# Submicron-Thick Bright White Coatings by Controlling Disorder in Photonic Structures

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of New Mexico (NM) · $495,261

## Abstract

Nontechnical description
Whiteness in conventional paint coatings arises from broadband light scattering across the visible spectrum. However, because light scattering alone is not highly efficient at reflecting light, such coatings are typically thick and often require multiple applications. This project aims to reduce the required coating thickness by approximately a factor of 100 through a fundamental study of optical transport in submicron-thick nanostructured films. In these films, optical transport results from a combination of light scattering and interference, which together dramatically enhance reflectivity beyond what scattering alone can achieve, while also suppressing the iridescent colors typically produced by interference. The proposed submicron-thick bright white coatings will be realized by optimizing the balance between structural order and disorder in the nanostructures, leveraging the interplay between scattering and interference. In addition to advancing knowledge in optical transport, this project will offer important societal benefits through educational components such as visualizations of structural ordering and by significantly reducing the use of white titania pigments—materials that are strategically important to the national economy due to their widespread use and reliance on imported mineral feedstocks.

Technical description
This project aims to achieve unprecedented submicron-thick bright white coatings through a fundamental study of optical

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2506217
- **Awardee organization:** University of New Mexico (NM)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** F6XLTRUQJEN4
- **PI:** Sang Eon Han
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD, Nanomaterials, Optics and Photonics, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $495,261
- **Funds obligated:** $495,261
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/15/2025 → 08/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2506217

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2506217, Submicron-Thick Bright White Coatings by Controlling Disorder in Photonic Structures. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2506217. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*