Low-Reflection Lens Coating with Nanoparticles and Hydrophobic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical lens assemblies face challenges in effectively reducing reflectance and stray light interference, particularly in outdoor environments, due to insufficient structural support of porous microstructures and complex, costly multi-layer coatings, which affect image quality.
Innovation Solution
A low reflection layer comprising a rough layer, nanocrystalline particles, and a hydrophobic layer is applied to optical lens elements, where the nanocrystalline particles with a diameter of 200 nm < DC < 1000 nm are interposed between the rough and hydrophobic layers, using materials like SiO2, to enhance anti-reflection properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a porous microstructure is formed by etching the surface of the film on the optical lens assembly, then the reflectance is reduced, but the structural support is insufficient causing the film-layer surface to deform easily when external force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different treatments to different regions of the optical element surface. The porous microstructure is formed only in specific areas while leaving other areas intact to provide structural support. This localized approach allows the anti-reflection function to be achieved without compromising the overall structural integrity of the film layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the porous microstructure layer with the underlying film layer and substrate. This composite design allows the porous layer to provide anti-reflection properties while the underlying layers maintain structural support and resistance to external forces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a multi-layer coating method is used to achieve better anti-reflection effect, then the reflectance is reduced, but the preparing process becomes complicated and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the anti-reflection function into two distinct components: a porous microstructure layer for light scattering and a reflective layer for light reflection. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall preparation process compared to traditional multi-layer coating methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional multi-layer coating mechanical process with a combination of porous structure formation (through etching or self-assembly) and reflective layer deposition. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of coating steps while achieving comparable or better anti-reflection performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a multi-layer coating method is used to achieve better anti-reflection effect, then the reflectance is reduced, but the cost of the coating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective materials and methods for creating the porous microstructure and reflective layer. The porous structure can be formed through relatively simple etching processes or self-assembly techniques, and the reflective layer can be applied using standard deposition methods, both of which are more cost-effective than complex multi-layer coating systems.
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 solution significantly reduces reflectance to 0% < R400-1000 nm ≤ 2.4%, ensuring smooth light incidence and maintaining ultra-low reflectance, while preventing adhesive diffusion and protecting the internal structure.
Implementation Method 1
the low reflection layer includes a rough layer, a nanocrystalline particle and a hydrophobic layer... the nanocrystalline particle is disposed between the rough layer and the hydrophobic layer... reflectance in a wavelength range of 400 nm-1000 nm of a surface including the low reflection layer is R40100, the following conditions are satisfied: 0% < R40100 ≤ 2.4%
Implementation Method 2
the low reflection layer includes a rough layer, a nanocrystalline particle and a hydrophobic layer... When an average diameter of the nanocrystalline particle is DC, the following condition is satisfied: 200 nm < DC < 1000 nm
Implementation Method 3
the low reflection layer includes a rough layer, a nanocrystalline particle and a hydrophobic layer... the hydrophobic layer is farther away from the surface of the at least one optical lens element or the at least one optical element than the nanocrystalline particle... preventing adhesive diffusion and protecting the internal structure
Data Source
AI summary
An optical lens assembly includes at least one optical lens element and at least one optical element. At least one surface of the at least one optical lens element or the at least one optical element includes a low reflection layer, and the low reflection layer includes a rough layer, a nanocrystalline particle and a hydrophobic layer. The nanocrystalline particle is disposed between the rough layer and the hydrophobic layer, and the hydrophobic layer is farther away from the surface of the at least one optical lens element or the at least one optical element than the nanocrystalline particle. A material of the nanocrystalline particle at least includes SiO2.