Abstract: Disclosed herein is a radiant energy reflector comprising a laminated article mounted on a contoured support. The article includes a specularly reflective layer of silver protected on one side thereof from deterioration-inducing agents by a transparent cover sheet of polymeric material, and on the opposite side thereof by a non-polymeric protective layer of substantially inert and corrosion-resistant material. Also disclosed is a method for producing the article which yields an intimate and tenacious bond between the cover sheet, reflective layer and protective layer, thus reducing the likelihood of delamination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is means adapted for use in combination with magnetically-enhanced sputtering devices whereby said devices are rendered more useful for sputter-coating substrates susceptible to heat-induced deterioration. Said means comprises a screen-like mesh or grid member disposed intermediate the target of said device and the substrate to be coated, and in such a position that said means is also disposed across the magnetic field formed by said device. Said screen-like mesh or grid member is formed of material which is magnetizable in response to the disposition thereof across said magnetic field. Said screen-like mesh or grid member has the desirable effect of suppressing the expansion of heated plasma whereby said plasma is confined to a region proximate said target and generally away from said substrate. Also disclosed is improved anodic means for collecting fast electrons emitted from said target.

Abstract: A sputtered thin film coating characterized by a stepwise and/or variable refractive index as a function of film depth. By means of an in-line assembly of planar magnetrons, each magnetron essentially isolated from the others but for a region of sputtering overlap, select materials and combinations of said materials with reactive gases can be continuously deposited upon a dynamic substrate whereby to obtain pre-determined refractive index gradients. Substrates coated with an inhomogeneous thin film exhibit superior non-spectral reflective characteristics particularly desirable for architectural designs and applications.