BrightView Micro Lens Array Diffuser FAQ

Request a sample pack online. Packs cover standard diffusion angles on PET and polycarbonate, and most ship within a week. For a custom angle or beam shape, an applications engineer will scope a prototype with you. Request a sample pack.

Pricing depends on substrate, thickness, optical design and volume, so we quote per program. Send us your size, quantity and target diffusion angle and we'll respond within 2 business days. Request a quote.

Standard products ship in rolls of 100 or 200 sheets. Custom designs and converted parts have minimums set by tooling and volume. We or our converting partners will advise based on your program.

Standard catalog films: 4 weeks. For custom optical designs, it depends on the program, but typical timeframes range from 10–20 weeks from design approval to production samples. Some lead times vary with substrate and quantity, so confirm with your BrightView contact when ordering.

Three ways: directly from BrightView, through an authorized converting partner (for die-cut, laminated or assembled parts), or through a distributor. Not sure which fits? Contact us and we'll point you to the right channel for your region and volume.

Yes. Try the Diffuser Selection Tool to narrow options by substrate, thickness and diffusion angle. Our applications engineers can also review your optical design and recommend a standard or custom film.

Yes. We supply BSDF data for LightTools and Ansys SPEOS so you can model BrightView films in your system before ordering samples. Contact us for more information.

An MLA diffuser is an optical film with an engineered pattern of microscopic lenses on its surface. Unlike a random or bulk diffuser, each lens is designed to send light into a defined angle and shape. That gives you precise beam control, strong LED hiding and high efficiency in a thin film. BrightView makes MLAs on PET, polycarbonate and PMMA.

Most low-cost diffusion films scatter light randomly with beads or surface texture. That hides LEDs but wastes light at wide angles and gives little control over beam shape. A BrightView MLA puts light where you want it, in circular, elliptical, batwing or rectangular patterns, with typical transmission of 85–92%. The result is more usable light and fewer LEDs or less power for the same output.

MLA films are a fraction of the thickness of molded diffuser plates and still deliver equal or better LED hiding and efficiency. Optical designs can change quickly without new mold tooling. Roll-to-roll manufacturing supports high-volume programs.

Often, yes. If your engineered diffuser has been discontinued (for example, VIAVI's light-shaping diffusers), send us the part number or your target angle and beam profile. We'll recommend a matching standard film or design a custom equivalent, and support qualification with samples and BSDF data. Talk to an engineer.

Standard and custom diffusion angles in circular, elliptical, batwing, square and rectangular patterns, with top-hat, Gaussian or custom intensity profiles. Angles range from 1° to 105° FWHM. See standard products on the Materials page.

Standard film rolls contain 100 or 200 sheets, each 610 × 1830 mm. Rigid PMMA and polycarbonate sheets are 610 mm wide and 1.2 m or 1.8 m long. Continuous seamless rolls up to 200 ft are available for linear lighting.

Typically 85–92%, depending on substrate and diffusion angle. In a complete luminaire, overall optical efficiency with a BrightView diffuser can exceed 95%, depending on the fixture design.

In production vehicles from several global OEMs, typically supplied through Tier 1s or converting partners. Uses include head-up displays (HUD, PHUD and AR HUD), center console and cluster displays, tail lamps, DRLs, turn signals, and interior ambient, accent, cabin and button lighting. See Automotive.

They deliver uniform, hotspot-free illumination from fewer LEDs, enable signature light patterns, and fit in the thin packages modern lamp designs need. Films can be stacked or thermoformed for 3D effects.

Yes. In a flash LiDAR transmitter, an MLA diffuser spreads the VCSEL or laser output into a uniform, rectangular field of illumination matched to the receiver's field of view. Custom designs can set the horizontal and vertical angles and the edge sharpness. Talk to an engineer about your FOV.

Yes. In HUD picture generation units, BrightView MLAs shape the backlight into the narrow, defined eyebox the optics need. More light reaches the driver, which raises brightness or lowers power and heat. Diffusion angles are matched to the FOV of your optical system.

Yes. Polycarbonate substrates are recommended for high-temperature locations such as displays and exterior lamps, rated to 120 °C. Products are tested under temperature cycling, UV exposure and vibration.

BrightView films have passed accelerated weathering under ASTM D7869 and are tested to SAE and AMECA requirements. Currently, products are being tested under SAE J576, with testing complete in January 2027.

Films can be die-cut, laminated or stacked, then held by mechanical fixturing, spot welding or overmolding. Rolls and sheets are compatible with automated assembly lines. Our converting partners supply finished parts to Tier 1 specifications.

In the backlight unit (BLU) of laptops, monitors, tablets, TVs and other LCDs, BrightView MLAs hide LEDs, even out luminance and steer light toward the viewer. That raises on-axis brightness and lets designers thin the BLU stack. See Display.

Yes. Mini-LED backlights use thousands of LEDs at a short optical distance, which makes hotspots and halo hard to hide. BrightView MLAs are designed to improve uniformity and brightness in mini-LED BLUs while keeping the stack thin.

Yes. MLAs help direct and couple light to improve overall brightness of the display, so the display reaches target brightness with less LED drive current. That can extend battery life in laptops and tablets.

No. BrightView MLAs sit in the backlight, behind the LCD panel, so they diffuse the backlight without blurring the image. Films are designed for high transmission with little to no color change.

Yes, for displays curved in one direction (cylindrical curves). Compound (two-axis) curves aren't supported in film form.

Yes. We and our converting partners die-cut or laser-cut films to most display geometries, including notches and rounded corners.

Yes. We offer quick-turn custom MLA designs for AR/VR light engines, eye tracking, gesture recognition and 3D sensing. These shape illumination fields and improve uniformity in compact optical modules. Talk to an engineer about prototyping.

Architectural, commercial, industrial and consumer LED luminaires: linear and troffer fixtures, downlights, cove and wall-wash lighting, and office fixtures that need glare control. MLAs hide LEDs and produce even illumination while keeping fixture efficiency high. See Lighting.

A batwing diffuser sends light out at wide angles instead of straight down. Fixtures can then be spaced farther apart and still produce flat, even illumination with no hot spots. It suits long linear runs, wall washing and high-ceiling spaces. BrightView batwing films come in seamless rolls up to 200 ft for continuous architectural runs.

Unified Glare Rating (UGR) measures discomfort glare from luminaires. BrightView's glare control diffusers cut high-angle brightness with a tight cutoff while keeping transmission high. They help fixtures meet standard office lighting requirements.

Yes. UV-stable options are available for outdoor and exposed architectural lighting.

Films can be mechanically mounted in a channel or frame, laminated to a lens, or supplied with pressure-sensitive adhesive. See the how-to videos.

Yes. We design custom optical profiles with fast iteration, from BSDF modeling to prototype samples, without the tooling cost and lead time of a molded optic.

BrightView films can be die-cut, laser-cut, CNC-routed, laminated, stacked into multi-layer assemblies, or supplied with pressure-sensitive adhesive. Polycarbonate and some PET films can also be thermoformed for 3D surfaces; ask us for forming guidelines. See Converting.

Finished rolls, slit rolls, cut sheets or finished converted parts, so material arrives ready for your process.

Our authorized partners include Marian (Global), BME (China), ALPE (Europe), WPGA (North America), and Arton (Japan and China). They provide precision die-cutting, lamination and sub-assembly in North America, Europe and Asia. See Partners.

BrightView works with automotive Tier 1 supplier Forvia and precision optics maker Focuslight.

Yes. Partners provide prototyping and application support in collaboration with BrightView, and our own optical engineers are available to work directly with your team.

It depends on substrate, temperature and surface. Tell us your application and we'll recommend a compatible pressure-sensitive adhesive or double-sided tape, or have a partner supply the film pre-laminated. Note that BrightView does not supply adhesives or tapes.

BrightView is ISO 9001 certified. We maintain strict process control, environmental compliance and responsible sourcing and labor practices. See Quality.

We make our own master tooling in-house and produce on high-speed roll-to-roll lines in clean-room conditions. That keeps optical performance consistent from prototype through volume production.

Optical, mechanical and environmental testing, including high temperature, high temperature/high humidity exposure, UV exposure, transmission, color, and adhesion testing. Additional testing can be done upon request.

Yes. Certificates of Compliance and Certificates of Analysis are available on request for most products.

We use solvent-free resins, UV curing and energy-efficient processes, and BrightView holds an EcoVadis Bronze medal. Our MLAs also make LED lighting and displays more efficient, cutting energy use over the product's life. See Sustainability.

Standard warranty terms apply and vary by product and application. Contact us for details.