Optical Coatings
Anti-reflection, high-reflection, dichroic, and custom thin-film coatings. Understanding deposition processes helps you specify the right optics for your application.
Anti-Reflection (AR) Coatings
Reduce surface reflections to maximize light transmission. Single-layer MgF2, V-coats for specific wavelengths, and broadband multilayer AR designs.
- ● Single layer: R <1.5% at design wavelength
- ● V-coat: R <0.25% at single wavelength
- ● BBAR: R <0.5% over broad band
High-Reflection (HR) Coatings
Multilayer dielectric stacks for maximum reflectivity. Used in laser mirrors, resonator optics, and beam steering. R >99.9% achievable.
- ● R >99.9% at design wavelength
- ● High damage threshold
- ● Narrowband or broadband designs
IBS (Ion Beam Sputtering) Coatings
The gold standard for precision optical coatings. Ultra-dense films with minimal scatter, absorption, and drift. Required for ultrafast, high-power, and precision metrology.
- ● Lowest scatter and absorption
- ● Highest damage thresholds
- ● Best environmental stability
Dichroic Coatings
Wavelength-selective coatings that reflect specific bands while transmitting others. Core technology for beam combining, display optics, and fluorescence.
- ● Sharp spectral edges
- ● Custom transition wavelengths
- ● Used in projection and microscopy
Metallic Coatings
Protected aluminum, silver, and gold mirror coatings for broadband reflectivity. Cost-effective and widely used in non-critical beam paths.
- ● Aluminum: UV to IR broadband
- ● Silver: highest visible reflectivity
- ● Gold: optimal for IR (>800nm)
Custom Optical Coatings
Work with coating houses to design application-specific thin-film stacks. From prototype to production volumes.
- ● Application-specific design
- ● Prototype to volume production
- ● Multiple deposition processes
Coating Deposition Process Comparison
| Product | Density | Scatter | LIDT | Cost | Throughput | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Beam Evaporation | Moderate | Low-Medium | Good | $ | High | Standard AR/HR, production | |
| Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS) | Very High | Very Low | Excellent | $$$ | Low | Precision, ultrafast, high power | |
| Ion-Assisted Deposition (IAD) | High | Low | Very Good | $$ | Medium | Good balance of quality and cost | |
| Magnetron Sputtering | High | Low | Good | $$ | High | Large area, production volume |
Optical Coating Fundamentals
Optical coatings are thin-film stacks deposited on glass or crystal substrates to control how light reflects, transmits, or absorbs at each surface. A bare glass surface reflects about 4% per surface at visible wavelengths. A good AR coating brings that below 0.25%. A dielectric mirror coating pushes reflectivity above 99.9%.
The deposition process determines coating quality. E-beam evaporation is the workhorse of the industry -- fast, affordable, and adequate for most applications. When you need the lowest scatter, highest damage threshold, and best environmental stability, IBS (ion beam sputtering) is the standard. IAD offers a middle ground.
Specification is critical. When ordering custom coatings, specify: center wavelength or band, angle of incidence, polarization state, required reflectivity or transmission, damage threshold requirements, environmental conditions, and substrate material. The more detail you provide, the better the coating house can optimize the design.
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