Supreme-black levels enabled by touchproof microcavity surface texture on anti-backscatter matrix

Abstract

Emerging immersive high–dynamic range display technologies require not only high peak luminance but also true black levels with hemispherical reflectance below 0.001 (0.1%) to accommodate the wide dynamic range of the human eye (~10 5 ). Such low reflectance materials, denoted here as “supreme black,” must exhibit near-perfect surface antireflection, extremely low in-matrix backscattering, and sufficient optical thickness, which, to date, have only been achieved by fragile sparse materials. We demonstrate a record-low hemispherical reflectance below 0.0002 (absorptance above 0.9998) in a touchproof material by satisfying the three requirements with a superwavelength surface microtexture with nanolevel details, low Mie backscattering composition, and optional additional underlayer. Our supreme black finishes are one to two orders of magnitude blacker than previously developed touchproof super-black materials. Thereby, unprecedented black levels enabling an ambient contrast ratio of ≳10 4 would be provided in display devices, contributing to immersive visual experiences that are critical for seamless remote collaboration and reliable virtual health care.