Stochastic structures arise fully through self-organization or are initiated by thin layers following plasma and ion beam exposure on materials such as glass, plastic and silicon.
An effective material mixture of the substrate material and air is generated in the modified surface area. The effective diffraction index is correspondingly reduced.
Glare reduction, for example for optical lenses made of quartz and plastic in the visible spectral range or for solar applications (black silicon) is the focus of applications in such sub-wavelength structures.