i-photonics-uab-successfully-manufactures-super-mirrors-for-ultra-sensitive-optical-applications.avif

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: Super Mirror 532 nm