Modelling analysis of influence of substrate surface defect on optical characteristics of single-layer coating

A simple and practical model is used to analyse the influence of substrate surface defect on the optical characteristics of a single-layer coating. A single-layer coating is prepared and its optical properties are fitted. Some explanations for the origin of the transition layer are presented. It is concluded that there is a transition layer forming between the substrate and coating, which is attributed to substrate surface defects, and its refractive index change is nearly of linearity.

Defect-induced failure of optical coating filters

Optical filters composed of Ag, Al2O3, and ZnSe films were prepared on BK7 substrates by evaporation. By employing spectrophotometer, microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) analysis, the moisture-dependent stability of the samples was tested. The experimental results revealed that filter failure often occurs initially at defect sites. Small sputtering particles and pinhole are found to be two types of defects that induced the optical coating filter failure. The mechanisms of the defect-induced failure of the filters also are discussed in the article. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.