Precision Optical Coatings

Almost every precision optical component includes at least one coated surface. Whether a window, mirror, lens, prism, filter, etalon, beamsplitter, waveplate, polarizer, or something else, your component will almost certainly have some type of precision optical coating. Today’s precision optical coatings are made up of multiple thin-film layers – from two up to sixty or more – of dielectric materials, and sometimes metals. A coating design reads like a melody: a unique sequence of several materials (like notes) each with a prescribed thickness (like the duration of those notes). And like a melody, a slight change can change everything. The thin-film designer and the coating technician are like composer and performer. A brilliant designer and skilled technicians are your partners in making the equivalent of beautiful music.

Tower Optical utilizes recognized knowledgeable,and experienced people working with the best equipment.The precision optical coatings are produced using a wide range of processes which are individually optimized to suit the specific type of coating being developed. Quality coatings must take into account the customer’s unique requirements during production. High end optical coatings must be produced using state of the art technologies and clean room environments which is precisely what Tower Optical utilizes.

The process control usually plays a very significant role in the production of thin film coatings. The precision coating engineers can utilize digital as well as theoretical techniques to produce the optical coating designs. The coating chamber needs to be monitored rigorously in order to ensure consistency throughout the production process. 

Coated products face a lot of exposure to extreme conditions and that’s why they need to have a high environmental resistance. Conditions such as heat, temperature fluctuations and high humidity can damage the coated product. Some optical films are operated for extended hours at very high temperatures. Other than the extremely high temperatures, thin films are also exposed to repeat thermal cycling. Some of these extremely high temperatures can end up compromising the integrity of an optical coating. Thus, a very reliable system must be used to develop these products. 

 Tower Optical takes on the challenge of creating highly durable and reliable thin films which can withstand all these elements. The thin films are produced in high volumes while maintaining the high quality throughout the process.Some of the most common techniques used to produce precision optics include ion beam sputtering and ion beam milling as well as etching and clean room environments. The optical objects can be round, perfectly flat or smooth. When looking for high quality optical coatings, make sure they are durable, heat resistant and reliable. The company should also offer different types of coatings including ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR) among others. 

Make sure you understand the precision coating methods used by the manufacturer. Thin film coatings are offered by various companies online so you should get them at competitive prices. A great manufacturer will be able to assist you in all stages from product selection to development and manufacturing. Tower Optical can offer a reliable team to help you throughout the production stages.Please contact us.