Optical coatings consist of thin layers of various materials with different thicknesses. The effects of such coatings result from the interference of light within these thin layers and the surrounding media. A thin-film design represents a special composition of layers with respect to the intended application and the conditions of manufacturing.

 

The development of a thin-film design is an essential part of the manufacturing process. It defines the sequence of layers, provides all data necessary to run and monitor the manufacturing process, and allows an in-depth fault analysis. It requires the use of appropriate software, which means that the quality of the design process is strongly connected to the level of development of the hardware and software that are used. Nevertheless, besides the latest in software, specialists in thin-film optics with their extensive knowledge and experience in theory as well as in practice are indispensable.

 

Aside from the design work, the continual study of light and the interaction of light and matter provides a deeper understanding of these phenomena, which may lead to new design methods (AR-hard^®). Thus, the mastery of thin-film software as well as the theory of thin-film optics enables us to create individual designs for every customer’s request.