This section provides an overview for anti-reflection coatings as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 22 anti-reflection coating manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked anti-reflection coating companies as of November, 2024: 1.PFG, 2.OPTICA, 3.NiPro Optics Inc..
Table of Contents
An anti-reflection coating is an optical film formed on the surface of a display to reduce surface reflection and reflection of light. A polymer film is layered on top of the base film, and the difference in refractive index between the layers is used to cause interference of light and weaken the reflected light to reduce the reflectance. Some types of anti-reflection coatings have fine particles added to scatter light.
Anti-reflective films are commercially available for home use and can be applied to the surface of TVs, PC monitors, and smartphone displays.
Anti-reflection coatings are generally applied to base materials and hard coatings. In addition to suppressing surface reflection, it also inhibits the adhesion of dust and dirt and protects the display.
Anti-reflective films with multiple layers are mainly used for displays on TVs, PC monitors, and smartphones. They are also being considered for use in large equipment such as solar heat collectors and laser equipment for nuclear fusion to prevent energy loss due to surface reflection.
Anti-reflection coatings consist of multiple optical layers on a base material. The refractive index at the interface of each layer is different, which causes interference, and this principle is used to reduce the reflectance of specific wavelengths. Multi-layered (multi-coated) films reduce surface reflection and improve the transmittance of displays, etc., making the screen easier to see.
Anti-reflective films can be broadly classified into LR (Low-Reflection) film and AG (Anti-Glare) film. AG films have particles in the hard coat layer to form unevenness on the surface of the film. This surface irregularity scatters incident light, and at the same time, the internal scattering caused by the difference in refractive index between the hard coat layer and the particles can be used to suppress reflection.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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PFG Precision Optics, founded in 1977 with headquarters in the USA, is a manufacturer of optical components, assemblies, and thin-film coatings. The company's products include optical lenses, optical prisms, beam splitters, and polarizers. PFG Precision Optics' products are used for eyepieces, machine vision lens assemblies, illumination systems, and lithography inspection equipment and can be found in consumer eyewear, camera systems, and automated retail kiosk systems. PFG also provides custom lens manufacturing using all types of optical glasses, fused silica, and crystalline materials, including CaF2, Ge, and Amtir.
iCoat is a company that specializes in research and development and a manufacturer of optical coatings. The company is founded in 1988 and is based in California, United States The company product portfolio includes stock lenses, mirror coating, inscribe digital lenses, and more. The company has been setting standards in the Eyecare industry. The company directly present Eyecare Professionals (ECPs) with products and services that are crucial for the development of optical lens performance.
Esco Optics is a manufacturer of custom and catalog optics, precision optical components, and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) optics. The company is founded in 1955 and is based in New Jersey, United States. The company product includes lenses, filters, optical flats, mirrors, prisms, glass wafers, and other products. The company serves the military and defense industries. They provide optical components to a wide range of industries. The company provide prototype optics and high volume optics production. The company also provides customer service.
EMF, established in 1936 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of optical coatings. The company's product range includes anti-reflective coatings, dichroic coatings, polarizing coatings, and thin-film filters, serving industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, and scientific. The company’s comprehensive services include design and engineering, testing and certification, supply chain management, as well as technical support.The company's team of experienced engineers and technicians provides technical support and advice to customers, not to mention that it holds an ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Anti-Reflection, Inc., established in 1982 in Lithia Springs, California, USA, is a manufacturer of optical lens coatings. The company specializes in the production of optical coatings, including anti-reflective coatings, beamsplitters, and optical filters. These coatings are designed to minimize reflection, enhance light transmission, and improve optical performance, making them invaluable in applications such as camera lenses, eyeglasses, and scientific instruments. It serves various industries, including aerospace, defense, healthcare, and telecommunications. The coatings play a pivotal role in improving the clarity and precision of optical systems across various sectors. The company is BS EN ISO13485:2016 compliant and operates in the USA.
Sterling Precision Optics, Inc. (SPO) is an American custom manufacturer of optics, filters, and glass components established in 1958 and based in Evanston, Illinois. The company produces various optical components and precision glass, including optical mirrors and coatings, filters, prisms, and beam splitters. These have applications in sensors, detectors, cameras, and instrumentation used for precision analysis. SPO primarily serves clients in the aerospace, defense, and medical industries, including Hamamatsu Photonics, Ikelite Underwater Systems, and the U.S. Navy.
NiPro Optics Inc., founded in Irvine, CA , in 2005 is a optical components and thin film coating. The company's product portfolio includes tenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, beam splitters, and polarizers. Their products are used in sed in fiber optics, laser communication systems, and telecommunication networks, medical devices, imaging systems, and diagnostic instruments, and military optics, avionics, and space exploration applications. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
Alpine Research Optics (ARO) is a manufacturer and distributor of laser optical components that was established in Boulder, Colorado in 1991 before its acquisition by Mississippi-based PFG Precision Optics in 2011. The company produces various laser optical components including polarizers, beam splitters, mirrors, filters, and lenses. It also offers custom optics tailored to client specifications and use cases. Its products are used in consumer electronics, biotechnology, semiconductor processing, and OEM laser repair. ARO provides optomechanical design and assembly, as well as thin-film coating of optical substrates for unique customer projects.
AccuCoat is a provider of high-caliber metal and dielectric thin-film optical coatings, transforming customer supplied plastic, glass or metal substrates into mirrors. The company is based is New York, United States and is founded in 1998. Their product portfolio includes Anti-reflective optical coatings, Mirror coatings, Beam splitter, filter & other coatings -Coatings on polymer, crystal and metal. Finished orders deliver on-time and as promised by the company. In late 2011, the company expanded their facility to 11,000 square feet with additional lab and office space and several more coating chambers.
Higashiyama Film Co., Ltd. (HYNT), founded in 1949 and located in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, is a manufacturer specializing in hard-coat films and functional films for optical applications in liquid crystal displays. Its product range includes hard coat films, mold-releasing films, adhesive/protective films, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) films, and PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene) films. These films ensure the safety and performance of electronic devices and optical materials. The company is a certain provider in the industry, distinct on product quality and development.
Dexerials Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer and supplier of electronic materials and components for a wide range of industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, and telecommunications. Established in 2012 as a result of a merger between Sony Chemical & Information Device Corporation and Toshiba Ceramics Co., Ltd. The company offers products such as adhesives, coatings, films, tapes, and thermal management materials, among others. One of their primary products is the Dexerials thermal management material, which is a highly efficient solution for thermal management in electronic devices. It is designed to dissipate heat generated by electronic components.
AGC Inc., founded in Amagasaki, Japan, in 1907 is a supplier of flat, automotive, display glass, chemicals, ceramics and other high-tech materials and components. The company's product portfolio includes Architectural glasses, Automotive glasses, Architectural Materials, performance chemicals and Biopharmaceuticals. Their products are used in markets such as Automotive and Transportation, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, Healthcare and Medical Devices and Aerospace and Defense. They also offer custom packaging, warehousing, customer service and distribution services.
Hitachi Zosen Corporation was established in 1943 and is a manufacturer of environmental, machinery, and infrastructure equipments based in Osaka, Japan. The company manufactures various machineries such as vacuum equipment, precision polishing devices, sheet extruding equipment, electron beam sterilization devices, and filter presses. Various technologies are developed by the company for the production of the products such as machine simulation, fluid simulation, automated manufacturing, deep UV sterilization, and artificial intelligence. The company has implemented policies for sustainability efforts and adhering to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
OPTICA is a manufacturer of precision optics and polymer optics products. The company is based in Karnataka, India and is founded in 1985. The company product portfolio includes precision optics and polymer optics, optical instruments, sight systems, precision plastic molds for clear parts & molded clear parts, and product assemblies. The company supports Medical, Aerospace, Astronomy, Automation, Research & development Labs, Infrated Optics, and large-size schileren system for wind tunnels. The company also work with each customer as a partner from the initial concept drawing to prototype sample to production and support technically.
Materion Balzers Optics, founded in 1946 and based in Balzers, Liechtenstein, is a manufacturer of coated optical components and subassemblies for the photonics industry. The company specializes in optical thin-film coating processes, supplemented by patterning, glass bonding and sealing, and further processing to produce optical thin-film coated components and optical subassemblies. They offer a range of filters, mirrors, prisms, lens coatings, and lids which are utilized in various applications where precise control and manipulation of light are essential.
TOPPAN INC., a company founded in 1900 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in electronic components and materials. The company’s product portfolio includes color filters, functional films, photomasks, TFT-LCDs, and semiconductor package substrates. These products are utilized by various industries, including electronics manufacturing, display technology, semiconductor manufacturing, consumer electronics, and education and research. The company provides customer services including metal etching services, consultation and turnkey solutions, and customer collaboration. The company has offices in various countries, including China, France, Germany, the USA, and Singapore, for global reach.
Brewer Science, Inc., founded in 1981 in Rolla, Missouri, USA, is a manufacturer of specialty chemicals, advanced lithography, and electronic materials. The products, including anti-reflective coatings, bottom anti-reflective coatings, and process materials, are designed to improve the performance, yield, and stability of microdevices and integrated circuits. It enables precise and efficient manufacturing processes, reducing defects and enhancing device functionality. It serves various industries, including electronics, telecommunications, and photonics, where the materials ensure quality and performance of advanced technologies. The company is EO and B Corporation certified, meets industry standards, and specializes in optimal speed, lightweight electronic devices.
Since its establishment in the 1960s in Pennsylvania, Evaporated Coatings Inc. has been known as a leading manufacturer of thin film coatings. The company specializes in precision optical coatings and caters to various industries, including aerospace, electronics, pharmaceutical, and medical devices. With a wide range of top-of-the-art coatings available, such as anti-reflective coatings, mirror coatings, and filter coatings, Evaporated Coatings offers a diverse portfolio to meet specific requirements. Equipped with top-notch facilities and utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques, the company continues to push for innovation to meet the demands of its clients.
Abrisa Technologies, established in 1948 in Santa Paula, California, USA, is a premier manufacturer and supplier of custom glass fabrication and thin film optical coatings. The company's diverse product portfolio includes a wide range of glass materials and ultra-thin fabrication coatings used in various industries such as displays, electronics, aerospace, and more. These precision coatings enhance optical performance and durability in critical applications. Abrisa Technologies aims at pushing the boundaries of optical technology, delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower industries to achieve enhanced visual experiences, advanced technologies, and superior functionality.
Nissan Chemical Corporation, founded in 1887 and headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial chemicals. Its offerings include high-grade urea solution (AdBlue), high-purity and fine chemicals like TEPIC, and the sterilizer/disinfectant HI-LITE. Additionally, it provides materials for display, semiconductors, inorganic materials, and agricultural chemicals, catering to various industries. The company has also received accolades for its sustainability initiatives, including recognition on the Water Security "A List" by CDP and inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index.
Knight Optical is a company that manufactures optical components based in the UK. The company offers services such as design, consultancy, custom packaging, testing, quality assurance, and others. They serve a wide number of industries including scientific, defense, medical, pharmaceutical, laser engineering and manufacturing. They also provide a wide range of coating capabilities for optical components throughout the ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) spectra.They are ISO9001:2015 and ISO14001:2015 accredited and are providing quality products and services.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | PFG |
12.3%
|
2 | OPTICA |
12.3%
|
3 | NiPro Optics Inc. |
9.3%
|
4 | Esco Optics |
7.6%
|
5 | iCoat |
7.2%
|
6 | Anti-Reflection, Inc. |
4.7%
|
7 | AccuCoat |
4.2%
|
8 | EMF |
3.8%
|
9 | Sterling Precision Optics, Inc. |
3.8%
|
10 | Optics Balzers |
3.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the anti-reflection coating page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 9 | 56.3% |
Japan | 5 | 31.3% |
India | 1 | 6.3% |
Liechtenstein | 1 | 6.3% |