Antireflective glass and its applications

Antireflective glass and its applications

The usage of antireflective glass possibly needs no explanation – it is ultimately in place to enhance visual experiences and remove unwanted reflections and glare. Here we look at antireflective glass and its applications in detail…

So where is antireflective glass used?

The most obvious and possibly widely used application may be spectacle lenses, yet there are so many more environments that benefit and indeed require antireflective properties. One important area is within solar panel technology. If a solar panel is uncoated, it can reflect 30% of the suns rays, meaning only 70% will hit the solar cell. By introducing antireflective glass, the solar panels become more energy efficient – this in turn makes each panel superior in terms of energy output against the same level of solar input available.

Other important applications of antireflective glass would include medical facilities, especially where there are areas of required confinement such as maternity units and intensive care units.

Retail is another area where non reflection can be crucial, from the inside out. Outside retail stores, the importance of shop windows is huge – and having glass that offers a perfect view of the goods on display is clear (clear? Get it?!!!), a retailer does not want environmental glare obstructing the shoppers view. Within stores and showrooms, which are generally heavily lit areas, the same applies. Where there are goods on view behind glass, these really need to offer no reflection.

The next time you are in a well-known chain of jewellers, check out there display cases – don’t worry, you are not a vampire – the store will have antireflective glass in place.

The leisure industry may also utilise antireflective glass, and here’s some examples: The glassed off VIP enclosures in sports stadiums, zoos and especially aquariums. Another scenario is in an art gallery or museum.

Viewing a work of art really needs to be the best visual experience possible – especially if you are a gallery owner. They want you to admire the piece they are trying to sell you rather than you getting distracted by your own reflection! Museum’s will often have their artefacts safely stored within display cases – often in well lit areas. Normally that would cause reflections, which is why antireflective glass has become a popular choice in recent years.

This same trend has also filtered through to domestic use, although this same antireflective effect is achieved through retro fitted antireflective films (which we can also supply).

Diamond Coatings antireflective glass

Diamond Coatings supply a range of antireflective coatings that offer enhanced optical performance by reducing reflection and glare. The coatings can be supplied on glass and also onto acrylic or polycarbonate substrates. As mentioned above, We also manufacture and supply an antireflective film, available on a roll or in smaller sheet sizes.

Our anti reflective coated glass options dramatically reduce reflections to a fraction of what is the norm for conventional glass, ensuring crystal clear transparency, regardless of light levels on either side of the glass.

Industry leaders in anti reflective coated glass

At Diamond Coatings, We have the capability of applying anti reflecting coatings to larger parts, up to 650mm x 650mm, as well as laminating AR coated film to larger areas. which is considerably more than industry standard within the coatings market. We are continuously developing new coatings – many of which are designed specifically to meet client-specific requirements.

Talk to us about your anti reflective requirements

Our technical team welcomes any specific enquiries as well as being on hand to answer any more general enquiries regarding our antireflective coating options, please get in touch with us today.