Triple-layer broad band antireflection coatings using homogeneously mixed dielectric coatings

Mixtures of ZnS and MgF₂ of different compositions were successfully used for the innermost and intermediate layers in triple-layer (quarter-half-quarter) antireflection coatings. The suitability of this mixture for optical interference coatings is discussed. The transmittance of the sample was found to be 99–99.25% over a broad range in the visible region (490–725 nm). This is in good agreement with theoretical predictions.     

Recent Developments in the Field of Precision Optical Coatings

This contribution discusses a choice of high‐precision interference coatings which are customized for specific applications in different photonic marketplaces: Individually marked wafers with AR coatings and patterned chrome layers which are used as base substrates for biochip applications. High transmission, low‐loss UV‐filters to select specific UV wavelengths from illumination sources like mercury arc lamps. A high reflective broadband all dielectric mirror for applications in harsh environments. Miniaturized polarizing beamsplitter cubes for micro‐projection and Near‐Eye Displays.     

Neuartige dekorative Farbschichten durch Plasma‐Beschichtung

Novel decorative color coatings using plasma deposition The market does not stop to demand for novel products. Only those who offer innovative products will explore new segments of the market and will not loose against the cheap suppliers from far eastern countries. This is even more important in the field of surface technology. Many products would not be competitive without plasma technology. Companies changing surfaces with plasma technology expect a noticeable growth between 20 and 50 % within the next years [1]. The deposition of thin layers using plasma makes it possible to obtain highly brilliant color coatings, specially mixed color effects (rainbow like) as well as color changes depending of the observation angle. These optical special effects would not be feasible with common painting techniques. Thus plasma deposition opens a new field for surface coating. In these layers the colors are created via interference effects of the light being used for illumination. They are called interference colors, well known to the most of us from thin oil films on a wet street.     

Self-healing coatings in anti-corrosion applications

Nonmetallic (based on polymers or oxides) and metallic protective coatings are used to protect metal products against the harmful action of the corrosion environment. In recent years, self-healing coatings have been the subject of increasing interest. The ability of such coatings to self-repair local damage caused by external factors is a major factor contributing to their attractiveness. Polymer layers, silica-organic layers, conversion layers, metallic layers and ceramic layers, to mention but a few, are used as self-healing coatings. This paper presents the main kinds of self-healing coatings and explains their self-healing mechanisms.     

Multilayer coatings with high reflectance in the extreme-ultraviolet spectral range of 50 to 121.6 nm

Multilayer coatings with three layers were designed to yield an increase in normal-incidence reflectance in the extreme ultraviolet over that of the available single-layer coatings. Multilayer coatings based on Al, MgF(2), and either SiC or B(4)C were demonstrated to have higher reflectance than single layers of SiC and B(4)C in the spectral region from 57.9 nm to the H Lyman-alpha line (121.6 nm) and above. The increase in reflectance was higher at wavelengths close to 121.6 nm. Reflectance degraded slightly over time in the same way as for single layers. After a few months, multilayer coatings maintained higher reflectance than their single-layer counterparts.     

马氏体气阀钢多元共渗层的组织及性能

用固体粉末法,在4Cr10Si2Mo马氏体气阀钢表面制备了Al—Cr二元渗层及Al—Cr—Ce三元渗层,研究了渗层的显微组织和成分分布,测定了渗层由表及里的显微硬度。Al—Cr渗层厚度约为3501μm,硬度为580Hv;Al-Cr—Ce渗层厚度约为420μm,硬度为500Hv。     

A comparative study of the UV optical and structural properties of SiO2, Al2O3, and HfO2 single layers deposited by reactive evaporation, ion-assisted deposition and plasma ion-assisted deposition

Growing requirements for the optical and environmental stability, as well as the radiation resistance against high-power laser radiation, especially for optical interference coatings used in the ultraviolet spectral range, have to be met by new, optimised, thin-film deposition technologies. For applications in the UV spectral range, the number of useful oxide thin film materials is very limited due to the higher absorption at wavelengths near to the electronic bandgap of the materials. Applying ion-assisted processes offers the ability to grow dense and stable films, but in each case careful optimisation of the deposition process (evaporation rate, substrate temperature, bombarding gas, ion energy and ion current density) has to achieve a balance between densification of the layers and the absorption. High-quality coatings and multilayer interference systems with SiO₂ as the low-index material can be deposited by various physical vapour deposition technologies, including reactive e-beam evaporation, ion-assisted deposition and plasma ion-assisted deposition. In order to improve the degradation stability of dielectric mirrors for use in UV free-electron laser optical cavities, a comparative study of the properties of SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and HfO₂ single layers was performed, and was addressed to grow very dense films with minimum absorption in the spectral range from 200 to 300 nm. The films were deposited by low-loss reactive electron-beam evaporation, by ion-assisted deposition using a ‘Mark II’ ion source, and by plasma ion-assisted deposition using the advanced plasma source. Optical and structural properties of the samples were studied by spectral photometry, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and reflectometry, as well as by investigation of the surface morphology. The interaction of UV radiation with photon energy values close to the bandgap was studied. For HfO₂ single layers, laser-induced damage thresholds at 248 nm were determined in the 1-on-1 and 1000-on-1 test modes as a function of the deposition technology and film thickness.     

Organische UV‐Schutzschichten für die Polycarbonatverglasung

Organic UV‐protective coatings for polycarbonate glazing Polycarbonate as glazing material in outdoor applications requires functional UV protective and scratch resistant coatings. The vacuum coating technology offers a wide range of deposition processes to produce such complex coatings. The Fraunhofer IOF developed an effective UV protection by the deposition of organic UV absorbers. Thermal evaporated organic compounds were investigated as single layers and hybrid layers in a SiO₂ matrix. The UV‐stability of such coatings was increased significantly.     

以蔗糖为前驱体制备TiC/Fe复合涂层

以TiFe粉和蔗糖为原料,通过蔗糖的热分解碳化制备Ti-Fe-C系反应热喷涂复合粉末,利用普通氧乙炔火焰喷涂成功制备出TiC/Fe复合涂层.采用XRD、SEM和TEM等对喷涂粉末和涂层的组织结构、涂层中的TiC颗粒进行了分析.研究结果表明:TiC/Fe复合涂层主要由TiC颗粒均匀分布于Fe基体中的复合强化片层构成,片层中TiC颗粒呈球形或近球形,粒径约为50nm;纳米级TiC颗粒增强的复合强化片层占涂层体积的60%以上.     

Biomimetic coating of bisphosphonate incorporated CDHA on Ti6Al4V

Bi-functional coatings of carbonated calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) on Ti alloys were developed by using a biomimetic coating process. The bi-functionality was achieved by loading alendonate sodium (AS), an approved bisphosphonate drug used for the treatment of osteoporosis, into the inner layers of CDHA coatings. Three possible methods of loading AS into CDHA coatings were systematically studied and compared. The results indicated that the co-precipitation method had greater benefits and can modify the release profile of AS by incorporating AS in the inner layers of the coatings. As a preliminary study, the influences of applied AS dosage to CDHA coatings were evaluated using XRD and SEM. In vitro tests indicated that the AS content on CDHA coatings played a significant role, and optimum AS content in local area is beneficial for osteoblast cells proliferation. It is expected that the CDHA–AS coatings via the co-precipitation approach have potential for bone tissue engineering applications.     

A procedure for solving inverse problems of synthesis and characterization of multilayer optical coatings with a protective film

A mathematical model for problems of optics for a layered medium with heterogeneous layers is discussed. Inverse problems of synthesis and optical characterization of layered media are stated as mathematical optimization problems and a solution to the same is discussed. Specialized software has been developed to enable solving these problems within the framework of the proposed model. The influence of volumetric nonuniformity of the carbon layer on the photometric and ellipsometric characteristics has been demonstrated theoretically. Modeling has been performed for heterogeneous multilayer interference coatings with a diamond-like top layer which serves as a functionally active optical layer as well as a protective film.     

Application of optical broadband monitoring to quasi-rugate filters by ion-beam sputtering

Methods for the manufacture of rugate filters by the ion-beam-sputtering process are presented. The first approach gives an example of a digitized version of a continuous-layer notch filter. This method allows the comparison of the basic theory of interference coatings containing thin layers with practical results. For the other methods, a movable zone target is employed to fabricate graded and gradual rugate filters. The examples demonstrate the potential of broadband optical monitoring in conjunction with the ion-beam-sputtering process. First-characterization results indicate that these types of filter may exhibit higher laser-induced damage-threshold values than those of classical filters.     

Plasmagestützte Beschichtung von Bauteilen bei niedrigen Temperaturen

The deposition of wear resistant coatings is possible nowadays at low temperature by the Plasma Assisted CVD process using metall organic precursors. Thus a coating of temperature sensitive materials like aluminium, magnesium and polymer at low temperature is realised. The wear resistant coatings TiCN and ZrCN were deposited on light metals at a temperature below 160°C. The mechanical properties of the layers show the potential of the coatings for parts with wear and friction. The surface hardness, the abrasive wear and the friction value are improved compared to the properties of substrate material and steel. Transparent BCN‐coatings can be used as scratch resistant coatings on polymers like polycarbonate. The layers offers good transmission by high hardness.     

The electromagnetic interference shielding effect of indium-zinc oxide/silver alloy multilayered thin films

A study was made to examine the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effect of multilayered thin films in which indium-zinc oxide (IZO) thin films and Ag or Ag alloy thin films were deposited alternately at room temperature using a RF magnetron sputtering. The optical, electrical and morphological properties of the constituent layers were analyzed using an ultraviolet-visible photospectrometer, a 4-point probe and an atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The EMI shielding effect of the multilayered thin films was also measured using a coaxial transmission line method. A detailed analysis showed that the control of the film morphologies, i.e., the surface roughnesses of the constituent metal layers was essential to an accurate estimate of the electrical and optical properties of multilayered coatings. It was shown that properly designed IZO/Ag alloy multilayered thin films could yield a visible transmission of more than 70%, a sheet resistance of less than 1 Ω/sq., together with an EMI shielding effect larger than 45 dB in the range from 30 to 1000 MHz.     

Structure,hardness and tribological properties of nanolayered TiN/TaN multilayer coatings

TiN/TaN coatings, consisting of alternating nanoscaled TiN and TaN layers, were deposited using magnetron sputtering technology. The structure, hardness, tribological properties and wear mechanism were assessed using X-ray diffraction, microhardness, ball-on-disc testing and a 3-D surface profiler, respectively. The results showed that the TiN/TaN coatings exhibited a good modulation period and a sharp interface between TiN and TaN layers. In mutilayered TiN/TaN coatings, the TiN layers had a cubic structure, but a hexagonal structure emerged among the TaN layers besides the cubic structure as the modulation period went beyond 8.5 nm. The microhardness was affected by the modulation period and a maximum hardness value of 31.5 GPa appeared at a modulation period of 8.5 nm. The coefficient of friction was high and the wear resistance was improved for TiN/TaN coatings compared with a homogenous TiN coating, the wear mechanism exhibited predominantly ploughing, material transfer and local spallation.     

Calculation of electric field and absorption distributions in thin film structures

It will be shown how, by s straightforward extension of the usual matrix formalism for the calculation of transmittance and reflectance of thin film optical structures, the internal electric field distribution can be calculated. Consideration of the energy flux then allows one to calculate the distribution of absorption in the structure. The effects of absorption are included without approximation so that there is no restriction on the nature of the substrate or of any of the thin film media. Absorbing dielectrics, semiconductors or metal layers are allowed. Examples will be given of the application of the theory to antireflection coatings, high reflectance mirrors and interference filters.     

Application of the electrochemical machining technique for the characterization of zinc coatings

Electrochemical machining is a useful technique for characterizing the inner alloy structure of metallic coatings. In the present study, hot-dip zinc galvanized coatings were fabricated and the microstructures were analyzed after exposing each layer of the coatings by successive anodic machining steps. With this method, the surface after each successive machining step would be free from any mechanical damage or segregation of the dissolution products over the machined surface. The characteristics of the alloy layers and their influence on the behavior of the coatings were investigated under a specific exposure condition. The corrosion performance of the iron-rich inner alloy layers was found to be better than that of the pure zinc top layer as revealed during electrochemical characterization. This paper provides insight into the correlation between the protection strength of the galvanic coating and the quantity of zinc in the coating.     

Evaluation of Hard TiN Coatings by Depth Sensing Indentation and Scratch Testing Methods

The IAR Nanomechanical Probe (NMP) was used in the depth sensing indentation mode to evaluate the Vickers hardness (HV) and elastic modulus E of five commercial TiN coatings applied to a 17-4 PH stainless steel substrate. The HV values of the TiN layers at depth to thickness (DTT) ratios of less than 0.1 varied between about 28 and 39 GPa, depending on the deposition process. The elastic modulus was within the range of 300 to 400 GPa, corresponding to published values, at DTT ratios of less than or equal to 0.05. At higher DTT values, the elastic modulus decreased with increasing DTT ratio due to larger and larger interference from the less rigid stainless steel substrate. Depth sensing scratch tests were also performed on the samples to determine the critical load _crvalues needed to cause spallation of the coatings. For each coating, the interfacial fracture toughness K_ic was calculated from _crand used to describe the adhesive strength. Distinct differences between the K_ic values of the different samples were observed, reflecting differences in adhesive strength. The significance of these results is discussed in terms of the application of titanium nitride coatings to gas turbine engines.     

Tolerances For Layer Thicknesses in Dielectric Multilayer Coatings and Interference Filters

A theory is developed for dielectric multilayer coatings in which the layers depart from calculated thickness. The theory is applied to alternating systems of quarter wave layers of ZnS and MgF₂. The effects of thickness errors are: (1) A shift of the wavelength at which maximum reflectance occurs; and (2) a change in phase shift upon reflection. The magnitude of these effects, and also their dependence on various parameters, are determined. Statistical tolerances for layer thicknesses are computed for given tolerances on the multilayer performance. The accuracy required for producing dielectric interference filters is up to about 40 times higher than the accuracy sufficient for the production of dielectric mirrors and beam splitters. Various techniques of experimentally controlling film thicknesses, and their accuracies, are discussed. The production of mirrors and beam splitters deviating from theoretical maximum reflectance by only 1 percent seems to be possible with Dufour’s simple single photocell method of monitoring film thicknesses. With more precise methods, such as those developed by Giacomo and Jacquinot, or Traub, the production of interference filters appears to be possible to within plus or minus one half their half widths.