Aluminum coatings

Aluminum for applications in the visible and ultraviolet (UV) spectral range

Aluminum coatings

Aluminum coatings

Aluminum coatings

Coatings made of aluminum can be easily vapour-deposited. The material is ideally suited for physical vapour deposition (PVD), a key process in modern optics manufacturing. Although the reflectivity of aluminum can decrease over time due to the formation of oxide layers, it remains the most commonly used material for the production of mirrors due to its consistently high reflectivity and the protective effect of the oxide against further oxidation. These unique properties make aluminium an indispensable material for optical mirror coatings in a wide range of applications.

Datenblatt Aluminium mit Schutz

Data sheet (145.84 KB)

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Reflective properties of aluminum

Aluminum is characterised by its uniformly high reflection in the visible spectrum, which makes it an ideal material for the production of mirror coatings. This property is particularly valuable in applications that require efficient light reflection, such as metrology and astronomy. However, the natural tendency of aluminium to form an oxide layer leads to a decrease in reflectivity over time. Interestingly, this oxide layer provides some protection against further oxidation, which increases the longevity of aluminum mirrors. The challenge is to maintain the reflective properties over longer periods of time without compromising the optical performance.

Flat mirror with aluminum coating

Areas of application for aluminium coatings

The wide range of applications for aluminium coatings extends from VIS mirrors in metrology and astronomy to UV mirrors. In metrology, aluminium mirrors enable precise light reflection, which is essential for accurate measurement results. Aluminium coatings are used in diffuse reflection spectroscopy in the near-infrared range. Here they significantly improve the performance of spectroscopic instruments. UV mirrors benefit from the high reflectivity of aluminium in the ultraviolet range, making the material indispensable in many important UV-based applications on quartz. In astronomy, aluminium coatings are used on telescope mirrors to collect the light of distant stars and galaxies.

Challenges when using aluminum coatings

The biggest challenge when using aluminum coatings is the loss of reflection due to oxidation. To address this problem, innovative coating techniques and protective coatings (dielectric coatings) are being developed to improve the durability and performance of aluminium mirrors. Modern PVD processes enable the production of aluminum coatings with optimised thickness and structure that minimise susceptibility to oxidation. Additional coatings can be applied to protect the aluminium surface from environmental influences and maintain the optical quality over a longer period of time.

Despite the challenges associated with the oxidation of aluminium, it remains the preferred material for optical mirror coatings due to its excellent reflective properties and versatility. Pleiger Laseroptik offers high-quality aluminium coatings that meet the demanding requirements of modern optical applications.

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