AR Coating

Laser Line AR Coating (V Coating)

In laser optics, efficiency is critical. Laser line anti-reflection coatings, known as V-coats, maximize laser throughput by reducing reflections as close to zero as possible. Coupled with low loss, our V-coatings can achieve 99.9% laser transmission. These AR coatings can also be applied to the back of beam splitters, polarizers and filters. With years of experience in the laser field, we typically offer AR coatings with industry-competitive laser-induced damage thresholds. We demonstrate tailored AR coatings for -ns, -ps, and -fs pulsed lasers, as well as CW lasers. We typically offer V-coat type AR coatings at 1572nm, 1535nm, 1064nm, 633nm, 532nm, 355nm and 308nm. For 1ω, 2ω and 3ω applications, we can also perform AR on multiple wavelengths simultaneously.

single layer AR coating

Single layer MgF2 coating is the oldest and simplest type of AR coating. While most effective on high-index glass, these single-layer MgF2 coatings are often a more cost-effective compromise than more complex broadband AR coatings. PFG has a long history of providing highly durable MgF2 coatings that pass all MIL-C-675 durability and spectral requirements. While typically key to high energy coating processes such as sputtering, PFG has developed a proprietary IAD (Ion Assisted Deposition) process that allows MgF2 coatings to maintain their durability when applied at low temperatures. This is a great advantage for gluing or bonding heat sensitive substrates such as optics or high CTE substrates. This proprietary process also allows for stress control, a longstanding problem with MgF2 coatings.

Highlights of Low Temperature Fluoride Coating (LTFC)

Proprietary IAD process allows low temperature deposition of fluorine-containing coatings

Allows for better AR coatings on thermally sensitive substrates

Bridging the gap between high-temperature e-beams and the inability to sputter fluoride

Coating passes standard MIL-C-675 durability and spectral requirements

Broadband AR Coating

Imaging systems and broadband light sources can see a substantial increase in light throughput from multilayer AR coatings. Often comprising many different optical elements of different glass types and indices of refraction, the losses from each element in the system can quickly compound into unacceptable throughput for many imaging systems. Broadband AR coatings are multi-layer coatings tailored to the exact bandwidth of the AR system. These AR coatings can be designed in visible light, SWIR, MWIR, or any combination, and cover virtually any angle of incidence for converging or diverging beams. PFG can deposit these AR coatings using e-beam or IAD processes for stable environmental response. When combined with our proprietary low temperature MgF2 deposition process, these AR coatings provide maximum transmission while maintaining stability and durability.