Mammalian Cornea Inspired Anti-Fogging Silica Glass Surface Achieved by Femtosecond Laser

Fog generation can severely damage optical systems by degrading the light absorption rate and imaging quality of optical components. Furthermore, fog can reduce the light flux and transmittance of the optical system, resulting in poor imaging clarity and contrast. Studies have focused on minimizing fog formation and effects. Drawbacks such as high energy consumption and waste pollution severely limit the application of conventional methods. However, achieving high fog resistance of optical components remains a challenge. A novel method of fabricating anti-fogging slippery surfaces (inspired by the anti-fog mechanism of the mammalian cornea) on silica glass by using femtosecond lasers is proposed to achieve durable and environment-friendly optical devices that can achieve anti-fogging in real time. The femtosecond laser wet etching method is used to fabricate the inside cabin of glass. The cabin filled with graphene spontaneously heats the sample under sunlight to prevent fog formation. In addition to exhibiting excellent anti-fogging characteristics, the prepared sample achieves high optical transmittance, high durability, and excellent self-repair capability. Thus, the proposed method exhibits considerable potential for application in numerous domains.

Automated summary

Fog can severely damage optical systems and reduce the imaging quality of optical components. Traditional methods have limitations, but a novel method using femtosecond lasers to fabricate anti-fogging surfaces on silica glass shows promise for durable and environment-friendly optical devices with real-time anti-fogging capabilities.