In laser optics, most people are familiar with the trend toward smaller and smaller components and, thus, toward laser systems that are more and more compact; however, there is another trend toward larger and larger optics. The maximum power of lasers at large research institutes continues to increase; the optics must, therefore, also increase in size in order to handle these power densities. In such cases, one requires huge mirrors that are very homogeneously coated.
At Laser Components a new coater for such laser optics was just recently set up. The first coatings have already been completed, and the unit has been integrated into production.
With this coater, plasma ion-assisted deposition (PIAD) coatings can be fabricated and very homogeneous and compact layers created using an advanced plasma source (APS). The coatings are manufactured fully automated and computer controlled. The layer thickness is permanently monitored and controlled during the entire process using an online monitoring system. This system makes it possible to achieve layer thicknesses with a precision of <0.5 nm.
This unit ensures particularly high process reliability: Coatings can be precisely fabricated and a specific design very precisely reproduced. This means that you can rely on consistently high quality. In addition, you can achieve very complex layer systems that would not have been possible otherwise using conventional technology.
This coater has been optimized to coat substrates that have a diameter of up to 390 mm with a layer thickness that is homogeneous across the entire surface (deviation: <1%). This is essential for customers who use such large optics. The coater can stock a maximum of three pieces with a diameter of 390 mm.
Another advantage is the vastly increased capacity of smaller optics. With the new PIAD unit, a batch of up to 100 mirrors with a diameter of 50.8 mm (=2”) can be coated. This increased capacity is a price advantage for customers who use such optics in large quantities.
The wavelength range of the layer systems comprises the UV, visible, and IR from 248 nm to 3000 nm; thus, this covers the majority of laser applications. You, too, will profit from our possibilities. We look forward to your inquiries.
