Abstract: A multi-layer PVD film stack contains high index of refraction base material(s), followed by a semi-transparent low index of refraction cap layer. The base layer(s) provide the color range of the film. The thickness of the cap layer dictates the degree to which the film retains the color properties of the base material and the reflectivity of the cap material. The cap layer not only increases the reflectivity of the base material, but it also decreases the reflectivity lost when the PVD film is topcoat lacquered. The lacquering is advantageous in protecting the PVD film but it decreases the reflectivity of the high index of refraction materials (generally n value>1.9 at 632 nm). These materials are desirable due to their color properties but are too dark after lacquering for many commercial applications. We address this problem by utilizing a high refractive index metal, or metals, as an opaque first layer followed by a thin semi-transparent second layer of a low refractive index metal.

Abstract: An evaporation source mechanism for rapid cycle coating. The evaporation source mechanism has a housing with a first deposition area on a first side and a second deposition area on a second side. The housing is movably connected to vacuum chamber such that the housing is rotatable relative to the vacuum chamber so that one side is in the deposition coating process and the other side is simultaneously loaded/reloaded. While one deposition area is in process under vacuum, the other is being prepared for the next cycle. When the coating cycle is complete, the housing swings from a port on the vacuum chamber, is rotated, and is then positioned with the second side of the housing against a sealing surface on the vacuum chamber wall. The coating system is away and electrically isolated from the loading/reloading of sources, permitting safe and efficient use of the equipment.

Abstract: A method for forming a chromium nitride coating over a substrate to provide a chromium nitride coated article, and the resulting chromium nitride coated article, each use a bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer deposited over a UV-absorbing material layer deposited over a leveling material layer on the substrate. The bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer includes: (1) a first chromium nitride material layer having a first thickness, a first uniform chromium concentration and a first uniform nitrogen concentration located and formed closer to a substrate which provides the article; and (2) a second chromium nitride material layer having a second thickness, a second increasingly graded chromium concentration and a second decreasingly graded nitrogen concentration located and formed upon the first chromium nitride material layer. This particular bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer provides the article with superior reflectivity and crack resistance.

Abstract: A method for forming a chromium nitride coating over a substrate to provide a chromium nitride coated article, and the resulting chromium nitride coated article, each use a bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer. The bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer includes: (1) a first chromium nitride material layer having a first thickness, a first uniform chromium concentration and a first uniform nitrogen concentration located and formed closer to a substrate which provides the article; and (2) a second chromium nitride material layer having a second thickness, a second increasingly graded chromium concentration and a second decreasingly graded nitrogen concentration located and formed upon the first chromium nitride material layer. This particular bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer provides the article with superior reflectivity and crack resistance.

Abstract: A method for forming a chromium nitride coating over a substrate to provide a chromium nitride coated article, and the resulting chromium nitride coated article, each use a bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer. The bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer includes: (1) a first chromium nitride material layer having a first thickness, a first uniform chromium concentration and a first uniform nitrogen concentration located and formed closer to a substrate which provides the article; and (2) a second chromium nitride material layer having a second thickness, a second increasingly graded chromium concentration and a second decreasingly graded nitrogen concentration located and formed upon the first chromium nitride material layer. This particular bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer provides the article with superior reflectivity and crack resistance.

Abstract: An electric arc vapor deposition device is disclosed in which the negative side of an arc power supply is switched back and forth between the two ends of a cylindrical cathode to cause an arc struck between an anode and the cathode to travel back and forth along the length of the cathode. Adjustably positioned proximity sensors are disposed adjacent the two ends of the cathode to sense the presence of the arc and cause a switching circuit to change the power supply connection from one cathode end to the other. The cylindrical shape of the cathode causes the arc to spiral around the cathode as it travels along its length thus causing a very uniform erosion of material off of the cathode's surface. Since the arc is allowed to travel substantially along the entire length of the cathode, use of a relatively long cathode permits large articles or quantities of articles to be coated evenly.