Conformal Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Antireflective Coatings

ABSTRACT: The objective of this STTR Phase II project is to demonstrate that resonant infrared matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (RIR-MAPLE) is a commercially-viable technology for the deposition of hybrid organic/inorganic polymeric, gradient refractive index, anti-reflection (GRIN-ARTM) coatings on both rigid and flexible substrates. Description of Effort: Based on the feasibility research conducted during Phase I, Phase II will focus on optimizing the optical properties of GRIN-ARTM coatings deposited by RIR-MAPLE, optimizing the synthesis of hybrid organic/inorganic polymeric materials, enabling GRIN-ARTM coating deposition on flexible substrates, and translating optimized processes to commercial-scale production. The performance goal for the proposed work is to demonstrate a durable GRIN-ARTM coating on a flexible substrate with reflection<0.5% over the visible wavelength range (400-750nm) for wide angles of incidence. BENEFIT: The precise control of RIR-MAPLE film deposition is an important benefit and perfectly suited for GRIN-ARTM coatings due to the capability of discrete deposition of hybrid nanocomposites with variable composition. The synthesis of custom hybrid organic/inorganic polymeric materials is a second benefit that enables both refractive index control and improved durability. The successful demonstration of the proposed conformal hybrid organic/inorganic GRIN-ARTM structure deposited using RIR-MAPLE will enable environmentally durable, UV-protected, anti-reflection coatings for military and commercial applications such as wearable electronics, protective eye wear, and energy efficient light weight solar control coatings. These applications are consistent with the mission of ZT Solar Inc., which is to commercialize optical coating materials and processes to provide cost effective anti-reflection coatings.