Thin film coating is a vacuum deposition procedure used to enhance the transmissive properties of an optical surface. Anti-reflection and high reflection coatings are the most common types of dielectric coatings. Beam-splitter, band pass filter, edge filter, and polarizing coatings are also available. Because thin film coatings are more durable than optical glass, coatings also help protect an optic surface from scratches and the environment.

More information about our Coating Quality Assurance Options has been provided to help customers determine what options best serve their needs.
 

Manufacturing Technology

Optimax currently has four electron-beam gun box coaters. An ion-assisted deposition process is used to enhance adhesion and durability while minimizing spectral shift. Film thickness is controlled with a quartz crystal monitoring system. Optimax cleans optics in a Class 10,000 environment. A Class 100 assembly area for high-energy laser optics is also available.
 

In-House Coating Capabilities

Optimax produces optics up to 300mm in diameter with a wide variety of narrow and broadband anti-reflection coatings, including doublet interface coatings. Both metal and dielectric mirror coatings are also available. For custom coatings, Optimax uses TFCalc thin film design software. Look below for sample reflectance curves.
 

Quality Assurance

Optimax performs test runs of all coatings before beginning production to ensure a good design. Upon completion, a Perkin-Elmer Lambda 900 Spectrophotometer is used to check the performance of the coating. Adhesion, abrasion, and humidity tests are available to verify coating durability in accordance with sections of MIL-C-675C, MIL-C-48497A, and MIL-C-13508C specifications. Laser damage testing is also available upon customer request.
 

Optimax Coating Performance

The sample coating curves listed below include MgF2, single and dual wavelength anti-reflection, broadband anti-reflection, and both metal and single wavelength dielectric mirror coatings. These coatings can be modified for specific wavelengths, angles, and polarizations to meet project requirements.