Optical thin-film coatings alter the way an optical component reflects and transmits light. An optical coating is a process of placing thin layer of material on an optical component such as a lens or mirror. Depending on the purpose of the object, a specialized type of coating will be used.
Thin film optical coatings include ultra violet, infrared reflective and anti-reflective. Ultra violet coatings are beneficial for decreasing the amount of ultraviolet that passes through an object. Infrared coatings are used to keep surfaces cooler. Anti-reflection coatings reduce the amount of unwanted reflections on a surface. Consider the following as you shop online for optical thin-film coatings:
1. Find an anti-reflective coatings specialist to fulfill your optical device requirements
2. Work with engineers at companies that specialize in UV coatings
3. Use infrared reflective coating for energy saving needs
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Employ optical coating services that specializes in anti-reflective coatings
Anti-reflective coating is a type of optical coating applied to lens surfaces and other optical devices lessen the amount of reflection. The reduction of reflection improves the efficiency because less light is lost.
I recommend: Omega Optical has many years of experience with anti-reflective and other coatings. They offer coating for microscopy, color imaging products, astronomy and much more. When you are needing anti-reflective coatings or machinery,
Zeiss is a company that specializes in this area. Carl Zeiss was the inventor of anti-reflective optical thin coatings and is a technological leader in this field.
Use companies that specialize in ultra violet thin film coatings
Coat glass and plastics with UV coating to decrease the amount of ultra violet radiation that passes through them. Eyeglasses and automotive windows are two of the most common uses for ultra violet opthalmic coatings.
I recommend: Thin Film Lab specializes in ultra violet thin film coatings, as well as several other optical thin film coatings. Speak directly with their coating designers and get a quick product turn around.
RMI has over 50 years of experience with thin film optical coatings. They offer custom services to meet your small business UV coating needs.
Find infrared reflective coating services
IR-reflective coatings main purpose is to keep objects cooler than they would be using standard pigments. Markets that are benefited by IR reflective coatings are those working with the EPA's Energy Star Program, the California Energy Commission and transportation.
I recommend: Epner Technology specializes in LaserGold and LaserBlack IR reflective coating. They are a one-stop-shop that specializes in fabricating and/or plating services.
Reynard specializes in IR coatings for aerospace, commercial and military markets. They have been a leading supplier of military infrared technology.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- When dealing with different types of optical coatings, look to a lab that has expertise in each area of coating that you need instead of outsourcing work to several different companies.
The official source of Optical Thin-Film Coatings is
the Optical Thin-Film Coatings page at Business.com
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