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Anti-Reflection Coatings

From Edmund Optics Inc.

Optical coatings can be critical in an application. Coatings are used to either increase the transmission of light by reducing back reflections (as in the case of lenses, windows, etc.) or to increase the reflectivity of light (as in the case of mirrors). Different coatings can achieve different results depending upon your application requirements. Coatings are optimized for various regions of the spectrum such as the infrared, the visible, or the ultraviolet. Edmund Optics offers a wide array of both stock and custom coatings anti-reflection (AR) coatings.

As light passes through an uncoated glass substrate, approximately 4% will be reflected at each surface. This results in a total transmission of only 92% of the incident light. Applying an AR coating on each surface will increase the throughput of the system and reduce hazards caused by reflections traveling backwards through the system (ghost images). Anti-reflection coatings are especially important if the system contains many transmitting optical elements. Many low-light systems incorporate AR coated optics to allow for efficient use of light. The curve below demonstrates the difference between an uncoated and coated single surface BK7 substrate. The coating used is a 1/4 wave of MgF 2 centered at 550nm. MgF2 has an index of 1.38 at 550nm.

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Product Announcements
Abrisa Technologies - Single & Multi-Layer Anti-Reflective Coatings
Abrisa Technologies’ ZC&R Coatings for Optics (ZC&R) division, located in Torrance, California, provides both single and multi-layer all dielectric anti-reflective (AR) coatings onto... (read more)
Abrisa Technologies - Hydrophilic & Hydrophobic Coatings for Optics
ZC&R Coatings for Optics a division of Abrisa Technologies provides both hydrophobic and Hydrophilic optical coatings for applications such as outdoor surveillance, camera windows, outdoor... (read more)
Ross Optical Industries - Prisms (Right Angle)
Right angle prisms are optical elements having at least three polished faces inclined relative to each other at 45-90-45 degrees. They can be used as total internal reflectors, hypotenuse face... (read more)
Cascade Optical Corp. - Broadband AR Coating
Broadband AR coatings operate usually at lower efficiency than V-Coatings, but they provide anti-reflective properties over much wider spectral range. (read more)
Dontech Incorporated - Transparent Heaters Extend LCD Temperature
Therma Klear™ transparent heaters provide the warmth necessary to extend the operating temperature of LCDs (liquid crystal displays) in cold environments, and for the anti-fog, anti-icing, and... (read more)
 
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