A matte display is an electronic display with a matte surface. Matte displays feature a light-scattering antireflection layer, which reduces reflectivity at the cost of decreased contrast and color intensity under dimly lit conditions.Johnson, Joel. "LCD Monitors: Glossy vs. Matte" . Popular Mechanics. April 2007. Retrieved December 3, 2007. If the steep nanostructures are used – etched in the surface – a matte display can achieve an effect that is similar to continuous refraction index reduction.
The image quality in displays with matte finish is not as sharp or bright as a glossy screen but is easier to color-match and calibrate with a printer.
See also Anti-reflective coating Glossy display Nanotextured surface
References
Further references CIE No38-1977: Radiometric and photometric characteristics of materials and their measurement CIE No 44-1979: Absolute methods for reflection measurements CIE No17.4-1987: International lighting vocabulary, 4th ed. (Joint publication IEC/CIE) John C. Stover, Optical Scattering, Measurement and Analysis, SPIE Press, 1995
External links
I work for an LCD manufacturer : Insightful slashdotter on the mathematical significance of screen specs.