Abstract: The present invention provides a scratch protecting layer comprising a metal, metal alloy, metal compound or an intermetallic layer deposited on an air contacting surface. The scratch protecting layer is typically from 1 to 3 nanometers thick and not optically absorbing after oxidation occurs. This layer is initially deposited in a primarily unoxidized or un-nitrided state. Full oxidation of the metal, metal alloy, metal compound or intermetallic layer occurs within several days after exposure to air. The scratch protection layer can be 2 to 5 nanometers thick if the layer is exposed to a plasma, electrical discharge or ion beam comprising a reactive gas such as oxygen or nitrogen.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the reflectance properties of an object having a front reflecting surface and at least one back reflecting surface. The apparatus includes a sample stage for placement of the object, a light source, a detector configured to detect reflected light from the object, and a positioning device configured to provide a plurality of angular positions for the light source and the detector relative to the object on the sample stage such that incident light on the object is specularly reflected towards the detector and the reflected light received at the detector includes a front surface reflection from the object and at least one back surface reflection from the object.