Consumer Optics with Low Cost Polymers

This invention describes a range of low-cost polymer compositions and method of making for high index, high Abbie number consumer optics.

Background:
The consumer eyewear global market estimated at greater than $100 billion.  Current optical polymer technology revolves around well-established thermoplastic or thermoset polymers, including polycarbonates and others.  State-of-the-art known optical polymers are limited by a trade-off between the desire to have high refractive indices, high Abbe (transparency) numbers, and low material cost.  There remains a technological need for new polymer chemistry to achieve desired optical properties at low cost.

Applications:

• Consumer optical plastics
• Smartphone or technology optical plastics
• Optical lenses for instruments

Advantages:

• Inexpensive materials
• High index
• High Abbe number
• Thermally stable