least three layers comprises: a first layer comprising an LRI layer; a second layer comprising an MLRI layer or an MHRI layer; and a third layer having a refractive index that is different from the second layer, comprising an MHRI layer or an HRI layer.

6. The article of claim 5, wherein at least one of the MLRI layer or the MHRI layer comprise SiOxNy.

7. The article of any one of claims 1 -2, wherein at least two of the plurality of multilayer sections have six layers layered as follows: the LRI layer, one of the MLRI layers, one of the MHRI layers, the HRI layer, another one of the MHRI layers, and another one of the MLRI layers, with the LRI layer disposed closest to the first major surface of the substrate.Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT8. The article of any one of claims 1-2, wherein at least two of the plurality of multilayer sections have six layers layered as follows: the LRI layer, one of the MLRI layers, a first MHRI layer, a second MHRI layer exhibiting an index of refraction that is greater than the first MHRI layer, a third MHRI layer exhibiting an index of refraction less than the second MRHI layer, and another MLRI layer, with the LRI layer disposed closest to the first major surface of the substrate.

9. The article of any one of claims 1-8, wherein each of the HRI layers comprises one or more of Nb2Os, AIN, SiNx, A10xNy, SiOxNy, and T1O2, each of the MHRI layers comprises one or more of AlSixOyNz, SiNx, A10xNy, and SiOxNy, each of the MLRI layers comprises AlSixOyNz, A10xNy, and SiOxNy, and each of the LRI layers and the capping LRI layer comprise one or more of SiCh, doped S1O2, AI2O3, GeO2, SiO, A10xNy, SiOxNy, SiuAlyOxNy, MgO, MgF2, BaF2, CaF2, DyF3, YbF3, YF3, and CeF3.

10. The article of any one of claims 1 -9, wherein each of the LRI layers and the capping LRI layer comprise an LRI thickness, each of the MLRI layers comprises an MLRI thickness, each of the MHRI layers comprises an MHRI thickness, and each of the HRI layers comprises an HRI thickness.

11. The article of claim 10, wherein a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 30% to 45% of the total coating thickness, a sum of the MLRI thicknesses is within a range of from 15% to 30% of the total coating thickness, a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 10% to 25% of the total coating thickness, andAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT a sum of the HRI thicknesses is within a range of from 13% to 28% of the total coating thickness.

12. The article of claim 10, wherein the article is substantially free of an HRI layer, a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 27% to 40% of the total coating thickness, a sum of the MLRI thicknesses is within a range of from 15% to 30% of the total coating thickness, and a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 37% to 50% of the total coating thickness.

13. The article of claim 10, wherein the article is substantially free of an MLRI layer and an HRI layer, a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 58% to 78% of the total coating thickness, and a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 22% to 42% of the total coating thickness.

14. The article of claim 10, wherein the article is substantially free of an MHRI layer, a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 60% to 80% of the total coating thickness, a sum of the MLRI thicknesses is within a range of from 0.1% to 5% of the total coating thickness, and a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 20% to 36% of the total coating thickness.

15. The article of claim 10, wherein the article is substantially free of an MLRI layer,Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 50% to 65% of the total coating thickness, a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 15% to 25% of the total coating thickness, and a sum of the HRI thicknesses is within a range of from 18% to 28% of the total coating thickness.

16. The article of claim 10, wherein a sum of the LRI thicknesses is within a range of from 52% to 72% of the total coating thickness, a sum of the MLRI thicknesses is within a range of from 0.1% to 5% of the total coating thickness, a sum of the MHRI thicknesses is within a range of from 10% to 20% of the total coating thickness, and a sum of the HRI thicknesses is within a range of from 13% to 28% of the total coating thickness.

17. The article of any one of claims 1-16 further comprising: a surface-modifying layer upon the IRVAR coating.

18. The article of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the substrate further comprises a glass composition or a glass-ceramic composition, and the glass composition is an alkali aluminosilicate glass composition, a soda lime glass composition, alkaline earth aluminosilicate, or an alkaline earth boro-aluminosilicate glass composition.

19. The article of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the substrate comprises one of following: a downshifting substrate that exhibits absorption of photons associated with an ultraviolet wavelength and emits photons associated with a visible or a near-infrared wavelength;Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT a strengthened substrate with a transparency greater than 85% in the visible spectrum from 450 nm to 900 nm; a tempered material with a transparency greater than 85% in the visible spectrum from 450 nm to 900 nm; and the substrate comprises a region of compressive stress at or near the first major surface.

20. The article of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the maximum hardness measured at any depth rather than all depths within an indentation depth range from 0 to 500 nm or from 0 to the IRV AR coating thickness according to the Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test that the IRV AR coating exhibits is greater than or equal to 6 GPa, and the IRV AR coating exhibits an elastic modulus of greater than or equal to 60 GPa.

21. The article of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the average transmittance through the article that the article exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, is less than or equal to 80% across the wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 2500 nm.

22. The article of any one of claims 1 -20, wherein the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is less than or equal to 75% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm.

23. The article of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is greater than or equal to 93.5% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm.

24. The article of any one of claims 1 -20, whereinAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT the average transmittance through the article that the article exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, is greater than or equal to 94.5% across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm.

25. The article of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the average transmittance through the article that the article exhibits, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, is greater than or equal to 94.8% across the wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm.

26. A solar panel comprising: the article of any one of claims 1-25 and one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells disposed beneath the second major surface of the substrate.

27. An insulated glass unit comprising: a first outer pane comprising the article of any one of claims 1-25; and a second outer pane separated from the first outer pane by a space.

28. A structure comprising: any one of a patio roof, an awning, an entry way roof, an overhang, a ceiling, a skylight, or an architectural window comprising the article of any one of claims 1-25.

29. A solar panel comprising: an article comprising: a substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface and the second major surface facing in generally opposite directions; and an infrared-reflective- visible-anti-reflective (IRVAR) coating disposed on the first major surface of the substrate, the IRVAR coating comprisingAttorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT a plurality of multilayer sections, each of the multilayer sections disposed successively with respect to one another on the first major surface, each multilayer section comprising at least two layers, wherein both of the at least two layers exhibit unique indices of refraction, a closer layer of the at least two layers disposed closest to the first major surface of the substrate is one of (i) an LRI layer exhibiting a low index of refraction within a range of from 1.35 to 1.60, (ii) an MLRI layer exhibiting a medium-low index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.61 to 1.84, or (iii) an MHRI layer exhibiting a medium-high index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.85 to 2.10, and a farther layer of the at least two layers disposed farther from the first major surface of the substrate than the closer layer exhibits a greater index of refraction than the closer layer and is one of (i) an MLRI layer, (ii) an MHRI layer, or (iii) an HRI layer exhibiting a high index of refraction that is within a range of from 2.11 to 2.70, and a capping LRI layer disposed over the plurality of multilayer sections, the capping LRI layer exhibiting the low index of refraction, and one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells disposed beneath the second major surface of the substrate, wherein, the IRVAR coating exhibits a maximum hardness that is greater than or equal to 5 GPa measured at any depth rather than all depths within an indentation depth range from 0 to 500 nm or from 0 to the IRVAR coating thickness according to a Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test, wherein, the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is greater than or equal to 90.0% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm, and wherein, the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is less than or equal to 82% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm.Atorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT30. The solar panel of claim 29 further comprising: a backsheet, wherein, the one or more PV cells is disposed between the backsheet and the article.

31. The solar panel of any one of claims 29-30 further comprising: a low-emissivity coating disposed on a surface of the backsheet, wherein, the low-emissivity coating exhibits (i) an average transmitance of greater than or equal to 20% Wacross a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm and (ii) an average reflectance of greater than or equal to 50% across a wavelength range of from 2 pm to 20 pm.

32. An insulated glass unit comprising: a first outer pane comprising an article comprising: a substrate comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface and the second major surface facing in generally opposite directions; and an infrared-reflective- visible-anti-reflective (IRVAR) coating disposed on the first major surface of the substrate, the IRVAR coating comprising a plurality of multilayer sections, each of the multilayer sections disposed successively with respect to one another on the first major surface, each multilayer section comprising at least two layers, wherein(a) both of the at least two layers exhibit unique indices of refraction,(b) a closer layer of the at least two layers disposed closest to the first major surface of the substrate is one of (i) an LRI layer exhibiting a low index of refraction within a range of from 1.35 to 1.60, (ii) an MLRI layer exhibiting a medium-low index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.61 to 1.84, or (iii) an MHRI layer exhibiting a medium-high index of refraction that is within a range of from 1.85 to 2.10, and(c) a farther layer of the at least two layers disposed farther from the first major surface of the substrate than the closer layer exhibits a greater index of refraction than the closer layer and is one of (i) an MLRI layer, (ii)Attorney Docket No.: SP24-322_PCT an MHRI layer, or (iii) an HRI layer exhibiting a high index of refraction that is within a range of from 2.11 to 2.70, and a capping LRI layer disposed over the plurality of multilayer sections, the capping LRI layer exhibiting the low index of refraction, and a second outer pane separated from the first outer pane by a space, wherein, the IRVAR coating exhibits a maximum hardness that is greater than or equal to 5 GPa measured at any depth rather than all depths within an indentation depth range from 0 to 500 nm or from 0 to the IRVAR coating thickness according to a Berkovich Indenter Hardness Test, wherein, the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is greater than or equal to 90.0% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm, and wherein, the article exhibits an average transmittance through the article, at an angle of incidence of 0 degrees from orthogonal to the first major surface, that is less than or equal to 82% across a wavelength range of from 1200 nm to 1800 nm.

33. The insulated glass unit of claim 32 further comprising: a low-emissivity coating disposed on the second outer pane or another pane disposed between the first outer pane and the second outer pane, wherein, the low-emissivity coating exhibits (i) an average transmittance of greater than or equal to 20% across a wavelength range of from 450 nm to 900 nm and (ii) an average reflectance of greater than or equal to 50% across a wavelength range of from 1 pm to 10 pm.

34. The insulated glass unit of any one of claims 32-33 further comprising: an electrochromic, photochromic, thermochromic, suspended-particle, micro-blind, or polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal device associated with the first outer pane to adjustably control the transmittance therethrough of one or more wavelengths.

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