Introduction: What is anti-reflective glass?

Anti-reflective glass, also known as AR glass, is a coating glass with high light transmission. We use magnetron sputtering to form an anti-reflection coating on a single surface or two surfaces of ultra-clear glass, which significantly reduces the reflectivity of the glass surface. As a result, a peak of maximum transmission can reach 99%, and the surface reflected light would drop from 8% to below 1%, achieving high light transmission, low reflection, and accurate color reproduction.

Principle: How does anti-reflective glass work?

When light travels from an optically thinner substance to an optically denser substance, the reflected light will have a half-wave loss. The optical path difference of the reflected light on the rear surface of the AR film coated on the glass is exactly half-wavelength different from the optical path difference of the reflected light on the front surface of the film. Therefore, the reflected light from the front and rear surfaces of the film cancels out, which is equivalent to increasing the energy of the transmitted light.

How-does-anti-reflective-glass-work

As AR glass uses magnetron sputtering coating technology, the sputtered substances are all transparent optical films formed by the movement of atoms at the nanometer level. Therefore, it does not affect the performance of the glass itself. Instead, it has a hardening effect, which protects the glass itself and has strong adhesion. Therefore, it can be regarded as having formed a whole with the glass.

The human’s visual range of visible light is generally around 555nm. The transmittance of ordinary glass at this wavelength is about 91.5%, while the transmittance of anti-reflective coated glass is 99%. That is why the colors will be more vivid and realistic when we look through AR-coated glass.

clear glass (left) vs. anti reflective glass (right)

Benefits: Why choose anti-reflective glass?

High transmittance, low reflection, no shadows

The highest peak value of visible light transmittance is 99%, the average visible light transmittance exceeds 97%, the average reflectivity is less than 1%, and the minimum value is less than 0.5%. The visual effect is excellent, which makes people ignore the existence of glass.

Scratch-resistant and wear-resistant

The hardness of AR glass coating is comparable to that of glass. Besides, it can withstand various cleanings without damaging the coated layer.

High temperature and UV resistance

The temperature resistance of AR glass is below 650°C (Acrylic can only withstand a temperature of 80°C). When AR glass is made into laminated glass, it also has an anti-ultraviolet function.

Strong impact resistance and good flatness

The impact performance of 3mm thick AR glass is equivalent to 6mm acrylic. Moreover, the flatness of AR glass is far better than that of coated acrylic.

museum glass anti reflective

Applications: Where can use anti-reflective glass?

The price of AR glass is higher than float glass and ultra-clear glass. It’s generally used in high-end places or technical instruments, such as:

  • Museum showcases,
  • Jewelry display cabinets,
  • Luxury showrooms,
  • High-end display windows or cabinets,
  • Picture frames,
  • Optical devices and equipment,
  • Outdoor display equipment,
  • Modern agricultural intelligent greenhouses,
  • Airports, Observation hall glass…