The technology developed by researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF is intended to help improve the performance of LiDAR systems and cameras in autonomous cars, for example. The innovative optical layer system combines a polymer coating with porous silicon dioxide nanostructures.

The polymer coating prevents fogging, while the nanostructures reduce reflections at the same time. Although the coatings are specifically designed for LiDAR systems, the technology can be tailored for many different applications.