Durable infrared optical coatings based on pulsed DC-sputtering of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H)

Gibson, D. et al. (2020) Durable infrared optical coatings based on pulsed DC-sputtering of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H). Applied Optics, 59(9), pp. 2731-2738. (doi: 10.1364/AO.378266)

Abstract

Optical properties of low-temperature pulsed DC-sputter deposited (≤70°C) hydrogenated carbon are presented. Increasing hydrogen incorporation into the sputter deposited carbon significantly decreases infrared optical absorption due to a decrease in deep absorptive states associated with dangling bonds. Hydrogen flow is optimized (hydrogen flow 3 sccm), achieving the best compromise between increased infrared transmittance and hardness for durable coating performance. Optical, environmental, and durability performance of pulsed DC-sputtered carbon incorporated in multilayer (a-C:H/Ge) infrared antireflective coatings indicates suitability as a durable infrared optical coating for commonly used infrared substrates, including temperature sensitive chalcogenide glass.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sproules, Dr Stephen and Gibson, Professor Desmond
• Authors: Gibson, D., Song, S., Fleming, L., Ahmadzadeh, S., Chu, H. O., Sproules, S., Swindell, R., Zhang, X., Navabpour, P., Clark, C., and Bailey, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry; College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Applied Optics
• Publisher: Optical Society of America
• ISSN: 1559-128X
• ISSN (Online): 2155-3165
• Published Online: 03 February 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 Optical Society of America
• First Published: First published in Applied Optics 59(9): 2731-2738
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy