Controls: Thin films deposited onto optical surfaces used to increase transmission of the surface. AR coatings are matched to the 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

Find out more by downloading our technical note on Phase Distortion On Interferometric Measurements Of Thin Film Coated Optical Surfaces

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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
AR Coating
AR Coating

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
AR Coating

V-Coat AR’s

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