Optical coatings are a type of paint or coating used to modify the optical properties of a surface. They are used to reduce reflection, increase transmission, and control the spectral properties of a surface. Optical coatings are used in a variety of applications, including eyeglasses, camera lenses, telescopes, and other optical instruments. They are also used in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries.
Optical coatings are typically applied using a vacuum deposition process, which involves the deposition of a thin film of material onto a substrate. The material used in the coating is typically a metal, such as aluminum, silver, or gold, or a dielectric material, such as silicon dioxide or titanium dioxide. The coating is then cured to form a durable, protective layer.
There are a number of companies that specialize in the production of optical coatings, including PPG Industries, Hoya Corporation, and Optics Balzers. Other companies, such as 3M and Carl Zeiss, also offer optical coatings as part of their product lines. Show Less Read more
