Optical coatings

In this white paper, Pro-Lite’s Robert Yeo explains the science of diffuse reflectance, presents Lambert’s cosine law and explains how a diffuse reflectance material appears equally bright from all angles of view. Commercially available diffuse reflectance materials and coatings are described from Labsphere and SphereOptics, while common applications for Lambertian materials are presented, in particular in the development of LIDAR and ADAS proximity sensors.

Advances in optical polymers coupled with developments in fabrication methods have led to more optics designers choosing polymer components over glass and metal optical parts – and its no surprise why. Lower cost, faster production, and less weight are just a few of the myriad advantages that polymer-coated optics lend manufacturers. 

Chalcogenides offer many advantages that legacy IR materials simply cannot match, but they do require a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating so the optic can withstand the harshest environmental conditions. However, coating chalcogenides with DLC has been notoriously challenging and plagued by adhesion problems and coating defects.  Until now.   

Values for Laser Induced Damage Thresholds (LIDTs) can vary.They vary batch to batch and coating house to coating house. But more worryingly, damage thresholds can vary from test house to test house.  Inflated values present real expense issues to the end user when their optics damage under seemingly safe conditions. 

Values for Laser Induced Damage Thresholds (LIDTs) can vary. Inflated values give a rosy glow to the coater and a redder glow to the end user when their optics damage under seemingly safe conditions. There is much finger pointing within the damage community and there are numerous sources of variance. This situation highlights the importance of following the ISO standards for laser damage testing. 

The HELIX Spectral Analysis System has redefined measurement capabilities of high performance thin-film optical filters. HELIX is an instrument designed and developed by Alluxa to address the limitations of spectrophotometers. Download our whitepaper to find out more!