Sol-Gel Derived Optical Coatings

The need exists for easily deposited optical coatings with flexible features for longer wavelength systems. Coating systems that perform more than one function reduce design complexity and cost of fabrication. TPL proposes innovative, multi-component sol-gel processing to produce optical coatings with the complex chemistry necessary to achieve multi-functional capabilities. Sol-gel is the only viable approach to achieve multi-functional coatings because of its high compositional control. The multi-functional coatings can be applied to virtually any substrate and at a reasonable cost. The Phase I will show the feasibility of making multi-functional coating systems by chemically designing sol-gel derived glasses. Several compositional combinations (e.g., silica, alumina, titania) will be used to produce optical films with the desired properties. The filters will be made by alternating layers of different optical thicknesses (refractive index multiplied by thickness) and/or by tailored transition metal additions. Optical spectrophotometry and mechanical tests will show the performance of these filters. TPL has the extensive experience and resources in sol-gel technology. The PI is a pioneering researcher in multi-component sol-gel processing.| Benefits: Durable, thin films have numerous applications in any field of optics, architectural glasses and windows, and advanced electro-optical devices, including optical computing and communications. Anti-reflective coatings are attractive for displays and solar energy collection. Bandpass filters and beamsplitters are useful in optical waveguides and optical circuits, military and commercial.|