OPTIMAXThin Film Coatings
Optical thin film coating is a vacuum deposition procedure used to modify the transmission and reflection properties of an optical surface. Antireflection coating and high reflection coating are the
most common types of optical coatings. Beam-splitter, band pass filter, edge filter, polarizing and high laser damage coatings are also available. Certain high durability coatings can also help protect
an optic surface from scratches and the environment.
For more information, Coating Quality Assurance Options have been provided to help customers determine what options best serve their needs.
An example coating specification is given below:
Since contamination control and cleanliness is essential, Optimax utilizes a Class 10,000 environment for all coating operations and a Class 100 environment for component cleaning. A Class 100 assembly area for high-energy laser optics is also available.
Our proprietary cleaning process was developed in conjunction with leading laser fusion research entities.
Standard coating curves: (Click on thumbnail to view larger graph)
Standard coatings are routinely modified to meet part specific requirements. Custom coating designs are also available upon request.
For more information please see:
Adhesion, abrasion, humidity, temperature, and solubility tests are available in-house to verify coating durability in accordance with sections MIL-C-675C, MIL-C-48497A and MIL-C-13580C specifications. Laser damage testing is also available upon customer request.
For more information please see:
For more information please see Optimax's Inspection Data Options.
For more information please see the information on Optimax's On-Time Guarantee.
For more information, Coating Quality Assurance Options have been provided to help customers determine what options best serve their needs.
Specifying Coatings
Specifying coatings begins with the desired transmission or reflection requirements of the optical components surfaces, along with the wavelength band(s) of interest and angle of incidence (AOI). Other aspects to consider when specifying coatings include polarization requirements, laser damage threshold, witness sample requirements, coating aperture and environmental requirements.An example coating specification is given below:
- RAVG < 0.5% from 450-650nm, AOI = 0-20°, avg polarization
- Coating to withstand environmental durability requirements for Adhesion, Humidity and Moderate abrasion per MIL-C-48497A (Para 3.4.1.1-3.4.1.3). Witness sample testing is permitted, though samples are not a deliverable item.
- Laser Damage Threshold: None
- Coatings aperture is equal to the component clear aperture
- Specifying, Applying and Measuring Thin Film Coating
- Optimax's Manufacturing Tolerances Chart
- Optimax's Thin Film Coating Limits
Manufacturing Technology
Optimax currently has four box chambers utilizing resistive, reactive e-beam and ion assisted deposition processes. The ion-assisted deposition process is used to enhance adhesion and durability while minimizing spectral shift.Since contamination control and cleanliness is essential, Optimax utilizes a Class 10,000 environment for all coating operations and a Class 100 environment for component cleaning. A Class 100 assembly area for high-energy laser optics is also available.
Our proprietary cleaning process was developed in conjunction with leading laser fusion research entities.
Standard coating curves: (Click on thumbnail to view larger graph)
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| MgF2 (Various Glasses) | V @ 351 | V @ 1064 | W @ 1064 & 1570 |
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| Vis BBAR | XBBAR | NIR BBAR | Interface |
Standard coatings are routinely modified to meet part specific requirements. Custom coating designs are also available upon request.
For more information please see:
- Specifying, Applying and Measuring Thin Film Coating
- Optimax's Manufacturing Tolerances Chart
- Optimax's Thin Film Coating Limits
Testing Coatings
Optimax uses spectrophotometry to measure the transmission and reflection properties of each coating deposited. Optimax has a Perkin-Elmer Lambda 875 for measuring UV/Vis performance and a newly refurbished Perkin-Elmer 983 for measuring IR performance.Adhesion, abrasion, humidity, temperature, and solubility tests are available in-house to verify coating durability in accordance with sections MIL-C-675C, MIL-C-48497A and MIL-C-13580C specifications. Laser damage testing is also available upon customer request.
For more information please see:
- Specifying, Applying and Measuring Thin Film Coating
- The Effect Of Phase Distortion On...Thin Film Coated Optical Surfaces
- Optimax's Manufacturing Tolerances Chart
- Optimax's Thin Film Coating Limits
Quality Assurance
Optimax inspects 100% of all optics. Test data is provided with prototype orders. The use of state-of-the-art metrology assures customer satisfaction.For more information please see Optimax's Inspection Data Options.
Fast Delivery
Optimax manufactures a wide variety of optical components. When on-time delivery is crucial, Optimax offers an expedited delivery option with a money back guarantee.For more information please see the information on Optimax's On-Time Guarantee.
