Advanced Large Area Thin Film Coating Equipment for Astronomical Mirrors

Introduction to Thin Film Coating for Astronomy

The field of astronomy demands precision and innovation, especially when it comes to the construction of telescopes. At the heart of these instruments are astronomical mirrors, which require advanced thin film coatings to achieve optimal reflectivity and durability. AGC Plasma Technology Solutions is at the forefront of this innovation, delivering state-of-the-art large area thin film coating equipment tailored for the most demanding applications, including the world’s largest telescopes.

 

 

About AGC Plasma Technology Solutions

AGC Plasma Technology Solutions, a division of AGC Glass Europe, specializes in industrializing vacuum plasma coating technologies. Since its inception in 2016, the company has been a leader in magnetron sputtering, thin film sputtering deposition, and PVD and PECVD vacuum coating machines. With a team of 45 experts in Belgium and a manufacturing hub in Germany, AGC Plasma serves industries ranging from optics to automotive and architecture.

Key Expertise:

  • Custom Equipment Design: Tailored solutions for specific industry needs.

  • Process Development: Advanced techniques for thin film coating processes.

  • Global Support: Installation, training, and after-sales service worldwide.

Learn more about AGC Plasma Technology Solutions

 

 

The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT): A Case Study

The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), under construction by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile, represents a groundbreaking achievement in astronomy. With a primary mirror (M1) spanning 39 meters, the ELT will collect 13 times more light than any existing optical telescope.

Key Features of the ELT:

  • Primary Mirror (M1): 798 hexagonal segments, each 1.44 meters wide.

  • Secondary and Tertiary Mirrors (M2/M3): Single-piece mirrors up to 4.5 meters in diameter.

  • Coating Requirements: Protected silver-based coatings for high reflectivity and durability.

AGC Plasma has been selected to supply three coating plants for the ELT, ensuring the mirrors meet ESO’s stringent optical and durability standards.

Explore our case study on the ELT

 

 

Precision Magnetron Sputtering Systems

AGC Plasma’s magnetron sputtering systems are engineered for nanometer-level precision, making them ideal for coating telescope mirrors. These systems feature:

  • Online Shimmable Magnet Bar (iOSMB) Cathodes: Ensuring uniformity within <1%.

  • Process Gases: Argon for silver deposition and Ar/N₂ for adhesion layers.

  • Cycle Time: ≤3 hours per segment, enabling high throughput.

Discover our magnetron sputtering technology

 

 

The GEMINI Coating Stack: A Benchmark in Reflective Coatings

The GEMINI coating stack is a multilayer system designed to optimize reflectivity and durability. It includes:

  1. Adhesion Layer: ~50 nm of NiCrNx for strong substrate bonding.

  2. Reflective Layer: ~110 nm of silver for high reflectance.

  3. Barrier Layer: A few angstroms of NiCrNx to protect the silver.

  4. Protective Dielectric Layer: ~60 Å of Al-doped SixNy for environmental resistance.

This stack outperforms traditional aluminum coatings, achieving reflectance levels of 98% at 1000 nm while maintaining durability under harsh conditions.

Download detailed specifications

 

 

Thin Film Coating Process for Telescope Mirrors

The coating process for astronomical mirrors involves several critical steps:

  1. Preparation: Mirror segments are mounted and protected with skirts to prevent contamination.

  2. Vacuum Pumping: Chambers are evacuated to 2 × 10⁻⁷ mbar to ensure a clean environment.

  3. Sputtering Deposition: Sequential layers of NiCrNx, silver, and SixNy are applied using thin film sputtering deposition techniques.

  4. Quality Control: Optical measurements ensure uniformity and adherence to ESO’s standards.

This process ensures that each mirror segment meets the highest optical and durability requirements.

Learn more about our thin film coating processes

 

 

Sustainability and Innovation

AGC Plasma is committed to sustainability, offering solutions that reduce environmental impact. For example, our vacuum coating machines replace traditional wet chemistry processes, saving water and reducing waste.

Read about our sustainability initiatives

 

 

Why Choose AGC Plasma for Thin Film Coating Equipment?

  • Proven Expertise: Decades of experience in large area thin film coatings.

  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Advanced systems like the GEMINI stack and magnetron sputtering.

  • Global Reach: Comprehensive support from design to commissioning.

Contact us for more information

 

 

Conclusion

AGC Plasma Technology Solutions is a leader in thin film coating processes, providing innovative solutions for astronomical mirrors and beyond. With a focus on precision, durability, and sustainability, our equipment sets the standard for the industry.

Visit our website to learn more

 

 

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