Abstract

In the production of optical elements, surface layers can be created on optical glass in various ways, particularly if we are dealing with sensitive glasses of low acid or alcali resistivity. Basically, any exposure of a glass surface to a wet or a humid environment can cause a surface layer, although different mechanisms may be determining its thickness and composition. In the production of optical elements, their surface can be endangered before coating by polishing, cleaning, general handling and even by storage. The first two cases will be discussed in general and illustrated by examples. It is shown that all of these surface layers - independent of how they originate - alter the optical properties of subsequently deposited thin film interference coatings, particularly of antireflection coatings, in a much disturbing manner.

© 1982 Optical Society of America