Optical Coatings Technology

Optical coatings are critical for enhancing the transmission, reflection, polarization, and phase of light incident upon and passing through optical components. There are many different technologies used to fabricate optical coatings, but in the vapor-phase, they generally fall into two categories: physical or chemical. The most common physical deposition (PVD) methods are thermal evaporation and sputtering. No single coating technology is the best option for all situations, as different applications drive different requirements. This article explores the difference between several common PVD technologies relative to four unique use applications: highly reflective optics, high-laser-damage-threshold applications, cost-sensitive volume manufacturing, and ultrafast laser optics.