Arcoating glasses

Anti reflective coating spray

The single-layer MgF2 coating is the oldest and simplest type of AR coating. While most efficient for high-index glasses, these single-layer MgF2 coatings can often be a cost-effective compromise over more complicated broad-band AR coatings. PFG has a long-running history of providing highly durable MgF2 coatings that pass all MIL-C-675 durability and spectral requirements. While often the crux of high-energy coating processes like sputtering, PFG has developed a proprietary IAD (ion-assisted deposition) process that allows for MgF2 coatings to maintain their durability while being coated at low temperatures. This is a big advantage for heat-sensitive substrates like cemented or bonded optics or high CTE substrates. This proprietary process also allows for stress control, a long-running problem of MgF2 coatings.

In laser optics, efficiency is vital. Laser line AR coatings, known as V-coats, are able to maximize the laser throughput by lowering the reflection as close to zero as possible. Coupled with low losses, our V-coatings can achieve 99.9% transmission of laser light. These AR coatings can also be applied to the backside of beamsplitters, polarizers, and filters. With years of experience in the laser world, we routinely provide AR coatings with industry-competing laser-induced damage thresholds. We prove AR coatings tailored for -ns, -ps, & -fs pulsed lasers as well as CW lasers. We commonly provide V-coat style AR coatings for 1572nm, 1535nm, 1064nm, 633nm, 532nm, 355nm, and 308nm. We can also AR multiple wavelengths simultaneously for 1ω, 2ω, and 3ω applications.

ARcoating meaning

Imaging systems and broad-band sources can see a huge increase in light throughput with multi-layer AR coatings. Often containing many different optical elements of many different glass types and indices, the losses from each element in the system can quickly compound into unacceptable throughput for many imaging systems. Broadband AR coatings are multi-layered coatings that are tailored to AR the exact bandwidth of the system. These AR coatings can be designed in the visible, SWIR, MWIR, or any combination, and cover most any angle-of-incidence for converging or diverging beams. PFG can deposit these AR coatings with E-beam or IAD processes for a stable environmental response. When combined with our proprietary low-temperature MgF2 deposition process, these AR coatings provide maximum transmission while maintaining stability and durability. With years of experience, PFG has a competitive advantage in applying these AR coatings to the full spectrum of optical glasses, crystals, and IR substrates.

In-house environmental testing: adhesion test, abrasion test, thermal-humidity test, temperature influence test, and stress test Coating charts and witness samples are routinely supplied