REFLECTOR AND MIRROR COATINGS

An aluminium-based high-reflective coating combined with a protective ceramic top layer. The aluminium film delivers strong, even reflectance across the visible spectrum, whilst the ceramic overcoat maintains performance at elevated temperatures and provides resistance to environmental exposure — including the theatrical fog compounds used in stage lighting environments.

Aluminium coatings can be applied as either front-surface or back-surface reflectors and adhere well to metallic substrates. This coating is well suited to high-volume OEM components in stage lighting, architectural lighting, and industrial reflector applications.

Key specifications

• Reflectivity >85% across the visible spectrum
• Rated for continuous operation at 200 °C reflector temperature
• Resistant to theatrical fog (artificial smoke) environments
• Good adhesion to metallic reflector substrates
• Available as front-surface or back-surface reflector

A silver-based high-reflective coating with a protective ceramic top layer, delivering extremely high reflectivity across both the visible and infrared spectrum. The ceramic overcoat prevents oxidation and ensures long-term stability on a wide range of substrate materials, including plastics, ceramics, and metals.

Polyteknik has supplied protected silver-coated mirrors to the Paranal Observatory, operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), which houses four 8.2-metre unit telescopes and four 1.8-metre auxiliary telescopes. This coating is well suited to precision optical instruments, scientific mirrors, and components requiring durable, high-performance reflectance.

Key specifications

• Reflectivity >98% across the visible and infrared spectrum
• Protective ceramic top coating prevents oxidation and ageing
• Proven adhesion to plastic, ceramic, and metal substrates
• Reference application: ESO Paranal Observatory telescope mirrors

A gold-based thin-film high-reflective mirror coating with excellent durability in demanding ambient conditions, including humid environments and polluted atmospheres. Gold is the preferred material for infrared applications where a protective overcoat would compromise optical performance, as the material is inherently stable without a ceramic top layer.

Gas analyser and optical sensor devices are commonly built from injection-moulded thermoplastic housings where the inner chamber walls are coated to maximise reflectivity. Gold delivers at least 98% reflectivity at wavelengths above 800 nm, making it the coating of choice for mid-infrared sensing applications.

Key specifications

• Reflectivity >98% at wavelengths above 800 nm
• No protective overcoat required — inherently stable
• Resistant to humidity and atmospheric pollution
• Suitable for injection-moulded thermoplastic substrates