Abstract: A method for producing a spectral gradient filter on a substrate including: providing the substrate with a first surface to be coated; providing a shadow mask that includes a bordered coating area with an edge, wherein the geometry of the shadow mask is adjusted to the desired gradient profile of the gradient filter; creating a masked substrate by fixing the shadow mask on the first substrate surface to be coated in such a way that parts of the substrate surface are covered, but the substrate surface is essentially exposed in the coating area; and carrying out PVD coating so that parts of the shadow mask lie directly on the surface of the substrate so that no vapour migration occurs in the area of these parts during the coating process and the shadow mask is detachably fixed to the substrate so that the shadow mask can be used for several coatings.

Abstract: A method for structured coating of a surface of a substrate. The surface includes spaced optical elements and at least partially metallic elements provided adjacent the optical elements. After the application of the method, the optical elements should be completely covered with the coating, whereas at least some of the metallic elements should not be coated on the major part of their surface. The method includes: a) providing the substrate with the spaced optical elements and metallic elements; b) applying a sacrificial material to at least some of the metallic elements to form sacrificial spots; c) coating the surface of the substrate with a layer system; and d) detaching the sacrificial spots from the substrate, wherein the regions of the layer system on the sacrificial spots are also detached from the substrate. The application of the sacrificial material is carried out at least partially by jetting.

Abstract: A method for structured coating of a surface of a substrate. The surface includes spaced optical elements and at least partially metallic elements provided adjacent the optical elements. After the application of the method, the optical elements should be completely covered with the coating, whereas at least some of the metallic elements should not be coated on the major part of their surface. The method includes: a) providing the substrate with the spaced optical elements and metallic elements; b) applying a sacrificial material to at least some of the metallic elements to form sacrificial spots; c) coating the surface of the substrate with a layer system; and d) detaching the sacrificial spots from the substrate, wherein the regions of the layer system on the sacrificial spots are also detached from the substrate. The application of the sacrificial material is carried out at least partially by jetting.