Abstract: A transparent conductive oxide (TCO) based film is formed on a substrate. The film may be formed by sputter-depositing, so as to include both a primary dopant (e.g., Al) and a co-dopant (e.g., Ag). The benefit of using the co-dopant in depositing the TCO inclusive film may be two-fold: (a) it may prevent or reduce self-compensation of the primary dopant by a more proper positioning of the Fermi level, and/or (b) it may promote declustering of the primary dopant, thereby freeing up space in the metal sublattice and permitting more primary dopant to create electrically active centers so as to improve conductivity of the film. Accordingly, the use of the co-dopant permits the primary dopant to be more effective in enhancing conductivity of the TCO inclusive film, without significantly sacrificing visible transmission characteristics. An example TCO in certain embodiments is ZnAlOx:Ag.

Abstract: An optical multilayer filter having an inorganic thin film composed of a plurality of layers on a substrate includes a fluorinated organic silicon compound film formed on a surface of the inorganic thin film, a low-density formation section forming a part of the inorganic thin film, having one or more layers including the most superficial layer of the inorganic thin film, the one or more layers being formed of at least one of a low-density titanium oxide layer and a low-density silicon oxide layer, and a high-density formation section forming another part of the inorganic thin film, disposed between the low-density formation section and the substrate, having silicon oxide layers with a density higher than the low-density silicon oxide layer and titanium oxide layers with a density higher than the low-density titanium oxide layer in a stacked manner. A total thickness of the low-density formation section is equal to or smaller than 280 nm.

Abstract: A system and method for uniform light generation in projection display systems. An illumination source comprises a light source to produce colored light, and a scrolling optics unit optically coupled to the light source, the scrolling optics unit configured to create lines of colored light from the colored light, and to scroll the lines of colored light along a direction orthogonal to a light path of the illumination source. The scrolling optics unit comprises a single light shaping diffuser to transform the colored light into the lines of colored light, an optical filter positioned in the light path after the light shaping diffuser, and a scrolling optics element positioned in the light path after the optical filter. The single light shaping diffuser is capable of simultaneously transforming colored light into lines of colored light having substantially uniform intensity to provide uniform illumination.

Abstract: A dichroic, light refracting resin panel comprises one or more dichroic/refracting films that have been embedded and/or laminated between a plurality of resin substrates, such as copolyester, polycarbonate, and/or acrylic substrates. The dichroic resin panel can be manufactured with a variety of different materials, and with autoclave or hot press methods in a manner that ensures structural and aesthetic integrity. Specifically, a dichroic resin panel in accordance with the present invention can be created in such a way as to avoid delamination despite a variety of end-uses and formations (e.g., curved panel, embossed/textured surfaces). In addition, the dichroic resin panels can be handled, transported, and installed in a variety of exterior or interior applications, even where certain building code requirements may be relatively stringent. The dichroic resin panels can be used in a variety of structural and/or aesthetic applications.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b) from an optical element (1) for EUV lithography, wherein the optical element (1) has a substrate (2) and an interlayer (6) between the substrate (2) and the at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b). The method includes etching away the at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b) as far as the interlayer (6) with an etching gas (7), wherein the material of the interlayer (6) does not react with the etching gas (7), and wherein, after the etching away, the interlayer (6) has a surface roughness of less than 0.5 nm rms, preferably of less than 0.2 nm rms, and more preferably of less than 0.1 nm rms. Also, an optical element (1) for reflecting radiation in the EUV wavelength range includes a substrate (2), at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b), and an interlayer (6) arranged between the substrate (2) and the at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b).

Abstract: An asymmetric mirror is composed of a dielectric substrate [500] and a coating [502] on the dielectric substrate. Within an operational wavelength range ??, the mirror has a transmission symmetry ?T=0% and a reflection asymmetry ?R>10%, where the reflection asymmetry ?R varies by less than 5% within the operational wavelength range ??. In addition, the wavelength range ?? is substantially broad, i.e., satisfies ??/?max>10%. The coating [502] is a metamaterial having structural features smaller than the smallest operational wavelength, e.g., a nano-structured metamaterial such as a photonic crystal or a disordered nano-composite of a metal and a dielectric. In a preferred embodiment, the coating [502] is semi-continuous with a filling factor p between 70% and 75%. The dielectric may be, for example, air, vacuum, an electro-optic polymer, an optical gain material, an electro-active material, or a semiconductor.

Abstract: An optical element having a laser damage suppression film which is capable of withstanding high power blue laser and formed on a plastic substrate. Specifically disclosed is an antireflection optical element wherein a multilayer film, which is composed of low refractive index material layers (105) and high refractive index material layers (107) arranged alternately, is formed on a plastic substrate. In this antireflection optical element, the oxygen permeability coefficient is decreased such that variation in laser permeability is 2% or less after being continuously irradiated with blue laser having an energy density of 120 mW/mm2 for 1000 hours at an ambient temperature of 25° C. In one embodiment, the oxygen permeability coefficient is set at 30 cm3·mm m2·24 hr·atm) or less.

Abstract: Thin-film coatings, which for example have alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials, are shown to function as both positive and negative C-plates, in dependence upon the incident radiation. In particular, the shape of the retardance versus angle of incidence profile is found to be determined, at least in part, by the phase thickness of the thin film coating (i.e., the optical thickness in terms of the wavelength of the incident radiation, which may, for example, be expressed in degrees, radians, or as the number of quarter wavelengths). These thin film coatings are optionally integrated into anti-reflection coatings, thin film interference filters and/or other components to improve efficiency and/or functionality.

Abstract: A reflection preventing layered product is provided by laminating a high refractive index layer and a low refractive index layer, which has a refractive index lower than that of the high refractive index layer, in that order on a transparent plastic film, directly or through another layer. The low refractive index layer has a surface resistance of 1.0×1010 ohm/square inch or less, a total light remittance of 94% or more, and a refractive index of 1.25-1.37. An optical member provided with the reflection preventing layered product is also provided. This optical member is preferably a polarizing plate with reflection preventing function used for a liquid crystal display. The reflection preventing layered product excels in transparency, mechanical strength, antistaticity, and reflection preventing characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of displaying an image on a display device having first and second sides, said image including an light restricting silhouette pattern having a plurality of first transparent or translucent areas, and at least one design layer having at least one color, said at least one design layer being visible from one side of said display device and substantially less visible from the other side, said image being substantially transparent or translucent as viewed from the other side, comprising the steps: 1) providing at least a definition of said design layer to a computer; 2) generating a computerized version of said design layer with the computer; 3) outputting the computerized version of said design layer to said display device, the computerized version of said design layer being modified to subdivide said design layer into a plurality of second discrete transparent or translucent areas and other areas, and 4) displaying said modified design layer and said silhouette pattern

Abstract: An optical element is used for an exposure apparatus which is configured to illuminate a mask with an exposure light beam for transferring a pattern on the mask onto a substrate through a projection optical system and to interpose a given liquid in a space between a surface of the substrate and the projection optical system. The optical element includes a first anti-dissolution member provided on a surface of a transmissive optical element on the substrate's side of the projection optical system.

Abstract: A terahertz band optical filter having a dielectric multilayer periodic structure in which a plurality of dielectric materials are periodically layered. Multi-cavity layers each having an optical path length of n times ?/2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) and made of a low-refractive index medium are arranged. The cavity layers are coupled using a single-layer coupling layer having an optical path length ?/4 and made of a high-refractive index medium, thus forming a multi-cavity structure. Matching layers each including a high refractive index layer and a low refractive index layer each having an optical path length of ?/4 are disposed at either end of the multi-cavity structure.

Abstract: Now, according to the present invention, multiple band optical reflectors are provided that utilize a stack of metal and dielectric layers to create a reflection curve in the visible spectrum that has multiple peak intensities. Reflectors of the present invention comprise at least two dielectric layers that have differing thicknesses, with metal layers disposed therebetween. The use of metal layers in the present invention, as opposed to using alternating layers of dielectric materials, results in a reflector that is substantially thinner than a conventional two dielectric reflector.

Abstract: An optical element structured in accordance with the invention comprises a substrate with at least two zones with different optical functions. The coating systems in the two zones can in each case be subdivided into a zone-specific internal partial coating system and a complementary partial coating system that is common to all the zones, where the complementary partial coating system comprises at least one layer and in the zones in which the internal partial coating systems comprises at least one layer said coating system is arranged between the substrate and the complementary partial coating system.

Abstract: An optical filter is formed of a layer stack that includes metallic layers and dielectric layers, with at least one dielectric layer being defined by more than one zinc-based film. These zinc-based films have different percentages of zinc. The selections of the percentages are based upon the positions of the films within the dielectric layer. An unexpectedly low sheet resistance is available if the zinc-based film that immediately precedes forming a metallic layer has a percentage of zinc in the range of 80 percent to next to 100 percent. Process stabilization and manufacturing cost are provided by placing the percentage of the lower zinc-based film closer to 50 percent (25-75). Process stabilization is further enhanced by providing an indium-based film within the dielectric layer adjacent to the metallic layer.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectrometer sensor apparatus for measuring a property of an analyte substance that can be adsorbed on a surface by directing a beam of incident radiation on the apparatus at an incident angle relative thereto, receiving a beam of reflected radiation off the apparatus, and measuring dips in reflected radiation as a function of incident angle or wavelength, the dips being indicative of resonances in the apparatus. The SPR spectrometer comprises a conductive layer having a first side which receives incident radiation, and having a second side opposite to the first side; and a dielectric stack having first and second sides opposite to each other, the first side being in contact with the conductive layer, the second side for receiving an analyte sample to be disposed thereon.

Abstract: Provided are a highly transmissive optical thin film having an improved structure, in which, optical reflection (due to a difference in the refractive index between a semiconductor material and the air, when light is extracted from a semiconductor light emitting device into the air) may be suppressed, an optical output loss may be reduced and light transmittance efficiency may be maximized or increased, a semiconductor light emitting device having the same, and methods of fabricating the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate for fireplace insert or stove, or equivalent, formed from at least one substrate made of a glass material comprising at least one reflective coating on at least one of its faces. The invention also relates to the process for manufacturing the plate and to the device that includes said plate.

Abstract: An optical element comprising a lens having a portion with a surface inclination angle of 50° or more within an effective-diameter region, the portion being 10% or more of the effective-diameter region in a projected area, and an anti-reflection coating formed on the lens, the anti-reflection coating having fine roughness with three-dimensional average surface roughness of 5-100 nm on the surface.

Abstract: A multi-layer thin-film narrow-band filter is fabricated by a process wherein each half of a symmetric stack is deposited under exact conditions, either successively or contemporaneously. The two halves of the filter structure are then combined and bonded together using a wet bonding process that remains reversible for a period of time sufficient for testing the filter and, if necessary, for separating the two halves to regain access to the spacer layer. Accordingly, the spacer layer may be adjusted to shift the peak wavelength, if necessary, to the precise design specifications for a particular application. After correction, the components of the symmetric filter are bonded again using the same wet process.

Abstract: A multi-layer thin-film narrow-band filter is fabricated by a process wherein each half of a symmetric stack is deposited under exact conditions, either successively or contemporaneously. The two halves of the filter structure are then combined and bonded together using a wet bonding process that remains reversible for a period of time sufficient for testing the filter and, if necessary, for separating the two halves to regain access to the spacer layer. Accordingly, the spacer layer may be adjusted to shift the peak wavelength, if necessary, to the precise design specifications for a particular application. After correction, the components of the symmetric filter are bonded again using the same wet process.

Abstract: A method is provided for coating optical lenses and other optical articles with anti-reflection (AR) coatings. The lenses have low reflectivity, provide a substantially white light reflection and have a low stress AR coating and are ideally suited for optical lenses made using a molding procedure which provides a low stress lens substrate. In one aspect the method uses special coating compositions with one being a high index of refraction composition and the other being a low index of refraction composition. In another aspect a method is also disclosed using an optical monitor in conjunction with a conventional vapor deposition apparatus whereby an optical reference lens is used and a particular light frequency of reflected light is measured and this measurement is then used to determine when the desired optical coating is achieved. In a still further aspect the method also preferably calculates the optical thickness of each layer using a specific ratio of blue to green to red colors in the reflected light.

Abstract: An antireflection structure (10) comprises a base (1), and a finely roughened antireflection part (2) formed in a surface of the base (1). The finely roughened antireflection part (2) includes a plurality of projections and depressions defined by the projections. The projections are distributed such that PMAX??MIN, where PMAX is the biggest one of distances between tips (2t) of the adjacent projections and ?MIN is the shortest one of wavelengths of visible light rays in a vacuum. The sectional area of each projection in a plane parallel to the surface of the base (1) increases continuously from the tip (2t) toward the bottom (2b) of the depression adjacent to the projection. The shape (2Mt) of a tip part (Mt) of each projection in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the base (1) is sharper than the shape (2Mb) of a bottom part (Mb) of each depression in the same plane vertical to the surface of the base (1).

Abstract: A diffusing plate is formed so as to have a surface having a larger surface roughness than a predetermined wavelength and having an aperiodic roughness shape. A plurality of fine concave/convex portions are formed on the surface so as to be regularly arranged within a cycle equal to and smaller than a predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A conductive anti-reflection coating has a surface quarterwave layer that is broken up into smaller portions by inserting one or more thin layers of conductive material in the dielectric material. The resulting stack of alternating layers of a dielectric material and an electrically conductive material provides a solid electrical contact to the buried conductive layer and exhibits a low surface contact resistance.

Abstract: A half mirror comprises: a beam splitter coating formed on one main surface of a transparent substrate; an anti-reflection coating formed on the other main surface; and a correction coating having substantially the same refractive index as that of the transparent substrate is formed between the transparent substrate and the anti-reflection coating so that a warpage of the transparent substrate caused by a stress of the beam splitter coating is corrected by a stress of the correction coating.

Abstract: A new class of composite polymer films where the refractive index can be varied by simple compressive or extensive forces. The films are comprised of alternating layers of an elastomer and a glassy polymer or two different elastomers. When the layer spacing is much less than the wavelength of the probe light, these materials behave as effective medium composites. The layer thickness of the elastomer component and thus the effective index of the composite can be varied by compression, tension or shear.

Abstract: An antireflection film is provided and has at least one hard coat layer and a low refractive-index layer having a refractive index of 1.47 or less as the outermost layer on a transparent support. The roughness Ra of the antireflection film is 0.03 ?m or more and when it is assumed that average 5° specular reflectance is A and average integrated reflectance is B in a wavelength range of 450 nm to 650 nm, B?A<4 Ra.

Abstract: The method produces a plastic lens with an antireflection film which have the advantages of good adhesion of the antireflection film to any type of hard coat film that underlies it and good abrasion resistance and provides a plastic lens with an antireflection film. The method includes the steps of applying water or an aqueous solution to a plastic lens with an organosilicon compound-containing hard coat film to form a liquid film of water or the aqueous solution on the surface of the hard coat film, then allowing ozone gas to contact with the liquid film to treat the surface of the hard coat film with the ozone gas, and thereafter forming an antireflection film on the surface of the hard coat film through vapor deposition.

Abstract: A method of forming an element of an imaging device and the element are disclosed. The method includes providing a first layer and a second layer. The method also includes extruding the first layer with the second layer, where the second layer has a melt flow that is at least 10% greater than a melt flow of the second layer. Moreover, the method includes forming a plurality of optical elements over a surface of the second layer.

Abstract: Provided is an antireflection film comprising a transparent support, at least one high refractive index layer having a refractive index higher by 0.05 or greater but not greater than 1.5 than that of the transparent support and a low refractive index layer having a refractive index lower by 0.05 or greater but not greater than 2.0 than that of the high refractive index layer, wherein the high refractive index layer contains matting agent particles having an average particle size of 0.3 ?m or greater but not greater than 20 ?m; and the film has a haze value of 10% or less. This antireflection film has a low reflectance, is clear, has a surface less tinged with white and has reduced color due to interference, so that it is suitably used for image display devices such cathode ray tube display device (CRT), plasma display panel (PDP) and liquid crystal display (LCD). The film is also used for a polarizing plate.

Abstract: Provided is a Fabry-Perot type wavelength tunable optical filter, comprising a first mirror; a second mirror located over the first mirror; a driving body located over the first mirror, and having both ends fixed to the first mirror through a spacer; a plurality of electrodes, each formed on both ends of the driving body; a rod structure connecting a center of the driving body and the second mirror; a plurality of fixing means, each fixed to the first mirror at both sides of the rod structure through the spacer; and a plurality of elastic bodies connecting the rod structure with the plurality of fixing means and acting as a rotational axis. And the mirror is driven by the rod structure acting as a lever that has an elastic body as a rotational axis, when warping is generated by electro-thermal expansion, electromagnetic force or external force. Thereby the mirror can be driven in the larger wavelength tunable range and the low power consumption.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making an antiglare stack by vacuum evaporation on an organic substrate (1) at a temperature lower than 150° C., comprising steps which consist in depositing at least a layer of material having a refractive index different from that of MgF2 (4, 4?), preparing the surface of the thus coated substrate, and depositing an outer MgF2 layer (5) without ionic assistance. The resulting antiglare stack on organic substrate exhibits good adherence and good scratch resistance. The invention is applicable to ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: A hard coating composition for use as a stain repellent single layer on an optical display. The coating composition adds a monomer of a mono or multi(methyl)acrylate bearing at least one monovalent hexafluoropolypropylene oxide derivative and a free radically reactive compatibilizer consisting of either a fluoroalkyl-group containing acrylate compatibilizer or a fluoroalkylene-group containing acrylate compatibilizer to a conventional hydrocarbon-based hard coat formulation. The resultant coating is substantially smooth and forms a durable surface layer that has low surface energy that is stain and ink repellent.

Abstract: There is provided a UV-reflective interference layer system for transparent substrates with broadband anti-reflection properties in the visible wavelength range. The interference layer system includes at least four individual layers. Successive layers have different refractive indices and the individual layers contain UV and temperature-stable inorganic materials.

Abstract: In order to produce a polarizing filter, first and second protective films are adhered to respective surfaces of a polarized film. When M1, M2 are determined as respective coefficients of expansion by water absorption of the first and second protective films, the coefficients of expansion satisfy a formula, 0.65·M1<M2<1.55·M1. A difference of the thickness between the first and second protective films is more than 2 ?m and less than 100 ?m. Further, the first and second protective films are formed of cellulose triacetate, and the polarized film is formed of polyvinylalcohol series. Thus the polarizing filter has no curl to be formed after the protective films are adhered to the polarized film.

Abstract: Within a method of making an optical interference filter, sample spectra and measurements of a predetermined characteristic associated with respective spectra are provided. Upon selection of an initial number of filter layers and a thickness for each layer, a transmission spectrum is determined. Each sample spectrum is applied to a regression formula that relates interaction of light with the transmission spectrum to a regression value. A comparison relationship between the calculated regression values and the sample measurements is defined and optimized, wherein thickness of each layer is an optimization variable.

Abstract: A security element (1) for application or embedding in objects (300), in particular for documents of value such as bank notes, credit cards and the like, is structured in a multi-layer fashion and has an interference element I, which produces a color shift effect, a layer M with magnetic properties and a reflection layer R, which is located between interference element I and magnetic layer M. Designs of the invention pro-vide a negative writing 20 and/or coding 11 in reflection layer R and magnetic layer M. According to a further design diffraction structures 2 are integrated in the security element 1. Such a security element in particular is suitable as window security thread 200 in bank notes.

Abstract: According to various embodiments and aspects of the present invention, there is provided a dynamically tunable thin film interference coating including one or more layers with thermo-optically tunable refractive index. Tunable layers within thin film interference coatings enable a new family of thin film active devices for the filtering, control, modulation of light. Active thin film structures can be used directly or integrated into a variety of photonic subsystems to make tunable lasers, tunable add-drop filters for fiber optic telecommunications, tunable polarizers, tunable dispersion compensation filters, and many other devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glazing panel having a solar factor (FS) of less than 70% and being composed of a vitreous substrate and a tin/antimony oxide coating layer provided on the vitreous substrate and having a Sb/Sn molar ratio ranging from 0.01 to 0.5, preferable 0.03 to 0.5, the method including the steps of providing reactants in gaseous phase which comprise tin and antimony compounds, which are present in an amount effective to form the tin/antimony oxide coating layer; and forming the tin/antimony oxide coating layer pyrolytically on the vitreous substrate from the reactants in gaseous phase to provide the glazing panel having a solar factor (FS) of less than 70%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semitransparent mirror and a method for producing and for operating the semitransparent mirror. The semitransparent mirror has a transparent substrate, a first protective layer that is arranged on the substrate, and a layer with a phase change medium, which is arranged on the first protective layer. The layer is covered by a second protective layer that protects the phase change medium.

Abstract: An optical device reflecting a range of wavelengths comprised between 10 nm and 20 nm comprises alternate superposed first and second layers. The first layers are made of metal or metallic compound and the second layers are formed by an amorphous silicon compound chosen from a-Si—Hx, a-Si—CHx, a-Si—Cx, a-Si—OHx, a-Si—Fx, a-Si—FHx, a-Si—Nx, a-Si—NHx, x being comprised between 0.01 and 0.3. The use of second layers of amorphous silicon compound enables the mechanical stresses of the optical device to be stabilized up to at least 200° C. The optical device is preferably used as reflector for a lithography mask in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV).

Abstract: An optical item comprising an organic or mineral glass substrate (1) and a transparent polymeric material layer (3), characterized in that it comprises at least one intermediate layer (2) in direct contact with one main side of the substrate and the polymeric material layer, the intermediate layer(s) being made of particles of at least one colloidal mineral oxide and optionally of a binder, such (an) intermediate layer(s) having an initial porosity, and the initial porosity of the intermediate layer(s) being filled either by material from the polymeric material layer or by the substrate material if the latter is made in an organic glass and, optionally partly by the binder when present, so that the intermediate layer(s), after initial porosity filling, each represent a quarter waveplate with a wavelength in the range from 400 to 700 nm, preferably from 450 to 650 nm.

Abstract: A new damage resistant and tolerant optical element is disclosed. Prior art solid or liquid host matrices are replaced by a soft crosslinked polymer or similar host material. The viscoelastic properties of the matrix host material are controlled during formation so that there are regions of different softness, of stiffness, within the matrix, to form a stiffness gradient. Preferably, the matrix will be softest at a preselected focal plane where maximum electromagnetic radiation or energy output may be expected. The host matrix is doped with an appropriate dopant having a concentration distribution, preferably such that the concentration of dopant is highest in the region where the host matrix material is most soft. Two important disclosed example embodiments are an optical limiter and a solid state dye laser.

Abstract: The optical device having a predetermined surface profile of the invention is fabricated by forming a multi-layered dielectric film on the surface of a solid composition layer having a glass transition temperature of not lower than 100° C. The solid composition layer is formed by molding and curing a polymerizable organic group-having fluid composition. The curing may be effected through photopolymerization or thermal polymerization of the polymerizable organic group in the composition, and a predetermined surface profile is transferred onto the composition layer from the mold used. The cured composition is released from the mold, and this is coated with a multi-layered dielectric film.

Abstract: A light diffusing film which has an excellent luminance characteristic and excellent thermal properties and which exhibits no deterioration in light transmittance. The light diffusing film according to the present invention, which has a transmittance of 88% or greater with respect to light having a wavelength 400 to 900 nm, a haze of 1.2 or less, and a Ht/Hm, percentage in the range of 50 to 100, exhibits excellent luminance and thermal properties, so that it can be suitably used in various kinds of picture display devices, in particular, in a display device employing LED (light emitting diode) lamps or an LCD (liquid crystal display device) backlighting system.

Abstract: Optical components may be made with reflectors that increase the reflectivity of the resulting device. Increasing in the reflectivity may reduce the need for higher power light sources. In particular, the use of deposited silver layers may dramatically increase the reflectivity compared to aluminum and copper alloys. In addition, an absorptive layer may be positioned over the reflective layer to reduce the amount of blue light output from the reflector. This blue light absorber may be used to automatically rebalance light sources that produce an excessive proportion of blue light.

Abstract: An optical filter using alternating layers of materials with “low” and “high” indices of refraction and deposited with atomic layer control has been developed. The multilayered thin film filter uses, but is not limited to, alternating amorphous layers of atomically controlled Si (n=3.56) as the high index material and diamond-like carbon (DLC, n=2.0) as the low index material. The Si layers are grown with a self-limiting pulsed molecular beam deposition process which results in layer-by-layer growth and thickness control to within one atomic layer. The DLC layers are produced using an ion-based process and made atomically smooth using a modified Chemical Reactive-Ion Surface Planarization (CRISP) process. Intrinsic stress is monitored using an in-situ cantilever-based intrinsic stress optical monitor and adjusted during filter fabrication by deposition parameter modification. The resulting filter has sufficient individual layer thickness control and surface roughness to enable ˜12.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical element having an antireflection film formed on a plastic substrate, wherein the reflectance of the antireflection film is low while the transmittance thereof is high. The impact resistance, the adhesiveness, the heat resistance, the abrasion resistance and the alkali resistance of the antireflection film on the plastic substrate are superior. The optical element having an antireflection film has at least one layer of the antireflection film that is a hybrid layer made of an inorganic substance and an organic substance.

Abstract: A coated lens for use in a riflescope, telescope, spotting scope, binoculars, or the like is provided. The coating on the lens comprises two layers, an anti-reflective layer adjacent the lens and a hydrophobic layer disposed on the anti-reflective layer. The hydrophobic layer preferably includes an organosilane compound. Advantageously, the coating does not significantly reduce light transmission through the lens.