Flatness and Stress Control Strategies for Coated High-Aspect-Ratio Substrates
On Wednesday, April 28th, PFG Precision Optics Manufacturer was the featured presenter for the “Technology: Precision Optics and Components” portion of the OIDA Technology Showcase. Our topic for the presentation is Flatness and Stress Control Strategies for Coated High-Aspect-Ratio Substrates. Kyle Fortenberry, our Senior Optical Thin Film Coatings Engineer, was our speaker. If you’d like to view our presentation on demand, click on the link here:
Abstract
Oftentimes, in its simplest view, fabrication and coating are considered different manufacturing steps – fabrication creates the optic’s geometry while coating controls the optic’s spectral response. However, in practice, these two are not independent processes. They must work together to achieve the highest quality optics. One such example is the specification of surface flatness. Surface flatness specifications are usually presumed to be post-coat, but maintaining surface flatness through the coating process can be a challenge. This is because coatings contain an internal stress which can impose a flatness change on the optic. There are many factors that interplay to determine the total flatness change during the coating process, but the problem is most aggravated in high-aspect-ratio (OD:CT) optics. We define the source of this flatness change and explore some of the options for maintaining pre-coat flatness:
- Coating material choice
- Process choice
- Annealing
- Back-side coating
- Pre-figuring
Speaker Bio:
Kyle Fortenberry - Senior Optical Thin Film Coatings Engineer
Kyle Fortenberry has been with PFG Precision Optics for 10 years as an Optical Thin Film Coatings Engineer where he oversees production, process improvement, and research and development.
Kyle holds a Master of Science in Physics from Georgia Institute of Technology. In addition, he has a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics with a Minor in Chemistry from the University of Southern Mississippi. His thorough understanding of various coating process technologies, coupled with his love for learning and problem solving, serves as a resource for customers seeking solutions to their optical coating needs.
If you would like to discuss your project or this presentation with Kyle, you can reach him at: kfortenberry@pfgoptics.com
Virtual OIDA Technology Showcase
The OIDA Technology Showcase is a 3-day program consisting of two parts – presentations and networking. Registration is free and open to the public. The five focus technologies were: (1) fiber optics and communications, (2) instrumentation and metrology, (3) laser, (4) precision optics and components, and (5) services.
This venue is a great place for organizations to find potential new suppliers and connect with industry leaders. The 15 minute presentations serve as a great way to learn about the latest products and technologies. Networking consisted of breakout rooms where exhibitors were able to chat, host demos, and hold Q&As. In a COVID world, the ability to speak to someone face to face can be so valuable!
ABOUT PFG – OPTICAL FABRICATION AND THIN FILM COATINGS
US manufacturer of high precision optical components (UV thru mid-IR) with a multi-decade track record of reliably producing quality commercial and military optics.
Optical Capabilities include spherical – doublets/triplets – and flat optics – prisms, wedges, beam splitters, polarizers, filters, and mirrors. Our in-house coating facility offers a wide variety of custom coatings, including high-power laser coatings, ITO, and high durability ARs.
Let us know what you think about our presentation or if you need help with thin film coatings:
sales@pfgoptics.com | (228) 875-0165 | pfgoptics.com