Recent progress of optical thin films in the automobile industry

There are increasing demands for the application of optical thin films to transparent substrates such as glass and plastics for windows in automobiles with the view of adding fascinating optical properties to them. These properties include surface hardening of plastics, infrared reflection, ultraviolet absorption, polarization and birefringence, and hydrophobicity. Recent examples of applications of sophisticated thin-film processes of plasma treatment and physical vapor deposition are reviewed. The novelty of the functions provided by physical vapor deposition films together with their durability for practical usage are emphasized as areas in which the thin-film process has a significant impact. Characterization of the modified surface and interface is also included to demonstrate recent advances in surface chemistry. Finally, future challenges for optical modification of transparent substrates in the automobile industry are also discussed.