Optical Coating - Thin Film Optical Coating
Optical coatings affect the properties of electromagnetic energy.
To understand what optical coatings are and what they are used
for, a bit of history is helpful. Since ancient times, man has
tried not only to decipher the nature of light, but also to harness
its power. Man’s fascination with light sparked the curiosity
of many scientists, who over the years have added to our understanding
of light and other forms of electromagnetic energy. The foundation
laid by Young, Huygen, Fresnel, Poisson, Fraunhofer, Maxwell,
Fabry, Perot and others was critical for the design of optical
coatings. However, advances in technology were necessary
for the production of optical coatings. Modern thin film optical
coatings were not produced until the 1930’s, with the development
of adequate vacuum technology. Since that time, great strides
in vacuum and deposition technology have increased the level of
sophistication of optical coatings. Today, optical coatings are
used at the component level in almost every branch of technology.
Optical coatings primarily control the transmittance and reflectance
of electromagnetic energy. Due to its wave properties, electromagnetic
energy exhibits interference effects. Waves that are in phase
constructively interfere, whereas waves that are 180 degrees out
of phase destructively interfere. Optical coatings are
constructed of one to hundreds of thin layers. Varying the material
and thickness of each layer determines the amplitude and phase
of the transmitted and reflected light at each interface. By creating
regions of constructive and destructive interference, one can
tailor the transmittance and reflectance of the optical coating
as a function of wavelength.
Examples of optical coatings are mirrors,
anti-reflection coatings, beamsplitters, and filters. Newport
Thin Film Laboratory is a fully equipped optical coating facility
specializing in the design and manufacture of vacuum deposited
optical thin films. We produce a variety of optical coatings,
most of which are designed and manufactured to specific customer
specifications.
For more information on our services please click below:
Optical Coating
UV Curing
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We would be pleased to answer any
questions that you may have by
phone, fax, or email. Please feel
free to contact us!
4534 Carter Court,
Chino CA 91710
(800) 854-0089
(909) 591-0276
(company voice mail after hours)
(909) 628-1418
sales@newportlab.com
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or directions to our facility
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Thursday, March 10, 2005 10:54 PM |
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