Lenzencoatings

Lenzencoatings are thin-film optical coatings applied to lenses to improve light transmission and control reflections. By stacking layers with carefully chosen refractive indices, these coatings reduce glare, increase contrast, and can tailor the spectral transmission of a lens. They are commonly applied to eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, microscope objectives, and projection optics, and may be added to one or both surfaces.

Anti-reflective coatings are the most widespread type, minimizing surface reflections across the visible spectrum to boost transmitted light. Other coatings include UV-blocking layers that cut ultraviolet transmission, scratch-resistant layers to improve durability, and hydrophobic or oleophobic layers that shed water, oils, and fingerprints. Polarizing and mirrored coatings are used for glare suppression and aesthetic effects, respectively.

AR coatings are typically constructed from alternating high- and low-refractive-index materials, such as magnesium fluoride and silica, deposited as precise multilayer stacks. More complex broadband AR systems use three or more materials and numerous layers to achieve low reflectance over wide spectral ranges. Manufacturing methods include physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition, often with ion-assisted or magnetron-assisted techniques to improve adhesion and durability.

Performance is described by transmittance, residual reflectance, color neutrality, and environmental durability. Modern coatings aim for high transmission and low color shift while withstanding cleaning, moisture, and abrasion. Limitations include higher cost, potential delamination if substrates are incompatible, and occasional tinting effects in some coatings.