Rolith, Inc., the leader in developing advanced nanostructured coatings and devices, today announces partnership with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. (AGC), one of the world’s largest glass manufacturers. The joint development agreement reflects a continued partnership between the two companies in commercializing an advanced manufacturing technology.
Widely used glass sheets today reflect approximately four percent to eight percent of light, which is caused by sharp transition between materials with very different refractive indexes – glass and air. The resulting glare is undesirable because it interferes with the human eyesight and obstructs visibility.
The advanced anti-reflective glass being developed by Rolith and AGC is based on the “moth eye” approach found in nature - an array of nanostructures mimicking an insect’s eye. Rolith brings to the project its proprietary manufacturing method – Rolling Mask lithography, which enables one to create nanostructures on large area glass panels in a cost effective manner.
The nanostructured anti-reflective glass reduces reflections in an exceptionally wide wavelength spectrum and a wider range of viewing angles over traditional PVD thin films coated glass. Furthermore, it is also anticipated to improve environmental stability over competitive products such as polymeric nanostructured films and hybrid organic-inorganic coatings on glass.
“Through this strategic partnership we are able to deliver a truly innovative, high-performance anti-reflective glass,” said Dr. Boris Kobrin, founder and CEO, Rolith. “AGC’s commitment demonstrates the significant progress of Rolith’s technology to date and together we are now positioned to accelerate development of novel advanced glass products based on our fabrication method.”
“AGC has chosen Rolith for their cutting-edge technology and talented team. The strategic partnership demonstrates our confidence in Rolith’s capability to move forward with commercialization efforts. We look forward to continue bringing to market exceptional and innovative glass solutions,” said Hiroshi Usui, general manager, AGC America, Inc.
ABOUT ROLITH, INC:
Rolith, Inc. is developing advanced nanostructured products for consumer electronics, solar and green building markets using a proprietary nanolithography technology. Rolith was formed by Dr. Boris Kobrin, Prof. Mark Brongersma and Julian Zegelman in 2008 and is currently located in Pleasanton, CA. The company holds a comprehensive patent portfolio in the areas of nanolithography, material deposition and etch methods, as well as nanophotonic devices. Rolith’s strategic partners include SUSS MicroTec AG and Asahi Glass Company Ltd. Its current investors are DFJ VTB Capital Aurora, a Draper Fisher Jurvetson affiliate fund managed by VTB Capital and AGC America, Inc., the venture arm of Asahi Glass Group.
ABOUT AGC:
AGC Group, with Asahi Glass Company Ltd. at its core, is a global solution provider for architectural, automotive and display glass, chemicals and other high-function materials and components. Drawing on more then a century of technological innovation, the Group has developed world-class core technologies in the fields including glass, chemicals and ceramics.
