BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:Icfo X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P1W BEGIN:VEVENT UID:69d8d60a601a7 DTSTART:20220712T130000Z SEQUENCE:0 TRANSP:OPAQUE LOCATION:Online (Teams) SUMMARY:ICFO | JUAN ROMBAUT SEGARRA CLASS:PUBLIC DESCRIPTION:Highly transparent optical surfaces with anti-reflection (AR) a nd self-cleaning properties have the potential to increase performance in a wide range of applications\, such as display screens\, photovoltaic cell s or sensors. Nature has provided numerous examples of biological systems with interesting functionalities that have high commercial interest\, from the broadband and omnidirectional anti-reflection effect created by the t iny nanopillars found on the corneas of moths&rsquo\; eyes\, to the self-c leaning behaviour of lotus leaves generated by micro-and nanoprotuberances . However\, despite intense academic research\, replicating such elaborate nanostructures for mass-production remains a major challenge due to the l imitations of the existing nanofabrication techniques based on classical o ptical and e-beam lithography processes.\nThis thesis is devoted to the st udy of bio-inspired multifunctional nanostructured surfaces with enhanced optical and wetting properties for use in optoelectronic devices. Novel an d reliable manufacturing techniques are proposed for patterning organic an d inorganic materials with high precision and throughput\, aiming to bring this technology out of the laboratory and making it industrially viable.& nbsp\;\nThe first part of this study has been centred on glass\, as it is one of the most widely used materials for optoelectronic devices. Chapter 3 presents a nanopillar structure created on glass substrates\, which prov ides high anti-reflective properties\, enhanced transmission\, superhydrop hobicity\, and high mechanical resistance against external agents. The pro posed manufacturing method permits moderate tunability to adapt the struct ure to the requirements of different applications. The design and optimisa tion of the fabrication process and a full characterisation of the samples are reported.\nChapter 4 describes the combination of two different anti- reflective approaches\, state-of-the-art multilayer (ML) anti-reflective c oatings and self-cleaning biomimetic nanostructures (NS). The classical ML coating\, relying on destructive interference from multiple reflections a t layer interfaces is capable of providing excellent AR properties\, but w ith a limited wavelength range and angular acceptance. In addition\, it ha s limited hydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties due to its flat surf ace. The NS coating can provide broad wavelength and angular AR properties \, as well as superhydrophobicity. However\, it suffers from mechanical du rability issues. In this work\, the combination of both methods is present ed as an innovative solution\, combining greater anti-reflective operation al wavelength and angular acceptance\, self-cleaning properties\, and high mechanical durability.\nA nanostructured design for transparent oleophobi c surfaces is investigated and experimentally demonstrated in Chapter 5. T wo new fabrication techniques to create nanocavities on glass are presente d. The nanohole structure can repel oil and other low surface tension liqu ids\, and a new wetting model is developed to theoretically explain the me chanism. The porous structure modifies the effective refractive index of t he nanostructured layer between the air and the glass\, creating an AR eff ect. The samples present higher transmission\, as well as low scattering d ue to the subwavelength size of the cavities. In addition\, the geometry o f the surface offers higher mechanical resistance compared to nanopillars\ , widening the potential applications where it could be used.\nFinally\, i n Chapter 6\, a new method to nanostructure organic materials with high re solution is presented. Nanostructured thin polyimide films on top of glass surfaces can act as an anti-reflective coating\, while adding protection and hydrophobicity. A practical example is demonstrated with transparent e lectrodes made of Indium Tin Oxide. By covering a surface with nanostructu red polyimide\, the overall optical response can be improved while its ele ctric properties are protected by the polymeric film.\n \;\nThesis Dir ector: Prof Dr. Valerio Pruneri\n \; DTSTAMP:20260410T105050Z END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR