Photonic Multilayer Based Transparent Windows With Enhanced Solar Heat Blocking

Smart windows with the ability to selectively transmit the visible or infrared spectrum of solar radiation offer a promising green solution for indoor light and heat management. By reducing the energy demands of air-conditioning systems in buildings and vehicles, these windows can significantly lower global fossil fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions. In this work, we propose a multilayer design consisting of an anti-reflection coating over a metal/dielectric/metal (MDM) thin-film structure, achieving a high tint-free visible transmittance of ~75% while effectively blocking ~89% of solar heat. This selective filtering mechanism improves indoor thermal comfort and reduces the load on cooling systems. The lithography-free design could offer a practical, low-cost solution for smart windows for large-scale deployment in sustainable infrastructure and automobiles.