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A NEW technology for depositing tiny-pyramids could make surfaces that interact with light more efficient and cheaper to coat.

Chemical engineers at Oregon State University (OSU) say they have developed a process using a chemical bath controlled by a micro-reactor to deposit thin films of tiny pyramids on surfaces made of glass, plastic, silicon, and aluminium. The tiny pyramids reduce the reflectance of any light striking the surface. The research team says this improves prescription eyeglasses by making them focus more incoming light and improve the energy generating efficiency of solar panels by making them reflect less incoming light.

“There's really a whole range of things this technology may ultimately be useful for,” says researcher Chih-hung Chang, an associate professor in the OSU Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering.

Similar coatings already exist says Chang but his new process will make them cheaper to deposit. He is developing a small unit that can apply the coating in an office setting meaning the technology should come directly to the optician dispensary. The team is also developing the technology so it is suitable for polycarbonate, the most commonly used plastic in eyeglass production.