Abstract

Optical scatter is an important property to consider in optical coatings. Although an undesirable effect, optical scatter can be used to characterize surface microroughness. It is normally believed that coatings increase surface roughness, or at best replicate the surface microstructure. We have found that this is not always the case. At the previous OIC meeting we introduced this investigation, and for the last few years we have been examining this effect in more detail. The microroughness of coated surfaces can increase or decrease as a result of coatings. In this paper we review the process of surface smoothing and its dependence on coating process, film properties and initial surface conditions.

© 1988 Optical Society of America