Applications Anti-reflective coating

anti-reflective coatings used in camera lenses, giving lens elements distinctive colours.

anti-reflective coatings used in wide variety of applications light passes through optical surface, , low loss or low reflection desired. examples include anti-glare coatings on corrective lenses , camera lens elements, , antireflective coatings on solar cells.

corrective lenses

opticians may recommend anti-reflection lenses because decreased reflection enhances cosmetic appearance of lenses. such lenses said reduce glare, reduction slight. eliminating reflections allows more light pass through, producing slight increase in contrast , visual acuity.

antireflective ophthalmic lenses should not confused polarized lenses, decrease (by absorption) visible glare of sun reflected off surfaces such sand, water, , roads. term antireflective relates reflection surface of lens itself, not origin of light reaches lens.

many anti-reflection lenses include additional coating repels water , grease, making them easier keep clean. anti-reflection coatings particularly suited high-index lenses, these reflect more light without coating lower-index lens (a consequence of fresnel equations). easier , cheaper coat high index lenses.

photolithography

antireflective coatings used in microelectronic photolithography reduce image distortions associated reflections off surface of substrate. different types of antireflective coatings applied either before or after photoresist, , reduce standing waves, thin-film interference, , specular reflections.