–
Corning will be applying its new DX and DX+ versions of its well-known Gorilla Glass to lenses for smartphone cameras. Samsung gets the scoop.
–
The new Gorilla Glass for cameras should not only protect the lenses better, it would also improve the optical performance of smartphone cameras. That’s what Corning says in a press release. According to the company, DX glass ensures that less light is reflected by the glass cover over the lens. Until now, only about 92 percent of the light present reached the sensors, even when manufacturers use anti-reflective coatings.
Corning fights ghosting
Corning claims it can penetrate up to 98 percent of the light with its DX/DX+ technology. This increases the quality of the imaging and prevents optical problems such as ghosting. Those reflections are often caused by a bright light source during the day or in low-light conditions. New lens hoods and coatings over the surface of the lenses can help suppress ghost reflections.
A number of smartphone manufacturers are already working with specialist suppliers to address the issue. Both Sony and Vivo use a coating from Zeiss to improve light transmission by reducing lens flare, ghosting and other reflections for their high-end smartphones.
Almost as strong as sapphire
The new Gorilla Glass has similar features and adds its robustness. Corning says his DX glass is scratch resistant and his DX+ even comes close to sapphire, the mineral used in expensive watches. In theory, this makes it possible to produce completely scratch-resistant displays that make a case superfluous. Although we also have to take into account the drop resistance.
The new technology for stronger camera lenses will be available first for Samsung’s flagships. Corning works closely with the South Koreans. Apple also recognizes Corning’s importance in the industry. That is why Tim Cook and co. already $450 million in the business. How quickly the new DX glass will show up in iPhone lenses remains to be seen.
–
