Controls: Thin films deposited onto optical surfaces used to increase transmission of the surface. AR coatings are matched to requirements of each optic, ranging from the most common and cost effective single-layer MgF2 to custom, multi-band designs specific to a single application

Related Terms: Witness sample (used to test performance), coating durability, adhesion, MIL-C-675C, MIL-F-48616, MIL-C-48497A, MIL-M-13508C

Specifications Must Contain: Wavelength band in linear units, Percent Reflectance or Transmission, Angle of Incidence (if other than normal incidence), and minimum coating aperture (if different than Clear Aperture).

Specifications May Include: Laser Damage Threshold in J/cm2 (include Pulse-width, wavelength, repetition rate, spot size), multiple wavelength bands, combinations of R and T specs, polarization requirements.

Optimax Preferred Specification: Average Reflectance, normal incidence

Reasons: Metrology is the most straightforward

Manufacturing Standards: MIL-C-675C, MIL-F-48616, MIL-C-48497C, MIL-M-13508C, MIL-C-14806A, ISO, OEOSC OPI.0110-9, OPI.9211-2, OPI.9211-2, OPI.9211-1

For More Information
Optimax’s Technical Note on Thin Film Coating

Samples of Standard Coatings Available at Optimax:

Single Layer (/4 thick) MgF2

• Most cost effective option
• Same coating for all optical glasses
• Performance varies with substrate index

Broad Band Antireflectives

• BBAR optimized for 400-700nm
• Extended BBAR optimized for 450-900nm
• Ravg < 0.5%, Rmax < 1.0%, AOI: 0-30˚
• Better performance, higher cost

V-Coat AR’s

• The best performance at a single wavelength
• R < 0.2%, AOI: 0-20˚
• Can be optimized for any wavelength