AT Optical Co., Ltd.
AT Optical Co., Ltd.

Unveiling the Power of Anti - Reflective Coatings: Enhancing Optical Efficiency

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    Unveiling the Power of Anti - Reflective Coatings: Enhancing Optical Efficiency

    ATOPTIK's AR coatings offer numerous benefits for optical systems.

    Firstly, they increase the transmission of light through the optical components. By reducing the amount of light reflected at the interfaces of the components, more light can pass through, resulting in a brighter and more accurate image or signal. This is crucial in applications where every photon counts, such as in high - end imaging systems or low - light optical systems.


    Secondly, AR coatings enhance the contrast of the image or signal. Unwanted reflections can cause ghosting and reduce the clarity of the image. By eliminating these reflections, ATOPTIK's coatings ensure that the image or signal is sharp and well - defined.


    Finally, AR coatings help to improve the durability of the optical components. They act as a protective layer against physical and environmental damage, such as scratches and moisture. This means that your optical components will last longer and perform consistently over time.


    How AR Coatings Work

    The science behind AR coatings is based on the principle of thin - film interference. When light passes through an optical component, a small percentage of the light is reflected at each interface. For example, when light passes through an uncoated glass substrate, about 4% of the light is reflected at each surface. This results in a total transmission of only 92% of the incident light.


    ATOPTIK's AR coatings are designed to create destructive interference between the reflected light beams. The coatings have a specific optical thickness, which is usually an odd multiple of a quarter - wavelength. This causes the reflected light beams to be out of phase by 180 degrees, and they cancel each other out when they exit the surface. As a result, more light is transmitted through the component, and the reflections are significantly reduced.


    The Durability of AR Coatings

    Most of ATOPTIK's AR coatings are highly durable and can withstand physical and environmental damage. They are resistant to scratches, abrasion, and moisture, which makes them suitable for use in a wide range of environments. This durability ensures that your optical systems will continue to perform at their best over time, without the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.


    Application in Different Optical Systems

    The use of AR coatings is essential in many optical systems. In systems that contain multiple transmission optical components, AR coatings are crucial for reducing the cumulative effects of reflections. This can significantly improve the overall performance of the system, especially in applications that require high - precision imaging or signal detection.


    Low - light optical systems also benefit greatly from AR coatings. By increasing the transmission of light, AR coatings allow these systems to capture more photons, resulting in a brighter and more accurate image. This is particularly important in applications such as astronomy, where the amount of available light is limited.


    AR Coating Types and Technical Specifications

    Coating Type

    Wavelength Range

    Key Applications

    Performance Characteristics

    MgF₂

    ~550nm (broadband)

    General optics

    Low cost, simple structure

    VIS 0°

    425-675nm

    Visible-light systems

    0.4% avg transmission improvement

    VIS 45°

    425-675nm

    Angled optical systems

    0.75% avg transmission improvement

    VIS-NIR

    Visible-NIR

    Multispectral imaging

    >99% NIR transmission

    Telecom-NIR

    1200-1600nm

    Fiber optics, Data transmission

    High-speed compatibility

    UV-AR

    UV spectrum

    UV spectroscopy

    Enhanced UV performance

    UV-VIS

    UV-VIS spectrum

    Broadband analysis

    Dual spectrum optimization

    NIR I/II

    NIR spectrum

    Laser systems, Fiber optics

    High-precision NIR control

    SWIR

    900-1700nm

    Industrial inspection, Security

    Enhanced SWIR transmission



    In conclusion, ATOPTIK's AR coatings offer a wide range of benefits for optical systems, including increased transmission, enhanced contrast, and improved durability. With a variety of coating types to choose from, there is a solution for every optical application. Contact ATOPTIK today to learn more about our AR coatings and how they can improve your optical systems.


    Optical Coating Parameters Comparison


    Coating Name


    Wavelength Range (nm)


    Reflectivity Specifications


    Typical Damage Threshold

    MgF2

    400-700

    Ravg ≤1.75% @N-BK7

    10 J/cm² @532nm, 10ns

    UV-AR

    250-425

    Rabs ≤1.0%
    Ravg ≤0.75%
    Ravg ≤0.5% (370-420)

    3 J/cm² @355nm, 10ns

    UV-VIS

    250-700

    Rabs ≤1.0% (350-450)
    Ravg ≤1.5%

    5 J/cm² @532nm, 10ns

    VIS-EXT

    350-700

    Ravg <0.5%

    --

    VIS-NIR

    400-1000

    Rabs ≤0.25% @880nm
    Ravg ≤1.25% (400-870)
    Ravg ≤1.25% (890-1000)

    5 J/cm² @532nm, 10ns

    YAG-BBAR

    500-1100

    Rabs <0.25% @532nm
    Rabs <0.25% @1064nm
    Ravg <1.0%

    --

    NIR I

    600-1050

    Ravg ≤0.5%

    7 J/cm² @1064nm, 10ns

    NIR II

    750-1550

    Rabs ≤1.5% (750-800)
    Rabs ≤1.0% (800-1550)
    Ravg ≤0.7%

    8 J/cm² @1064nm, 10ns

    Telecom-NIR

    1200-1600

    Rabs ≤0.25% (1295-1325)
    Rabs ≤0.25% (1535-1565)
    Ravg ≤0.25%

    --

    SWIR

    900-1700

    Rabs ≤1.5%
    Ravg ≤1.0%

    --


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