Researchers can now “paint” rough, flexible surfaces through the phenomenon of thin-film interference. A team at Harvard University demonstrated that ultrathin optical coatings can display strong optical interference effects on notebook paper. Such coatings comprise nanometer-thin, highly absorbing germanium films on top of reflecting gold substrates. Thin-film optical interference was found to persist when films were “deposited on substrates that have a large degree of roughness and inhomogeneity on micro- and nanoscales,” the researchers wrote. They added...Read full articleRelated content from Photonics MediaARTICLESCost-Effective Coatings for Smart Windows Rival Industry-Standard PerformanceAn inexpensive, ultrathin spray-on window coating for blocking heat and conducting electricity could further reduce energy costs for smart windows and heat-repelling glass, making smart window...Photonics Spectra October 2020 IssueFabrication Method Could Expand Perovskite ProductionA simple, synthetic process for fabricating stable perovskite solar cells has overcome a preventative challenge to large-scale production, and, as a result, to product commercialization. A team from...Photonics Spectra June 2021 IssueMetalens Design Uses Millions of Holes to Focus Light into Single PointResearchers at the Harvard John A. 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Therefore, it’s useful for almost anyone involved in the specification and purchase of optical components to have some familiarity with the typical performance characteristics, trade-offs and limitations of various coating types, as well as some knowledge of the capabilities of common thin-film production technologies. This article provides an objective overview of both these topics.What are thin-film coatings? The purpose of any optical thin-film coating is to modify the transmittance and reflectance properties of the substrate material to which they are applied. Most coatings...Photonics HandbookMirrors: Coating Choice Makes a Difference: A mirror is an important element in many optical systems. Its basic function is to redirect light, often with the purpose of making an optical system more compact. This article discusses the kinds of thin-film coatings that can be used for mirrors. 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This was the third...Photonics.com 7/30/2018Fundamentally Different Photonics - LIGHT MATTERS 03.2018On this month's episode of Light Matters, we take you to the South by Southwest (SXSW) Trade Show in Austin, Texas, as new photonics innovations hit the show floor of the Austin Convention Center....Photonics.com 3/29/2018PHOTONICS BUYERS' GUIDE CATEGORIESGold CoatingsOptical CoatingsHigh Damage Threshold CoatingsHeat Reflection CoatingsCOMPANIESReynard CorporationReynard Corporation has been a premier supplier of custom optics and thin-film coatings to a global customer base since 1984. Reynard focuses on manufacturing the highest quality products with...Photonics Buyers' GuideLaCroix Precision OpticsOptics that Defend, Build, Cure and Discover The LaCroix name is synonymous with quality precision optics. Since 1947, three generations of family leadership have placed LaCroix Precision Optics...Photonics Buyers' GuideShanghai Optics Inc.Shanghai Optics is a leading manufacturer of advanced optical components and optical assemblies. Shanghai Optics is an unparalleled custom optical solution provider offering custom optical design and...Photonics Buyers' GuideMLD Technologies LLCExperts In Thin-film Coating Design We practice a design-before-quote approach to help customers refine specifications and minimize technical risk. We understand how coated optical elements...Photonics Buyers' Guide