Below are manufacturing limits and tolerances specific to thin film coating. For more detailed information, please contact sales@optimaxsi.com.
1Applies to edge thickness as well
2Taller parts can be accomodated with significant preparation and tooling cost.
3This is the highest limit obtained. Increasing wavelength band and/or reducing reflectance requirement will reduce maximum.
4Measured relative to mechanical axis.
5This is total range, highest minus lowest. Max AOI can be greater than 45°.
6Measured relative to mechanical axis
7Wavelength where absolute minimum reflectance occurs
8Antireflection coatings only
9Coated for 1064nm and 3ns pulse length. Decreasing pulse length and/or wavelength will reduce maximum.
10There is additional testing required as requirements increase. Costs and lead time will increase.
11These are the basic tests always performed.
Thin Film Coating Manufacturing Limits
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| Figure 1 - Graphical Depiction of Shadowing and Tool Marks |
General Comments on Optimax's Coating
Manufacturing Limits
- This represents a general list of soft limits and is intended for reference only.
- As requirements move closer to a min or max shown the more challenging the part will be.
- Coating difficulty and price is a function of five basic attributes: Reflectance, angle of incidence range, maximum angle of incidence and center wavelength. There is only a certain region of overlap that will produce a manufacturable combination. Certain combinations may not be possible - choosing Max AOI and Min Reflection, for example.
- Coatings are typically measured in reflection at near-normal incidence (8°) and 45°. Alternate angles are done as theoretical interpolations only. Transmission measurements can be made at any angle provided the sample orientation does not clip beam.
| Mechanical Limits for Antireflection Coatings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Attribute | Minimum | Maximum |
| Diameter (mm) | 3 | 350 |
| OAH (mm)1 | 1 | 1002 |
| Coated Aperture (mm) | 1 | 325 |
| AOI (°)3 | 0 | 65 |
| Included Angle (°) | 0 | 120 |
| Optical Performance Limits for Antireflection Coatings | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Attribute | Easiest | Hardest | |
| R (%) | 2+ | 0.1 | |
| AOI Band (°)4 | 0 | 455 | |
| MAX AOI6 | 0 | 65 | |
| λ Band (nm) | 1 | 800 | |
| Center λ (mm)7 | 550 | <250 or >2000 | |
| Additional Attribute | Easiest | Hardest | |
| Laser Damage Threshold8 | None | 15J/cm2(9) | |
| Abrasion (MIL-C-48497) | Moderate | Severe | |
| Environmental Resistance (MIL-C-48497)10 | Adhesion & Abrasion11 | All tests | |
1Applies to edge thickness as well
2Taller parts can be accomodated with significant preparation and tooling cost.
3This is the highest limit obtained. Increasing wavelength band and/or reducing reflectance requirement will reduce maximum.
4Measured relative to mechanical axis.
5This is total range, highest minus lowest. Max AOI can be greater than 45°.
6Measured relative to mechanical axis
7Wavelength where absolute minimum reflectance occurs
8Antireflection coatings only
9Coated for 1064nm and 3ns pulse length. Decreasing pulse length and/or wavelength will reduce maximum.
10There is additional testing required as requirements increase. Costs and lead time will increase.
11These are the basic tests always performed.
