Abstract

The use of plastics for optical applications is limited by physical properties of organic polymers in many cases. Besides the problem of bad scratch resistance, the most plastics tend to absorb and desorb substantial amounts of moisture. Water exchange of the bulk polymer accelerates surface degradation and can destroy the optical performance [1-2]. Considering this, optical coatings on plastics, including those for improving scratch resistance, should reduce water absorption, too.

© 1995 Optical Society of America