Anti-Reflection Coatings

Special Properties

• Very low surface reflections
• High transmission for visible wavelengths
• No ghost images, phantom light, or double laser beams
• Refractive index matches glass-to-air transition
• Dielectric multi-layer coating construction
• Low light absorption
• High abrasion resistance and coating adhesion

Typical Applications

• Anti-reflection coating for optical windows and lenses
• Non-reflective sensor cover glasses
• Laser windows
• Anti-reflection coatings for optical measuring instruments
• Automotive cockpit glasses
• Camera protection windows
• Robotics applications
• AR-coating for single lenses and lens assemblies

Related topics

• Custom anti-reflection coatings (Customized thin films)

Request for Quotation

Also available in 48 h Express-Service

Anti-reflection coatings have the task to minimize reflections from glass surfaces. To offer excellent anti-reflection properties and high optical light transmission in the visible wavelength range we have developed our ARC coating series. All ARC-coatings are based on vacuum-coated, multi-layer dielectric thin-film coatings whose layers adapt the refractive index of the substrate to the refractive index of the ambient air.

Uncoated glass shows a typical reflection of approximately 4,25% per side so in total about 8,5% of light are reflected by a typical glass in the visible spectrum. Our ARC coating layers are able to reduce these reflections in parts of this spectral range to less than 0,2% per surface. Compared to a simple single-layer anti-reflection coating design, which typically still reflects about 1-2% of the incident light per surface, this is a noticeable improvement that can be clearly seen with the naked eye.

In addition to the properties already described, our ARC anti-reflection coatings effectively suppress unwanted secondary reflections. This effect is known from uncoated glasses and causes a transmitted image to be overlaid with weak identical images, which makes the image look unsharp. By using our ARC coating, the image remains sharper, brighter, offers significantly better contrast. The image quality is maintained. When used as a laser window, double laser beams are suppressed by our ARC layers as well and the available laser power increases since almost no light is reflected and therefore is available in transmission.

The layers of our double-sided coated ARC and single-side coated ARC-1S materials are applied by a vacuum deposition process to a high-quality selected and iron-reduced float glass. For the ARC-B series we use selected BOROFLOAT® substrates. We adapt the refractive index of each anti-reflection coating to the respective glass material used. Both ARC coating series are usually always available from stock, as we manufacture them regularly.

We are not limited to the anti-reflection coatings described above. On request we also coat other substrate materials and finished optics and we can adapt the refractive index of our anti-reflection coatings to the respective carrier glass. We also have the capabilities to coat optical lenses and other optics provided by the customer with our anti-reflection coatings on a batch basis. On request optical anti-reflection coatings for other wavelengths are also available according to customer requirements.

 

How do I get a quotation? Are there fixed dimensions?

You are free to specify the dimensions! Our company specializes in the rapid production and delivery of optics with individual size. We quote, manufacture, and deliver custom sized optics as fast as usually fixed dimensions can be shipped.

To get a quotation for one of our ARC anti-reflection coatings on glass with your individual dimensions, please use the following button:

 

Request for Quotation

Also available in 48 h Express-Service

 

Specifications & Properties

Reflection curve of the ARC multi-layer coating compared to a surface without coating in the visible wavelength area.

 

Substrate Materials

• ARC and ARC-1S coatings: Selected float glass
• ARC-B coating: BOROFLOAT®
• Other substrate material or custom coatings for
  lenses per request

Coating Construction

• ARC and ARC-B coatings:
  Double side index-matched multi-layer coating
• ARC-1S coating:
  Single side index-matched multi-layer coating
• The refractive index of the coatings can be matched to substrate material

Spectral Characteristics

• Rabs </= 0,6% per single surface at wavelength range 450-650 nm (i = 0°), unpolarized light
• Ravg < 0,3% per single surface at wavelength range
  430-660 nm (i = 0-15°), unpolarized light
• Coating for other wavelength ranges per inquiry
• Characteristics for laser use per inquiry
• Custom design possible

Flatness

• Depending on the substrate and thickness used
• Other on request

Surface Quality

• better than 80-50 scratch & dig (MIL-0-13830A)
  (typically better than 60-40)
• Higher surface quality on request

Standard Thickness

(click on the desired thickness of the materials to open an inquiry)

• ARC: 1,10 mm / 2,00 mm / 3,00 mm thickness
• ARC-1S: 2,00 mm thickness
• ARC-B: 1,10 mm / 2,00 mm / 3,30 mm thickness
• Other thicknesses possible per inquiry

Other Specifications

• Coating layer adhesion according to MIL-C-675 C
• Abrasion resistance according to MIL-M-13508 C

In case you want to get a batch of optical lenses anti-reflection coated, please let us know the exact specifications of the lenses you will supply. It is essential to specify the refraction index of the lens material as well as the exact lens dimensions and focal length. The lenses to be coated must not already have a coating layer. Please specify the maximum allowed amount of light that still might be reflected (residual reflection) by the lens surface, the relevant wavelength area, and the light source used.

 

All given details and specifications are mean reference values and are not guaranteed. Also, please consider our "Notes on specifications".

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