New standards for optical surfaces: SATORIS

Optical systems often suffer from contamination by bio-organic and fatty residues that impair their efficiency. Conventional cleaning solutions are often harmful to the environment or damage sensitive surfaces. The SATORIS project is dedicated to the development of transparent, robust and superamphiphobic coatings that are water and grease repellent and offer a sustainable alternative.

The challenge is to create surfaces that not only clean themselves, but also remain mechanically resilient. Inspired by the honeycomb nanostructure of collembola skin, the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., Carl Zeiss AG and the Technical University of Dresden are working together to transfer this structure into technical applications. The mushroom shape of these nanoscale overhangs offers outstanding resistance to wetting and soiling.

By combining numerical simulations and lithographic manufacturing methods, the partners are developing surfaces that retain their superamphiphobic characteristics even under load. This property profile is a prerequisite for use in spectacle lenses and other optical systems where durability is required.

With this project, SATORIS is not only contributing to an improved user experience, but also addressing regulatory challenges such as the ban on PFAS. The results could have far-reaching implications for consumer optics, medical technology and industrial applications.

Find out more about the innovative approaches and project partners on the project page (only in German) with further information and contact options.

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