Ultra-High-Reflectivity Super Mirrors by Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS)
I-Photonics UAB creates super mirrors with record-high reflectivity and ultra-low optical losses for the most demanding optical systems. Using advanced Ion Beam Sputtering and precision surface engineering, the company delivers components that meet the needs of quantum optics, interferometry, and other ultra-sensitive applications.
I-Photonics UAB successfully manufactures super mirrors for ultra-sensitive optical applications, delivering exceptional reflectivity and minimal optical losses through advanced IBS coating technology and precision surface engineering.
Super mirrors are used for ultra-sensitive optical systems, such as high-finesse Fabry–Pérot cavities, precision interferometry, and quantum optics experiments.
Key factors for achieving ultra-high reflectivity:
- Precision surface polishing with ultra-low roughness
- Control of total stack thickness and individual layer distribution to limit defect formation, reduce defect size, and suppress scattering
- Process optimization during IBS deposition, with a strong focus on reducing particulate contamination and surface defects
- Stable vacuum and thermal environment to ensure high interface quality and uniformity
Used substrate for the super mirror - Fused Silica
Initial Substrate Specs:
- Surface Flatness: λ/10 @ 632.8 nm
- Surface Quality: 10−5 (scratch-dig)
- Parallelism: < 5 arcmin
Coating Method: Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS)
Coating Design:
- Front Surface: Dielectric High-Reflection Coating
- Back Surface: Dielectric Anti-Reflection Coating
Performance (Post-Coating):
- Reflectance at 8° for 532 nm: R > 99.993 %*
- Optical Losses (Absorption + Scattering): ≤ 35 ppm*
- Surface Roughness (AFM): Ra < 0.3 nm
*Average values over 10 measurements
I-Photonics UAB is a leading company specialized in advanced vacuum coating and photonics technologies. We design and manufacture precision optical systems for laser and optical thin-film coatings, serving industries such as display technology, laser optics, optical filters, space and communication systems, security, and scientific research.
Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art IBS, PIAD, DLC and PARMS coaters of our own design, enabling high-performance coatings across a broad spectral range from 250 nm to 17 µm. We offer coating services for R&D, prototyping, and small-scale production, as well as customized system development with or without turnkey process solutions.
I-Photonics UAB supports customers from initial feasibility studies to pilot and mass manufacturing, delivering tailored, high-precision optical solutions.
Learn more: https://i-photonics.lt/catalog/optical-mirror-coatings/single-and-multi-wave-mirrors/super-mirror-532-nm
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