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Optical Noise-Cancelling for Light In a previous post, we looked at surface treatments that transform energy from one form to another and back—namely, metallic reflectors. Today, we explore a surface treatment that controls the direction of energy flow to make surfaces virtually disappear. It is another interesting example of how human skill and will can shape a reality built on waves and frequencies. In contrast to sound, light can also travel in the "nothingness" of a vacuu

Nanoscale layers are gatekeepers of light. This is why reflectors are predominantly thin-film reflectors. Designing a mirror is a balancing act between reflectivity requirements, durability in specific environments, manufacturing technologies, and, of course, cost. In this post, we’ll explore the most common metallic mirrors and the physics that makes them reflect. Reflectivity of mirror metals for unpolarized light with indicent angle at 45 ° Universe's way of repeating a st

Vacuum coating technologies are a group of technologies, in which the environment for small particles - atoms, molecules, ions and electrons are provided for them to follow thermal motion and electric and magnetic force fields. Whereas in contrast as a group of particles within solid material, liquid or gas they would rather collectively obey the inter-molecular forces, fluid dynamics and laws of gravity. A physical vacuum find its mirror in solid matter. Though firm to the

Aside from liquid lubrication, surface engineering of tribological contacts is a way of controlling friction and wear. With carbon based thin films surface properties can be modified within a wide range from soft graphite to hard diamond. Modification takes place in the near surface region within thickness from nanometres to micrometres. Carbon Carbon is a real shapeshifter, from graphite and diamond to carbon nanotubes and football like fullerenes. With shape shifts its prop

Silicon dioxide is a fascinating material as it can form 3-dimensional network in many ways due to “flexibility” of O-Si-O bond. At elevated temperatures or pressures, it naturally takes another forms with another sets of properties and as molten it has peculiar properties like those of water. With varying additional trace elements or inclusions in structure, quartz can be found in varying forms from sand to beautifully coloured gems in nature. Even air can be introduced into

The Silver Bullet In ancient times water was observed to stay fresh for longer periods of time in Ag vessels, or if Ag coins had been added. Ag itself is impressive antimicrobial, even in comparison to potent antibiotics. Due to multiple mechanism of action bacteria are less prone to developing immunity. However, with the advent of penicillin and antibiotics silver became less used. How Silver Nanoparticles Work Against Microbes When silver is reduced to nanoparticles, its s

With coatings adhesion has natural practical interest, but also academic for many. In vacuum coating, adhesion is where surface science meets practical reality. When a coating fails, the cause is rarely visible to the naked eye; it usually lies in the atomic-scale "surface state" at the moment of deposition. FEM model of stresses in practical adhesion test The Race Against Contamination Adhesion of the film to surface is best accomplished by having some degree of solubility o

Optical surfaces play a crucial role in many technologies. Understanding how surfaces are designed and characterized helps engineers and scientists to understand the overall process of utilizing surfaces in optics. This post explores some of the key methods and aspects of optical surface characterization. Optical surface design by NextGen Surfaces Finland Oy using Essential Macleod software revealing surface reflectance as a function of incident angle and wavelength What is o

Dear Valued Customers, Partners and readers, as the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your support and trust, we are grateful to have you as part of journey. May this festive season bring you joy and peace. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The NextGen Surfaces Team

In public spaces, hospitals, and homes, surfaces can harbor bacteria and viruses and contribute to the spread of infections. Creating surfaces that actively reduce or eliminate pathogens can improve health outcomes and reduce illness transmission. This post explores how antibacterial and antiviral surfaces work, the materials involved, and practical examples of their use. Copper-coated door handle reducing microbial presence How Antibacterial and Antiviral Surfaces Work Surfa

Vacuum coating and metamaterials are two technologies among material science and engineering. When combined, they open new possibilities for creating materials with unique properties that were once thought perhaps impossible. This post explores how vacuum coating techniques support the development of metamaterials. Metamaterial AI-driven material design has brought the simulation and optimization of new materials widely available. Metamaterials are engineered materials design

Electromagnetic energy, as we know it, is present from high energy/ frequency gamma waves to long wavelength AM radio frequencies. We can sense a narrow frequency range from it in terms of heat or visible light. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding refers to shielding of electrical and electronic devices, or living organism, from unwanted electromagnetic disturbance. How EMI and RFI Shielding Works Nature of electromagnetic energy

Energy management is a current challenge as the world progresses toward more sustainable energy use. Thin films are technology in this transformation, offering new ways to control, store, and convert energy with great precision. This post explores how thin films can contribute to energy management systems, some applications, and the benefits they bring to energy solutions. Thin Film based Solar thermal collector field for district heating in Denmark by SavoSolar Energy manage

Golden colors catch the eye with their warm, metallic glow. Effect arises from the interaction of light with material but not all that glitters is gold. Understanding how surfaces create these golden hues reveals fascinating physics and practical applications in technology and art. Interference Color Above UV cutoff frequency light can travel in dielectric material. The speed of light and its refraction in medium is described by the refractive index. Thin films are layers o