In an article published on November 4, 2020, by Science Daily, researchers at the Tokyo University of Science are unlocking the potential of moth eyes the key to a clearer future. They are diligently decoding the intricate structure of moth eyes with the goal of creating anti-reflective nano materials. This innovative technology holds significant applicability across diverse industries and products, ranging from enhancing the energy efficiency of solar panels to improving screen visibility. Screens, utilized globally across various sectors, from space exploration applications to consumer products, stand to benefit from this groundbreaking research.
The incredible structure of the moth eyes have evolved over millions of years in order to confer upon them the ability to be as invisible as possible to predators at night. The moth eye has evolved to have what is called a graded surfaced. This is in contrast to the more common polished surface of eyes that we may be more familiar with. At the national level, this graded surface allows light to bend and go through the eye instead of being reflected off of it.
So far, the manufacture of highly transparent films has not been easily scalable for the companies and universities involved in the research.
The teams, headed up by Chief Technical Officer Mr. Hiroyuki Sugawara of geomatic in conjunction with the Tokyo University of Science, are developing a highly experimental design and manufacturing process which involves etching glassy carbon films using ion beams. Another process under development involves adhering these glassy carbon deposits on top of typical glass.
The new anti-reflective surfaces have been able to lower light reflectance to as far as 0.4%, which is approximately 10 times lower than similar industrial films. Reference: Science Daily. (Nov 4 2020). Mimicking my thighs to produce transparent anti-reflective coatings. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201104150014.htm