Bare Aluminum Optical Mirrors
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Bare Aluminum Optical Mirrors are optical components designed to reflect light across a broad spectral range. These mirrors are constructed with a single layer of aluminum, which provides high reflectivity, particularly in the visible spectrum. They are typically used in applications where high reflectivity and cost-effectiveness are important.
Working Principle
Bare Aluminum Optical Mirrors work by reflecting light off their surface, which is coated with aluminum. The aluminum layer is highly reflective, allowing the mirror to efficiently redirect light. This property makes them useful in various optical systems where light needs to be manipulated or redirected. The simplicity of their construction, without additional protective coatings, allows for maximum reflectivity, although it also makes them more susceptible to damage from environmental factors.
Applications
Bare Aluminum Optical Mirrors are used in a variety of applications. They are commonly found in optical instruments and devices where high reflectivity is required. Specific examples include their use in projector reflectors and optical lenses, where they help in directing and focusing light efficiently. They are also used in scientific research setups where precise light manipulation is necessary.
Advantages over other Optical Mirrors
One of the primary advantages of Bare Aluminum Optical Mirrors is their high reflectivity across a broad spectral range, particularly in the visible spectrum. This makes them a cost-effective choice for applications where high reflectivity is crucial. Additionally, their simple construction without protective overcoats allows for maximum reflectivity, which can be advantageous in certain optical systems.
Limitations
Bare Aluminum Optical Mirrors have several limitations. They are prone to oxidation and can be easily scratched due to the absence of a protective overcoat. This makes them less durable compared to mirrors with protective coatings. Additionally, they may not perform well in high humidity environments, where the risk of oxidation is higher, potentially affecting their optical performance.
Considerations
When considering Bare Aluminum Optical Mirrors, it is important to weigh factors such as initial costs, operating expenses, and maintenance. While they are generally cost-effective due to their simple construction, their susceptibility to damage may lead to higher maintenance and replacement costs over time. Durability is a concern, as they can be easily scratched and are prone to oxidation, which can degrade their performance. Therefore, careful handling and regular maintenance are necessary to ensure their longevity and accuracy in optical applications.
from Newport MKS
This is a 10-pack of the very popular Broadband Aluminum Mirrors. These mirrors are excellent general purpose, broadband reflectors. The 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) diameter mirrors are made from a 3.1 mm thick Borofloat ® 33 substrate which is coated with the ER.1 aluminum coating. Borofloat ® 33... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum
- Diameter/Width: 12.7
- Wavelength Range: 450 to 700
- Thickness: 3.1
from Newport MKS
The 40D20ER.1 Broadband Aluminum Mirror is an excellent general purpose, broadband reflector. This 101.6 mm (4.0 inch) diameter mirror is made from a 17.7 mm thick Borofloat ® 33 substrate which is coated with the ER.1 aluminum coating. Borofloat ® 33 has low thermal expansion and is an... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum
- Diameter/Width: 102
- Wavelength Range: 450 to 700
- Thickness: 17.7
from Newport MKS
The 05SD520ER.1 is an Economy Broadband Aluminum Square Mirror. By taking advantage of advanced polishing techniques and our high-volume manufacturing, these mirrors are truly cost effective. This 12.7 x 12.7 mm (1/2 x 1/2 inch) square mirror is made from 3.1 mm thick Borofloat ® 33 substrate... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum
- Thickness: 3.1
- Wavelength Range: 450 to 700
- Mirror Shape: Rectangular / Square; Square
from Newport MKS
The 07SD520ER.1 is an Economy Broadband Aluminum Square Mirror. By taking advantage of advanced polishing techniques and our high-volume manufacturing, these mirrors are truly cost effective. This 19.05 x 19.05 mm (3/4 x 3/4 inch) square mirror is made from 4.57 mm thick Borofloat ® 33... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum
- Thickness: 4.57
- Wavelength Range: 450 to 700
- Mirror Shape: Rectangular / Square; Square
from Newport MKS
The 75J00ER.3 is a Utility Broadband Aluminum Mirror optimized for 400-10,000 nm with square dimensions of 190.5 x 190.5 mm and a 3.17 mm thickness. These mirrors are excellent economical broadband reflectors. The front surface is coated with our ER.3 dielectric-enhanced aluminum coating. The... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum
- Thickness: 3.17
- Wavelength Range: 400 to 10000
- Mirror Shape: Rectangular / Square; Square
from Newport MKS
The 10SJ00ER.3 is a Utility Broadband Aluminum Mirror optimized for 400-10,000 nm with square dimensions of 25.4 x 25.4 mm and a 3.17 mm thickness. These mirrors are excellent economical broadband reflectors. The front surface is coated with our ER.3 dielectric-enhanced aluminum coating. The... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum
- Thickness: 3.17
- Wavelength Range: 400 to 10000
- Mirror Shape: Rectangular / Square; Square
from Newport MKS
The 10J00ER.3 is a Utility Broadband Aluminum Mirror optimized for 400-10,000 nm with a 25.4 mm (1.0 inch) diameter and a 3.17 mm thickness. These mirrors are excellent economical broadband reflectors. The front surface is coated with our ER.3 dielectric-enhanced aluminum coating. The 10J00ER.3 has... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum
- Diameter/Width: 25.4
- Wavelength Range: 400 to 10000
- Thickness: 3.17
from Newport MKS
The 20J00ER.3 is a Utility Broadband Aluminum Mirror optimized for 400-10,000 nm with a 50.8 mm (2.0 inch) diameter and a 3.17 mm thickness. These mirrors are excellent economical broadband reflectors. The front surface is coated with our ER.3 dielectric-enhanced aluminum coating. The 20J00ER.3 has... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum
- Diameter/Width: 50.8
- Wavelength Range: 400 to 10000
- Thickness: 3.17
from Newport MKS
The 10DD20ER.1 is a D-shaped Aluminum Broadband Mirror with a 25.4 mm (1.0 inch) diameter, a thickness of 6.0 mm, and a flatness of λ/10. The mirror's straight edge allows multiple tightly packed beams or sources to be separated. The 10DD20ER.1 has a 40-20 surface quality and an average... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum
- Diameter/Width: 25.4
- Wavelength Range: 450 to 700
- Thickness: 6
from Newport MKS
The 10DD20AL.2 is a D-shaped UV Enhanced Aluminum Broadband Mirror with a 25.4 mm (1.0 inch) diameter, a thickness of 6.0 mm, and a flatness of λ/10. The mirror's straight edge allows multiple tightly packed beams or sources to be separated. The 10DD20AL.2 has a 40-20 surface quality and an... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; UV Enhanced Aluminum
- Diameter/Width: 25.4
- Wavelength Range: 250 to 600
- Thickness: 6
from Newport MKS
The 13E20ER.1 Broadband Aluminum Elliptical Mirror is an excellent general purpose, broadband reflectors. This 33.02 mm (1.30 inch) minor axis, 46.70 mm (1.838 inch) major axis, elliptical mirror is made from a 9.37 mm thick Borofloat ® 33 substrate. Borofloat ® 33 has low thermal... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum
- Thickness: 9.4
- Wavelength Range: 450 to 700
- Mirror Shape: Elliptical; Elliptical
from Newport MKS
The UBBR1-1UV Broadband Hollow Retroreflector is constructed of three front-surface flat mirrors assembled into a corner cube. A stress-free mounting technique is employed to ensure dimensional stability. This geometry results in a reflected beam that is precisely parallel to the incident beam,... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; UV Enhanced Aluminum
- Wavelength Range: 225 to 700
- Mirror Types: Reflector
- Mirror Shape: Hollow Retroreflector
from Newport MKS
The UBBR2.5-1UV Broadband Hollow Retroreflector is constructed of three front-surface flat mirrors assembled into a corner cube. A stress-free mounting technique is employed to ensure dimensional stability. This geometry results in a reflected beam that is precisely parallel to the incident beam,... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; UV Enhanced Aluminum
- Wavelength Range: 225 to 700
- Mirror Types: Reflector
- Mirror Shape: Hollow Retroreflector
from Newport MKS
The U100-A2K-NL is combined with the 10D20AL.2 mirror. The U100 mount coupled with the 10D20AL.2 mirror is an ideal packaged set for standard laboratory applications. Note that each item will be packaged separately for shipment. U100-A2K-NL is a Precision Clear Edge Mirror Mount, 1.0 in. Diameter,... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; UV Enhanced Aluminum
- Diameter/Width: 25.4
- Wavelength Range: 250 to 600
- Thickness: 6
from Newport MKS
The 50328AL Off-Axis Replicated Parabolic Mirror is 1.50 inches in diameter, with an effective focal length of 0.80 inches, and coated with Protected Aluminum. These standard off-axis parabolic mirrors are circular segments from one side of a full paraboloid. The focal point is displaced from the... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Protected Aluminum; Protected Aluminum
- Focal Length: 20.32
- Mirror Types: Parabolic Mirror
- Wavelength Range: 190 to 2000
from Newport MKS
The 50329AL Off-Axis Replicated Parabolic Mirror is 1.50 inches in diameter, with an effective focal length of 2.00 inches, and coated with Protected Aluminum. These standard off-axis parabolic mirrors are circular segments from one side of a full paraboloid. The focal point is displaced from the... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Protected Aluminum; Protected Aluminum
- Focal Length: 50.8
- Mirror Types: Parabolic Mirror
- Wavelength Range: 190 to 2000
from Newport MKS
The 50332AL Off-Axis Replicated Parabolic Mirror is 1.50 inches in diameter, with an effective focal length of 8.00 inches, and coated with Protected Aluminum. These standard off-axis parabolic mirrors are circular segments from one side of a full paraboloid. The focal point is displaced from the... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Protected Aluminum; Protected Aluminum
- Focal Length: 203
- Mirror Types: Parabolic Mirror
- Wavelength Range: 190 to 2000
from Changchun Sunday Optics Co., Ltd.
Calcium fluoride has a high transmittance from ultraviolet to mid-infrared (250nm~7um), so it is widely used in the manufacture of prisms, Windows and lenses, In some applications with a wide spectrum range, it can be used directly without coating film, Especially, it has low absorption and high... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Silver
- Diameter/Width: 10 to 127
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Mirror Shape: Round
from Shimadzu Corporation
An off-axis parabolic mirror converts plane waves into spherical ones and vice versa with high accuracy. This aspherical mirror is indispensable for spectrometers and astronomical optical instruments which require high resolution. [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum
- Focal Length: 125 to 787
- Mirror Types: Parabolic Mirror
- Second Focal Length: 134 to 789
from Thorlabs, Inc.
At Thorlabs, we constantly reinforce our desire to serve at the pleasure of our customers. From this comes our desire to be connected to our industry in a way that far exceeds what would typically be expected of a vendor. Thorlabs lives this core principle by seeking to enhance, at every turn, the... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Dielectric; Gold; Silver
- Focal Length: 9.5 to 500
- Mirror Types: Spherical Mirror
- Wavelength Range: 450 to 20000
from Advanced Optics, Inc.
Bare Aluminum coating provides a higher reflectivity than overcoated aluminum. This feature makes it the coating of choice for some systems, such as spectrophotometers. Unlike AlSiO, bare aluminum is not very durable and because of the softness of the coating, mirrors are difficult to clean without... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum
- Diameter/Width: 25.4 to 76.2
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Thickness: 1.6 to 3.2
from Rainbow Research Optics, Inc.
Your One-Stop Source for Laser Optics. Highest Damage Threshold (LDT) Coatings. Laser Quality Substrates. Rainbow Research Optics, Inc. (RROI) specializes in manufacturing standard and custom laser optics for laser systems including CO2, Nd:YAG, and Excimer. RROI can produce high damage thresholds... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Protected Aluminum; Dielectric; Gold; Protected Gold; Silver
- Mirror Shape: Round; Rectangular / Square
- Mirror Types: Laser Mirror
- Mirror Materials: BK7 Glass; Fused Silica; Ultra-violet grade Fused Silica
from Edmund Optics Inc.
Sizes Ranging from 1/2 " Diameter to 8 " Diameter. Certified with a Zygo Interferometer. Each 1/20 λ Flat Includes a Certificate of Calibration. Available with Standard Metallic Mirror Coatings: 1/4 λ Mirrors, 1/10 λ Mirrors, 1/20 λ Mirrors. Optical Flats are... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum
- Diameter/Width: 203
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Thickness: 38.1
from Shanghai Optics
A spherical mirror is an optical element that reflects light. It has the shape of a piece cut out of a spherical surface, while the back is typically plano. Our spherical mirrors have aluminum coatings and highly polished spherical surfaces, and are ideal for technical OEM visible or IR... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum
- Mirror Materials: BK7 Glass; Optical Crown Glass
- Mirror Types: Spherical Mirror
from Changchun Sunday Optics Co., Ltd.
Optical dome is a lens with two concentric sphere, They are mainly used for Bathyscaphe, Radiometer, Underwater Robot, Submarine.,Camera Image. In an ideal dome, the convex radius equals the sum of the dome thickness and the concave radius, resulting in a naturally strong shape that becomes harder... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Silver
- Diameter/Width: 2 to 800
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Mirror Shape: Round
from Shimadzu Corporation
This aspherical mirror, which focuses parallel light to the focus point without aberrations, or converts a point light source from the focuse point into parallel light without aberrations, is used in spectroscopic systems that require high resolution. [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum
- Focal Length: 275 to 350
- Mirror Types: Parabolic Mirror
- Second Focal Length: 279 to 351
from Thorlabs, Inc.
At Thorlabs, we constantly reinforce our desire to serve at the pleasure of our customers. From this comes our desire to be connected to our industry in a way that far exceeds what would typically be expected of a vendor. Thorlabs lives this core principle by seeking to enhance, at every turn, the... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Enhanced Aluminum; Silver
- Focal Length: 25 to 400
- Mirror Types: Spherical Mirror
- Wavelength Range: 250 to 20000
from Advanced Optics, Inc.
Our optical mirrors are manufactured from either BOROFLOAT ® 33 or SUPREMAX ® 33, which provide low thermal expansion, high thermal resistance, excellent light transmission and impressive chemical durability. Advanced Optics offers borosilicate optical mirrors precision polished to either... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum
- Mirror Shape: Round (optional feature); Rectangular / Square (optional feature)
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Mirror Materials: Borosilicate
from Changchun Sunday Optics Co., Ltd.
The high-precision window is made of BK7 optical glass and UV fused quartz, the fused silica quartz window plate is suitable for high power laser that needs good thermal stability, and the window made of N-BK7 material is cheaper, which is suitable for laser applications that pay more attention to... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Silver
- Diameter/Width: 2 to 800
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Mirror Shape: Round
from Shimadzu Corporation
Shimadzu toroidal mirrors are manufactured by polishing optical glass with highly-smoothed surface. Standard coating of Aluminum brings high reflectance in ultraviolet region. The newly developed production method secures continuous delivery of stable quality products. Non-use of specific chemical... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum
- Diameter/Width: 20 to 70
- Mirror Types: Toroidal Mirror
- Radius of Curvature: 52 to 848
from Thorlabs, Inc.
At Thorlabs, we constantly reinforce our desire to serve at the pleasure of our customers. From this comes our desire to be connected to our industry in a way that far exceeds what would typically be expected of a vendor. Thorlabs lives this core principle by seeking to enhance, at every turn, the... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Protected Gold; Silver
- Wavelength Range: 250 to 20000
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Diameter/Width: 7 to 102
from Changchun Sunday Optics Co., Ltd.
Optical Mirrors are used for beam turning, interferometry, imaging, or illumination.Using polished glass or metal as the substrate, the light beam hits the surface to form mirror reflection.In order to obtain as much reflected light as possible, the substrate is often coated with a reflective... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Silver
- Diameter/Width: 2 to 800
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Mirror Shape: Round
from Changchun Sunday Optics Co., Ltd.
Sapphire are ideal for demanding applications such as laser systems because of their extremely high surface hardness, high thermal conductivity, high dielectric constant and resistance to chemical acids and bases.Because the hardness of sapphire is second only to diamond, and its structural strength... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Silver
- Diameter/Width: 2 to 800
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Mirror Shape: Round
from Changchun Sunday Optics Co., Ltd.
Calcium fluoride has a high transmittance from ultraviolet to mid-infrared (250nm~7um), so it is widely used in the manufacture of prisms, Windows and lenses, In some applications with a wide spectrum range, it can be used directly without coating film, Especially, it has low absorption and high... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Silver
- Diameter/Width: 1 to 1000
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Mirror Shape: Round
from Changchun Sunday Optics Co., Ltd.
Optical Mirrors are used for beam turning, interferometry, imaging, or illumination.Using polished glass or metal as the substrate, the light beam hits the surface to form mirror reflection.In order to obtain as much reflected light as possible, the substrate is often coated with a reflective... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Silver
- Diameter/Width: 0.1000 to 1000
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Mirror Shape: Round
from Changchun Sunday Optics Co., Ltd.
Optical Mirrors are used for beam turning, interferometry, imaging, or illumination.Using polished glass or metal as the substrate, the light beam hits the surface to form mirror reflection.In order to obtain as much reflected light as possible, the substrate is often coated with a reflective... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Silver
- Diameter/Width: 2 to 800
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Mirror Shape: Round
from Changchun Sunday Optics Co., Ltd.
Sapphire Windows are ideal for demanding applications such as laser systems because of their extremely high surface hardness, high thermal conductivity, high dielectric constant and resistance to chemical acids and bases.Because the hardness of sapphire is second only to diamond, and its structural... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Silver
- Diameter/Width: 2 to 800
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror; Spherical Mirror
- Mirror Shape: Round
from Changchun Sunday Optics Co., Ltd.
Calcium fluoride has a high transmittance from ultraviolet to mid-infrared (250nm~7um), so it is widely used in the manufacture of prisms, Windows and lenses, In some applications with a wide spectrum range, it can be used directly without coating film, Especially, it has low absorption and high... [See More]
- Mirror Coatings: Aluminum; Gold; Silver
- Diameter/Width: 1 to 1000
- Mirror Types: Flat Mirror
- Mirror Shape: Round