Abstract: Provided herein are deposition systems utilizing coated grids in an ion deposition process which provide more predictable erosion of the coating rather than erosion of the grid itself. Further, coatings may be utilized in which the coating material does not act as a contaminant to the deposition process, thereby eliminating contamination of the sample surface due to deposition of unwanted grid material. Also provided are methods of refurbishing a coated grid by periodically replacing the coating material thus protecting the grid itself and allowing a grid to be used indefinitely.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to optical interference filters and interferometers. Methods, devices and device components for optical signal generation and processing using optical interference filters and interferometers are presented. The invention provides optical interference filters and interferometers having a selected cumulative reflectance phase dispersion capable of providing substantially independent selectable resonance frequency and free spectral range. An exemplary interference filter of the present invention provides a multi-peak transmission spectrum with substantially independent, selectable control over absolute transmission band frequencies and relative transmission band spacing. The methods and devices provided herein are particularly well suited for frequency matching optical signals to a selected frequency standard, such as the International Telecommunication Union frequency standard.