Multiband Optical Transmission Member With Scratch-Resistant Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for improving the scratch resistance of transmission members that transmit light in multiple wavelength ranges, as existing multilayer antireflection films with low refractive index outermost layers are prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A transmission member comprising a base material that transmits far-infrared rays and a functional film with an average transmittance of at least 50% for light between 8 μm and 12 μm, and a refractive index of the outermost layer of at least 1.7 for light between 0.8 μm and 1.8 μm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a low refractive index film is used as the outermost layer to achieve antireflection effect in multiple wavelength ranges, then light transmission is improved, but scratch resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional multilayer antireflection film structure by placing a high refractive index film as the outermost layer instead of a low refractive index film. This inversion allows the outermost layer to provide both high scratch resistance and appropriate optical performance, while the inner layers maintain the antireflection function across multiple wavelength ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite multilayer structure combining films with different refractive indices (high, medium, and low). This composite approach allows the outermost high refractive index film to provide mechanical durability while the combined layer structure achieves broadband antireflection, solving both scratch resistance and light transmission requirements simultaneously.
2Strength
If a high refractive index film is used as the outermost layer to improve scratch resistance, then durability is improved, but light transmission in multiple wavelength ranges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antireflection function across multiple layers with different refractive indices. The outermost high refractive index layer handles mechanical protection and high-frequency light management, while inner medium and low refractive index layers handle broadband antireflection. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in specific functions, achieving both durability and multi-wavelength transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different refractive index characteristics to different layers based on their positional requirements. The outermost layer has high refractive index for durability and high-energy light management, while inner layers have progressively lower refractive indices for broadband antireflection. Each layer's optical property is optimized for its specific location and function.
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 provides improved scratch resistance while maintaining high transmittance across multiple wavelength ranges, effectively addressing the limitations of existing transmission members.
Implementation Method 1
a functional film that is formed on the base material, wherein average transmittance with respect to light at a wavelength from 8 μm to 12 μm is equal to or larger than 50%, transmittance with respect to light from a laser beam source that emits light in a wavelength range from 0.8 μm to 1.8 μm is equal to or larger than 80%, and a refractive index of an outermost layer of the functional film with respect to light from the laser beam source is equal to or larger than 1.7
Data Source
AI summary
To provide improved scratch resistance while transmitting light in a plurality of wavelength ranges. A transmission member (20) includes a base material (30) that transmits far-infrared rays, and a first functional film (32) that is formed on the base material (30). Average transmittance of the transmission member (20) with respect to light at a wavelength from 8 μm to 12 μm is equal to or larger than 50%, and transmittance of the transmission member (20) with respect to light from a laser beam source that emits light in a wavelength range from 0.8 μm to 1.8 μm is equal to or larger than 80%. A refractive index of an outermost layer (34) of the first functional film (32) with respect to light from the laser beam source is equal to or larger than 1.7.