Anti-Reflection (AR)

Coating

FATIMA ZAHID
DEMONSTRATOR
M.PHIL.OPTOMETRY (PGR)
 Anti-reflection (AR) Coating

An antireflective or anti-reflection (AR)

coating is a type of optical coating applied to the
surface of lenses and other optical devices to reduce
reflection.
which is particularly noticeable when driving at
night or working in front of a computer monitor.
 Ophthalmic Use

This improves the efficiency of the system since less

light is lost.
In complex systems such as a telescope, the
reduction in reflections also improves the contrast of
the image by elimination of stray light.
Optician dispense "anti-reflection lenses" because
the decreased reflection makes them look better, and
they produce less glare.
Allowing more light to pass through the lens also
Increases contrast and therefore increases visual
acuity.
Many anti-reflection lenses include an additional
coating that repels water and grease, making them
easier to keep clean.
 Type of lenses for AR Coating

Anti-reflection coatings are particularly suited to

high-index lenses, as these reflect more light without
the coating than a lower-index lens .

It is also generally easier and cheaper to coat high

index glasses.
 Need of AR Coating

Reflections also occur on the cornea of the eye

Reflections from the spectacle lens into the eye are
perceived as reflected images.
All these reflected images and haze are superimposed on
the direct image.
They reduce contrast and can even falsify the information
content of the perceived image.
They are particularly irritating when the wearer is driving
at night or on a wet road.
Reflections directed in a forward direction are not
perceived by the wearer.

However, they do prevent anyone looking at him

from seeing his eyes clearly and hence constitute a
cosmetic drawback.

All reflections occurring on a lens result in a

reduction in transmission
Which picture is prettier ??
 Working of AR coating

Main working principle of anti reflection coating is

destruction of waves.
 A wavelength range must be specified when designing or
ordering such coatings, but good performance can often be
achieved for a relatively wide range of frequencies
Many coatings consist of transparent thin film
structures with alternating layers of contrasting
refractive index.
 Light is reflected at both interfaces of an AR
coating.
The two reflected wave trains of a certain
wavelength can cancel each other out totally by
interference if both the phase and amplitude
requirements are met.
Phase requirements:
The crest and trough of the two reflected wave trains
must coincide.
Must have a path difference of one half a wavelength
relative to each other.
By the appropriate choice of layer thicknesses and layer
types, the phase requirement can be met for the reference
wavelength (wavelength for which the AR coating is
optimized).
Interference then leads to a minimization of residual
reflection.
To achieve this, the layer thickness (t) must total one
quarter of the reference wavelength.
The amplitudes of the two reflected wave trains must
be identical to ensure that total cancellation can take
place for the reference wavelength.
By appropriately selecting the refractive indices of
the AR coating layers, interference leads to a
minimization of residual reflections.
 This makes the structure's performance change with
wavelength and incident angle.
Destructive interference between the two reflected
beams occurs, which cancels out both beams before
they exit the surface.
 The optical thickness of the optical coating must be
an odd integer multiple of λ/4, where λ is the design
wavelength or wavelength being optimized for peak
performance in order to achieve the desired path
difference of λ/2 between the reflected beams.)
 When achieved, this it will lead to the cancellation of
the beams.
 The index of refraction of a thin film (nf) needed for
complete cancelation of the reflected beams can be
found by using the refractive indices of the incident
medium (n0) and the substrate ( ns )
 AR’s effectiveness
The following are important for the effectiveness of
an AR coating:

 layer thickness

 the refractive index of the AR coating material

Layer thicknesses are chosen to produce destructive
interference in the beams reflected from the
interfaces, and constructive interference in the
corresponding transmitted beams.
AR coating thickness should be quarter of
wavelength. i.e

n = refractive index
lambda = wavelength
Refractive Index Requirement:
Perfect anti-reflection we need;
 Equal reflections
 Opposite (out of phase) reflections
This is achieved by having the refractive index of the
AR coat equal to the square root of the product of the
refractive index of the substance and the
surrounding medium.
 Types of AR coating

There are the following types of AR coatings:

 Single-layer interference

 Multi-layer interference
 Single Layer Anti-Reflection Coating:

A single layer anti-reflection coating can be made

non-reflective only at one wavelength, usually at the
middle of the visible spectrum.

Single layer antireflection coatings are generally

calculated for a midrange wavelength like 550 nm
(green).
Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating:

Multiple layers are more effective over the entire

visible spectrum.
 Care of an AR Coated Lens

Certain precautions need to be taken to keep them in

good condition.
Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners
Avoid salt or bead frame warmers
Avoid excessive heat
Avoid caustic chemicals and sprays, such as
acetones, ammonia, chlorine, hair spray.
Avoid marking lenses with heavy inks.
 Benefits

AR coated lenses improves night driving vision.

Increases comfort during prolonged computer use
(compared with wearing uncoated lenses).
AR coating is especially beneficial if you choose high-
index lenses
 References

David Wilson, Steve stenersen: Practical optical

workshop, OTEN- DE, NSW TAFE Commission,
2002
Margaret Dowaliby: Practical Aspects of Ophthalmic
optics, Fourth edition, Butterworth Heinemann,
USA, 2001