Nanostructured Surfaces with Enclosed Voids for Optical Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nanostructured surfaces exposed to the ambient environment face challenges in maintaining refractive index contrast while being susceptible to damage and contamination, limiting their attachment to other surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A layered structure is formed with a nanostructured first surface and an inorganic second layer bonded via a coupling agent, creating enclosed voids that protect the nanostructured surface and maintain refractive index contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nanostructured surface is exposed to the ambient environment to provide refractive index contrast, then the optical functionality is improved, but the surface becomes susceptible to damage and contamination and limits attachment to other surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective structure into multiple layers: a first layer with the nanostructured surface, a second inorganic layer, and an optional third layer. This segmentation allows each layer to serve specific functions - the nanostructured first layer provides optical functionality while the subsequent layers provide protection and attachment capabilities, resolving the contradiction between exposing the nanostructured surface for optical function and protecting it from environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the nanostructured first surface is enclosed by the second inorganic layer and optionally the third layer. The void space between the nanostructured surface and the second layer is enclosed within this nested configuration. This nesting protects the nanostructured surface from direct environmental exposure while maintaining the refractive index contrast through the enclosed void, thereby resolving the contradiction between optical functionality and protection from damage.
2Reliability
If the nanostructured surface is exposed to provide refractive index contrast, then the optical functionality is improved, but the attachment to other surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the attachment function from the optical function by introducing a second inorganic layer and optionally a third layer. The second layer bonds to the first layer containing the nanostructured surface, while the third layer (when present) provides the attachment interface to substrates or other components. This segmentation allows the nanostructured surface to remain exposed for optimal optical functionality while the third layer handles the attachment requirements, resolving the contradiction between optical performance and attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The second inorganic layer and third layer serve as intermediary structures between the nanostructured first layer and external substrates or components. These intermediary layers provide bonding interfaces and mechanical attachment capabilities without directly interfering with the optical functionality of the nanostructured surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining optical performance and achieving strong attachment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective layer is added to protect the nanostructured surface, then the protection from damage and contamination is improved, but the refractive index contrast may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a void space specifically at the location of the nanostructured surface, while the protective second and third layers are positioned elsewhere in the structure. This void enclosure maintains the refractive index contrast locally at the nanostructured interface, while the protective layers provide overall structural protection. The protective layers do not directly contact or cover the nanostructured surface, thereby preserving the local optical properties while providing global protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The void space enclosing the nanostructured surface is nested within the protective second and third layers. This nested configuration allows the protective layers to shield the nanostructured surface from environmental damage and contamination while the enclosed void maintains the refractive index contrast. The nesting structure ensures that the protective function and optical function are spatially separated, resolving the contradiction between protection and refractive index maintenance.
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 effectively protects the nanostructured surface from damage and contamination while preserving the refractive index contrast, enhancing the durability and functionality of optical elements.
Implementation Method 1
treating a first major surface of a second layer with a coupling agent to bond the coupling agent with the second layer
Implementation Method 2
bonding at least one of the first layer or the coupling agent bonded with the second layer to bond the first layer and the second layer together through a bonded coupling agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an article including a layer having a nanostructured first surface including nanofeatures and an opposing second surface, and an inorganic layer including a major surface bonded to a portion of the nanostructured first surface. The nanostructured first surface includes protruding features that are formed of a single composition and/or recessed features. The article includes at least one enclosed void defined in part by the nanostructured first surface. The present disclosure also provides a method of making the article including treating a major surface of an inorganic layer with a coupling agent, contacting a nanostructured surface of a layer with the treated inorganic layer, and securing the two layers together via a bonded coupling agent by bonding at least one of the nanostructured surface or the treated inorganic layer. In addition, the present disclosure provides an optical element including the article. The nanostructured surface of the article is protected from damage and contamination by the inorganic layer.