Definition
AR (Anti-Reflection) anti-reflection coating is an optical film that reduces surface reflectivity by using destructive interference. It is commonly found in glasses, camera lenses and high-end screen protectors.
Principle and Background
The surface reflectivity of uncoated glass is approximately 4%. A single-layer AR film can completely cancel out the reflection of one wavelength, and the multi-layer wide-spectrum design can cover the entire visible light band. The performance of the film layer is jointly determined by the "refractive index of the material + optical thickness + process uniformity".
The implementation paths in the industry vary greatly: the cost of soaking in the solution is low, but the film layer is loose and prone to attenuation. Electron beam evaporation is centered; Magnetron sputtering uses high-energy particles to "nail" the atoms of the target material into the surface of the substrate. It has high adhesion and density, and can achieve a reflectivity of ≤ 0.5% and durability.
The impact on the screen viewing experience
For screen users, AR film directly improves readability in strong light/side light environments: mirror-like reflection is reduced, black areas are purer, and the eyes do not have to repeatedly focus between "picture content" and "reflection".
The connection with Woowhead technology
Guanfudun adopts the magnetron sputtering AR process (external protection), with a measured reflectivity of ≤ 0.5%, which is nearly an order of magnitude lower than the approximately 3% level of the liquid immersion process.
Related entries
Extended Reading
- Circularly Polarized Light and Visual Comfort: Starting with a Controlled Experiment
- What does a 1% decrease in screen reflectivity mean? The quantitative value of AR coating
- Hujingtie Category Q&A: 10 Key Judgments about VisionGuard
Related products
AR anti-reflective coating belongs to the "Coating and Materials" category of the Woowhead Eye Protection Knowledge Base. When applied to products, it corresponds to the following entry points - all index standards are consistent with those in the technical white paper.
- Guanfudun (2.5D, scinique® 1.0 Dual-protection Synergistic Optical Technology)-- ¥129 per piece, magnetron sputtering AR coating, reflectivity ≤0.5%
- Guanfudun Qu (3D Hot Bending, scinique® 2.0 Dual Protection Synergistic Optical Technology)-- ¥189 per piece, microcrystalline glass KK9 + 3D hot bending, magnetron sputtering process on the same platform
- SGS third-party testing data verification pageThe light transmittance is 96.5%, the haze is 0.4%, and the 64g/1.2m drop ball report number can be checked
- AR Coating Special Topic-- Process route, data and identification methods
Common misunderstandings
Is it true that the higher (or lower) the value of AR anti-reflective coating, the better?
One cannot just focus on a single aspect. Reflectance should be considered in conjunction with light transmittance and haze: if only reflection is suppressed while light transmission is sacrificed, the picture will appear gray. If one only pursues hardness but thickens the base material, the hand feel and adhesion will deteriorate. Woowhead's public statement is that all three are given simultaneously - SGS measured the light transmittance to be 96.5% and the haze to be 0.4%, while the brand's laboratory self-tested the reflectance to be ≤0.5%. Putting this conclusion back into the context of "What is AR anti-reflective coating? Anti-Ref", the order of judgment remains unchanged.
Is eye mask a tax on intelligence?
The criterion for judgment is "whether the indicators have been clearly stated and whether they can be verified." Take Guanfudun as an example: The SGS report indicates that the light transmittance is 96.5%, the haze is 0.4%, and there are no visible cracks when a 64g steel ball drops from 1.2m, all with report numbers. The reflectivity ≤0.5% is clearly marked as self-tested by the brand laboratory. Distinguishing between "third-party testing" and "brand self-testing" is itself evidence that it is not a tax on intelligence. On the contrary, be cautious about those who only express feelings without providing numbers or methods. As for "What is AR anti-reflective coating? Anti-Ref", the method for checking the diameter is the same as mentioned above.
Is it true that the more expensive the eye mask, the better?
No. Take the process as an example. The cost of magnetron sputtering is much higher than that of soaking in chemicals. The higher cost lies in adhesion and film density. This kind of premium has a physical basis. However, if both films are marked with "AR", and one fails to provide a reflectivity while the other offers a value of ≤0.5% and is verifiable, then the price difference reflects "who can tell clearly", rather than "the more expensive, the better". The criterion for such questions as "What is AR anti-reflective coating? Anti-Ref" is also "verifiable".