Broadband antireflection coatings for multifunctional avionic displays

Abstract

Broadband Multilayer Antireflection (AR) coatings markedly improve the transmission efficiency of any optical component such as lens, prism, beam-splitter, beam combiner or a window. By reducing surface reflections over a wide wavelength range, broadband antireflection coatings improve transmission and enhance contrast which is desired in avionic displays. The broadband antireflection coating consisting of MgF₂, ZrO₂ and Al2O₃ were designed to cover the whole visible spectrum and fabricated on optical grade glass substrate. The optical characterization of these coatings indicates reduction of the reflection to 2.28% as compared to 8.5 % at 545 nm (i.e. design wavelength of most avionic displays) for bare substrate making them useful in optical displays for avionic applications.