PROTECTED ALUMINUM (PAL)
Protected Aluminum is the most commonly used metal coating for less demanding, general purpose applications. As a front surface reflector, aluminum is overcoated with one of several transmissive materials, depending on the wavelength region of interest. As a back surface reflector, aluminum is overcoated with a black epoxy paint.
Protected aluminum is somewhat less sensitive to wavelength, angle of incidence or polarization, so it is useful for a wide range of low power monochromatic and polychromatic applications. Durability meets MIL SPEC requirements.
ENHANCED ALUMINUM
(EAL) Enhanced Aluminum is comprised of aluminum overcoated with a few multilayer dielectric films that is designed to optimize reflectance at a specific wavelength. the enhancing layer also greatly improves durability, meeting MIL SPEC requirements. This coating is more sensitive to wavelength, angle of incidence and polarization than protective metal coatings.
Enhanced Aluminum is used to enhance the reflectivity of bare aluminum, most commonly in the ultraviolet region. At 193nm, bare aluminum will deliver about 91% reflectivity. Using enhanced aluminum at the same wavelength will deliver greater than 98% reflectivity.
Available Coatings:
Front Surface Reflection- UV, ViS / NIR
Back Surface Reflection- UV / VIS / NIR
These and other coatings are available from stock on a variety of substrates. Please contact us for assistance with
fulfilling your requirements.
