CAMERA & OPTICAL SENSORS
No glare and flare for cameras and optical instruments
Reflection off internal optical components create flare and other noise, compromising the quality of images and hindering image recognition processes.
By eliminating reflection for all wavelengths and angles, Edgehog treatment on optical components increase image quality from a hardware level. For example, the elimination of lens flare for outdoor security cameras creates high quality data for image processing. For high sensitivity optical sensors, the reduction of noise significantly increases the quality of signals.
Our anti-reflection technology reduces reflections on both surfaces without any additional layer of material. It also improves the contrast of the image and reduces “ghosting”, “lens flare”, and “haze” by eliminating the scattering or reflection of light within the lens stack.
When light loss is minimized, more natural photos can be produced.
SOLAR PANELS
Enhanced energy generation
Up to 50% of light is lost to reflection off the glass during mornings and evenings. Conventional anti-reflection (AR) coatings cannot address this loss.
Edgehog omni-directional AR surface boosts energy output by up to 25% in the mornings and evenings. Over the course of the year, overall gains reach up to 12% and reduce Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by 5+% from the increased optical transmission alone. Furthermore, the self-cleaning surface maintains energy production through time and reduces the frequency of cleaning.
Edgehog’s AR uniquely features uniformly high transmission across the entire visible spectrum at all angles. Bio-inspired by the superhydrophobic lotus leaf, water droplets roll off the surface, removing debris and preventing water spots or deposition of minerals and other contaminants. The self-cleaning effect dramatically decreases the maintenance cost of solar farms and further reduces the LCOE.
For more information refer to the technology page or contact us.
SPACE SOLAR
Highest energy generation
Sunlight is the main source of energy for satellites and rovers. Especially for small satellites, solar panels may not track the sun, resulting in significant losses in energy production due to reflection off the glass surface. Furthermore, in the fast-growing low earth orbit (LEO) sector, conventional AR coatings suffer from peeling.
The omnidirectional property increases energy output under all conditions including by up to 25% at unfavourable incidence angles.
Edgehog glass is integrated into the best commercial coverglass interconnected cells (CICs). Our AR technology is applied to space-qualified cover glass without adding any foreign material, making it a reliable AR solution for use in all space conditions, including LEO missions.
HIGH ENERGY LASERS
Highest laser damage threshold
Optical components in lasers can be damaged by the energy from the laser, leading to catastrophic system failure in such cases. Components in high power lasers utilize high quality anti-reflection surfaces to limit this damage. However, conventional AR coatings may flake or peel under thermal fluctuations from the intense energy source.
The omni-directional property increases energy output under all conditions
including by up to 25% at unfavourable incidence angles.
Because the Edgehog anti-reflection technology does not add any foreign material as is the case for coatings, there are no chemical gradient defects or interfaces, ensuring long-lasting functionalization in environmental conditions. The near-total transmission of light through our structured surface prevents thermal damage caused by concentrated light sources like high-power lasers. A third-party evaluation of the technology shows that the laser induced damage threshold of our technology is 6-10 times higher than the existing ones. Contact us for more information on the third party evaluation.