Automotive Optics
Anti-ghosting HUD, LIDAR-tuned anti-reflection, ADAS sensor covers, and smart cockpit coatings. PFAS-free broadband AR optimised for the wavelengths that matter to autonomous driving.
HUD anti-ghosting
Eliminate double images in head-up displays
Windshield-based HUD systems suffer from ghosting caused by reflections at internal glass-PVB interfaces. Kriya’s graded RI interlayer coatings suppress secondary reflections while enhancing primary image brightness.
RI 1.65-1.95
HRI matching layer eliminates ghost reflection at glass-PVB interface
RI 1.16-1.40
LRI AR layer maximises HUD image transmission and contrast
Multi-layer tuneable
Up to 5 optical layers for precise spectral control matching p-polarised projection
| Layer | Refractive index | Kriya material | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air (exterior) | 1.00 | No | N/A |
| Windshield outer glass | 1.52 | No | N/A |
| Kriya HRI anti-ghosting layer | 1.65-1.95 | Yes | KM-006 |
| Kriya LRI AR layer | 1.16-1.40 | Yes | KM-005 |
| PVB interlayer | 1.48 | No | N/A |
| Windshield inner glass | 1.52 | No | N/A |
| HUD projection surface | No | N/A |
LIDAR & ADAS sensor AR
Every percent of light matters at 905 nm
LIDAR sensor covers reflect up to 8% of incident light across two surfaces. Kriya’s wavelength-tuned AR coatings recover up to 5% per surface, directly extending detection range for Level 3+ autonomous systems. The coating provides broadband enhancement across 500–2100 nm, covering all current and emerging LIDAR wavelengths in a single formulation.
Independently validated by a global automotive Tier-1 exterior parts manufacturer on automotive-grade polycarbonate (Makrolon AX2475). LIDAR transparency confirmed maintained after all accelerated ageing cycles.
4.7%
Max gain per surface
3.1 μm
Total coating thickness
4
Wavelengths validated
| Layer | Refractive index | Kriya material | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air (exterior) | 1.00 | No | N/A |
| Kriya AR topcoat (~0.10 μm) | 1.16-1.30 | Yes | KM-040 |
| Kriya AR basecoat (~3.0 μm) | 1.65-1.85 | Yes | KM-006 |
| Hard coat | No | N/A | |
| PC substrate (Makrolon AX2475) | 1.58 | No | N/A |
| Air (sensor cavity) | 1.00 | No | N/A |
Wavelength performance
Transmission gain across LIDAR wavelengths
Measured on single coated surface, polycarbonate substrate. The AR coating provides broadband enhancement across 500–2100 nm; values below are measured at specific LIDAR-relevant wavelengths.
| Wavelength | Gain / surface | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 850 nm | ~3.5% | Rotating LIDAR systems |
| 905 nm | ~4.5% | Most automotive LIDAR (primary wavelength) |
| 1050 nm | ~4.7% | Various LIDAR and sensing systems |
| 1550 nm | ~3.6% | Eye-safe long-range LIDAR |
Measurements at normal incidence on polycarbonate substrate. The coating lifts transmission from approximately 87–88% (uncoated) to 91–93% across the NIR band. Absorption features near 1700–1750 nm are intrinsic to the PC substrate (C-H overtone), not the coating.
Independent validation
Tier-1 automotive durability testing
A global automotive Tier-1 exterior parts manufacturer independently validated Kriya’s AR-coated PC films on Makrolon AX2475 (automotive-grade polycarbonate) with hardcoating. Testing covered both 250 μm and 500 μm film thicknesses with consistent results.
Transmission increase of 3.5–4.0% confirmed across all four LIDAR wavelengths, with good spatial homogeneity across five measurement positions on each sample.
| Test | Result | LIDAR after ageing |
|---|---|---|
| Stone chip resistance | ✓ Pass | — |
| Adhesion (cross-cut) | ✓ Pass | — |
| Repainting (130°C) | ✓ Pass | ✓ Maintained |
| Climatest (65°C / 93% RH) | ✓ Pass | ✓ Maintained |
| Steam jet cleaning | ✓ Pass | — |
| Humidity (40°C / 100% RH) | ✓ Pass | ✓ Maintained |
| Water immersion (70°C) | ✓ Pass | ✓ Maintained |
Key finding
LIDAR transparency maintained after all ageing cycles
The AR coating retains its full optical performance through accelerated environmental ageing — repainting at 130°C, climate cycling at 65°C/93% RH, humidity at 40°C/100% RH, and water immersion at 70°C.
This is the critical qualification requirement: a LIDAR sensor cover must maintain transmission throughout the vehicle lifetime, across all weather conditions and production processes including post-paint oven cycles.
Competitive position
Wet-coated AR vs vacuum sputtering
Worldwide, there are only two wet-coating AR producers for automotive LIDAR applications. Kriya is the only one offering a fully PFAS-free formulation.
| Attribute | Kriya (wet coating) | Sputtered / vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS-free | Yes | Typically no (fluoropolymer topcoats) |
| Multi-functionality | AR + HC + AF in single stack | AR only; separate HC step |
| 3D / curved surfaces | Yes (spray, film lamination) | Difficult on complex geometry |
| RF / 5G transparent | Yes (dielectric, non-metallic) | Varies (metallic layers attenuate) |
| Scalability | Roll-to-roll, spray on part | Capital-intensive per-unit |
| EU manufacturing | Netherlands | Varies |
PFAS regulation context: The EU PFAS restriction proposal (ECHA) will affect fluorinated coatings across the automotive supply chain. Kriya’s coating platform is inherently PFAS-free, eliminating future reformulation risk.
Application methods
Two validated integration routes
Spray coating on part
AR coating applied directly onto a finished bumper part or sensor cover. Compatible with existing automotive spray lines. Suitable for complex 3D geometries where film lamination is impractical.
Backmolding with coated PC film
AR coating pre-applied to polycarbonate film (250 μm or 500 μm), then backmolded onto the bumper part. Enables high-throughput production with consistent optical quality. Both film thicknesses independently validated.
Multi-functional stacking
Inside surface: AR + easy-to-clean (prevents condensation). Outside surface: AR + hard coat + anti-soiling (maintains signal clarity). Combined stacks reduce production steps compared to applying each function separately.
Substrate compatibility
PC is the primary LIDAR substrate. All substrates achieve 100% adhesion (1 mm cross-cut, ASTM D3359-09).
Coating specifications
Smart cockpit vision
Glass as display. Seamless sensor integration. Deep-black decorative surfaces.
Next-generation cockpit design eliminates buttons and bezels. Every glass surface becomes a potential display or sensor window. Kriya’s multi-functional coatings deliver deep-black aesthetics and safety by minimizing surface reflections while making it durable, with optical windows precisely positioned for interior sensors and displays.
Deep-black trim
Decorative glass with hidden sensors
High-absorption coatings create seamless dark surfaces. Precisely defined optical windows transmit sensor wavelengths while remaining invisible to the eye.
Buttonless interiors
Touch-enabled glass panels
Anti-fingerprint + anti-smudge coatings (WCA >100 deg, PFAS-free) maintain pristine appearance on touch-sensitive glass control surfaces.
Glass-as-display
Transparent display integration
Graded RI layers from n = 1.40 to 2.00 enable efficient light extraction and viewing-angle control for embedded display elements in curved glass panels.
Market context
Level 3+
Autonomous driving requires LIDAR AR coatings on every sensor window
2 producers
Only two wet-coating AR producers globally for automotive LIDAR applications
PFAS ban
EU restriction forcing fluorinated coating phase-out across automotive supply chains
3-5 yr
Typical automotive qualification cycle — early movers secure design-in positions
Engineering the optical stack for your next platform?
Our automotive team works with European and Japanese Tier-1 suppliers on HUD, LIDAR, and cockpit integration. We can provide wavelength-specific AR data, coated film samples, and Tier-1 validation reports.