Biomimetic microlens array with antireflective "moth-eye" surface

We report a replication route to non-planar, three dimensional microlens arrays with an antireflective surface nanopattern. Our methodology uses the surface topography of the Attacus atlas moth's compound eye and a soft lithographic technique to fabricate topographically faithful moulds that, in turn, are used to reproducibly replicate the original eye surface with nanoscale fidelity. In addition to antireflection, the resulting poly(urethane) replica with its "moth-eye" nanopattern also exhibits increased hydrophobicity relative to the unpatterned polymer. The materials flexibility of the perfluoropolyether mould fabricated via replica moulding enables, for example, the embossing of antireflective nanopatterns in the photoactive materials of organic solar cells.