GLASS Technology: A New Generation of Anti-Reflective Glass Manufacturing
GLASS replaces deposited anti-reflective coatings with biomimetic nanostructures written directly into the glass by ultrafast laser pulses — delivering broadband, omnidirectional, coating-free transparency.
Two ways to make glass anti-reflective
Conventional anti-reflective glass relies on stacks of thin films deposited through multi-step chemical processes. GLASS achieves the same optical goal through a single laser step that restructures the surface itself.
Surface engineering, not material deposition
Instead of applying additional layers, GLASS modifies the glass directly using ultrafast femtosecond laser processing. The light–matter interaction triggers controlled self-organisation, forming deep sub-wavelength pillar- and trench-like features far smaller than visible wavelengths.
These nanostructures act as a gradual refractive-index transition between air and glass, suppressing Fresnel reflections by geometry rather than by added materials. The result is a highly transparent surface with extremely low reflectance across a wide range of wavelengths and viewing angles.
From laser pulse to optical function
The geometry of the nanostructures is tailored through precise control of laser parameters and proprietary irradiation strategies, supported by software-driven process optimisation. Because the optical behaviour is governed by structure rather than coating chemistry, performance can be tuned to specific glass compositions and product requirements — making GLASS a flexible platform rather than a single fixed product.
Six core advantages
Reflectivity below 0.5%
More than a tenfold reduction versus untreated glass, with enhanced transmission across visible and near-infrared regions.
Chemical-free processing
Anti-reflective performance is achieved by physical structuring alone, cutting chemical use and lowering environmental impact.
Single-step production
Functionality is created during one laser treatment, eliminating multiple coating and curing stages.
Integrated into the surface
The function lives in the glass itself, removing the delamination risk inherent to deposited coatings.
Software-controlled process
In-line monitoring and real-time control enable reproducible, automated industrial-scale production.
Multiple glass types
Extending beyond fused silica to borosilicate, alkali-aluminosilicate and alkaline-earth boro-aluminosilicate glasses.
GLASS vs. conventional AR coatings
| Feature | Conventional AR coatings | GLASS technology |
|---|---|---|
| Functional principle | Thin-film interference | Biomimetic nanostructuring |
| Manufacturing steps | Multiple deposition & curing steps | Single-step laser process |
| Chemical usage | High | Minimal |
| Additional materials | Required | Not required |
| Environmental footprint | Moderate to high | Reduced |
| Delamination risk | Present | Eliminated |
| Surface functionality | Added layer | Integrated into the glass |
| Digital process control | Limited | High |
| Customisation flexibility | Moderate | High |
From surface engineering to industry
GLASS represents a shift from material deposition to surface engineering, where optical functionality is embedded directly into the substrate. For manufacturers this can mean reduced process complexity, a smaller manufacturing footprint, easier integration into existing laser-based production lines, and a more sustainable workflow — opening new opportunities for high-performance optical products.