Advanced Antireflective Coatings for Polycarbonate Substrates

Abstract

Optical coatings are widely applicable to a variety of technologies. Inorganic materials are often used for these coatings. A common issue with inorganic coatings on polymer substrates is a mismatch in thermal expansion which can lead to cracking and failure of optical properties. Deposition of polymer coatings on polymer substrates is a potential solution to this problem. Mixed organic/inorganic antireflective coatings are deposited on polycarbonate ophthalmic flats using a combination of deposition methods: matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) and magnetron sputtering. The coatings are modeled to minimize reflectance and maximize transmission of visible spectrum light. MAPLE theory and system requirements are discussed in addition to optical modeling, coating materials and properties, matrix properties, and deposition parameters necessary for the production of optical quality coatings. Optical characterization and environmental durability testing results are presented.