Optical thin films

Seeley, J.S. (1986) Optical thin films. In: Bever, M. and Cahn, R.W. (eds.) Encyclopaedia of materials science and engineering. Pergamon Press, pp. 3322-3323. ISBN 9780262022330

Abstract/Summary

Optical thin films are coatings of amorphous, crystalline or polymerized materials, in single or multiple layers, on surfaces of optical components such as lenses and mirrors. These thin film coatings are used in optics to reduce reflections from optical parts (antireflection coatings) or to provide highly reflective surfaces (dielectric mirrors), as well as to protect components against abrasion and ambient moisture.