Antireflection coating design for plastic optics

TLDR

Plastic optical coatings aim to enhance durability of soft polymers while providing antireflection, typically using a classic four‑layer system atop a single‑layer hard coating. The study develops an alternative plastic coating design using needle optimization to improve durability and antireflection. The design uses thin, evenly distributed high‑index layers deposited by plasma ion‑assisted deposition on PMMA, polycarbonate, and cyclo‑olefin copolymer. The optimized coating achieved uniform antireflection and high scratch resistance.

Abstract

The coating of plastics for optical applications is intended to improve the mechanical durability of soft polymers and to serve an antireflection function. Usually a classic four-layer antireflection system is added on top of a single-layer hard coating. With needle optimization, an alternative coating design has been developed. The design is characterized by thin high-refractive-index layers that are almost evenly distributed over the whole stack. Plasma ion-assisted deposition was used to deposit coatings upon poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, and cyclo-olefin copolymer. Uniform antireflection and high scratch resistance have been achieved.