HEV Light Absorbing Coating for Ophthalmic Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coatings for ophthalmic substrates do not effectively absorb high energy visible light within the 400 nm to 460 nm wavelength range, leading to increased blue light flux to the eye and potential eye strain, and lack sufficient protection against UV 350-400 nm light.
Innovation Solution
A high energy visible light absorbing coating comprising aluminum zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide, or gallium zinc oxide is applied through physical vapor deposition, selectively absorbing light within the 350 nm to 460 nm range while transmitting at least 98% of light outside this range, and is antireflective to reduce blue light flux and UV exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional optical coatings are used, then light transmission is maintained, but high energy visible light (400-460 nm) is not effectively absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical properties of the coating by incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles (aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, indium oxide, gallium oxide) that specifically alter the absorption characteristics in the 400-460 nm wavelength range while maintaining transmission in other ranges. This changes the spectral selectivity parameters of the coating to target harmful blue light
Solution Approach 2:
The coating is formulated as a composite material combining conventional optical coating components with metal oxide nanoparticles. This composite structure enables simultaneous light transmission and selective blue light absorption, resolving the contradiction between maintaining visibility and blocking harmful wavelengths
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blue light absorption is increased, then protection against eye strain improves, but light transmission may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coating exhibits local quality in its optical properties by being spectrally selective - it absorbs light specifically in the 400-460 nm blue light range while maintaining high transmission (90% or more) in other wavelength ranges. This localized absorption quality allows blue light protection without compromising overall illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The nanoparticle concentration and size distribution are optimized to achieve peak absorption in the blue light range while minimizing impact on other wavelengths. By controlling particle parameters (size, concentration, composition), the coating achieves selective absorption without broad-spectrum light blocking
3Object-affected harmful factors
If selective blue light absorption coating is applied, then harmful light flux is reduced, but coating complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single coating layer: UV protection, blue light absorption, and antireflection properties are integrated into one composite coating structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate coating layers for each function, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced material composition
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The coating effectively reduces blue light flux to the eye, minimizes pupil dilation, and provides protection against UV 350-400 nm light, alleviating digital eye strain and potential risks such as macular degeneration while maintaining phototropic vision.
Implementation Method 1
the high energy visible light absorbing material selectively absorbing light within a wavelength range of the light spectrum of between about 350 nm and about 460 nm
Implementation Method 2
the high energy visible light absorbing material enabling transmission of at least 98 percent of light outside the wavelength range of the light spectrum of between about 350 nm and about 460 nm
Implementation Method 3
the high energy visible light absorbing material further being generally antireflective
Implementation Method 4
A high energy visible light absorbing coating comprising aluminum zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide, or gallium zinc oxide is applied through physical vapor deposition
Data Source
AI summary
A high energy visible (HEV) light absorbing material and application method for an ophthalmic substrate includes deposition of an HEV light absorbing material onto the ophthalmic substrate. The HEV light absorbing material is applied through physical vapor deposition as a thin layer on ophthalmic substrates for flexibility and color adaptation. The HEV light absorbing material includes at least one of: aluminum zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide and gallium zinc oxide with a material commonly used in the design of antireflective absorbing materials. The HEV light absorbing coating is antireflective and transmits up to 98% of light for the rest of spectrum. The HEV light absorbing material allows the ophthalmic substrate to selectively absorb blue light that falls in the wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 460 nm.