| abstract |
An optical element including a low refractive index layer and a polymer protective layer is provided. An optical article includes an optical element, a low refractive index layer having an effective refractive index of 1.3 or less, and a low refractive index layer disposed on the optical element. Polymer protective layer 40. The low refractive index layer includes a binder, a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the binder, and a plurality of interconnected voids. The polymer protective layer does not increase the effective refractive index of the optical article by more than 10%. [Selection] Figure 1 |