OPTI 576

8/12/09

OPTI 576. Thin Film Optics (3) I. This course will provide an understanding of some of the significant physical mechanisms involved in the growth, structure and optical properties of thin films. The basic electromagnetic theory of multilayer thin films will be covered, with application to coatings including antireflection, reflection, beam splitters, dichroic filters, and bandpass filters. Examples ranging from the infrared to soft x-rays will be discussed.

Course Outline (75-minute lectures)

Overview:

Optical systems for wavelengths from the IR to beyond the Vacuum Ultra-Violet (VUV) require thin film coatings of various kinds to function properly. In the visible, for example, acceptable performance of multilayer lenses would not be possible without thin-film antireflection coatings. In the VUV or soft-x-ray regime, focusing optics are now possible using multilayer thin film coatings. Thin films also are essential for many other optical applications, such as Schottky-barrier IR detectors, media for magneto-optical data storage, and diode lasers.

This course will provide an understanding of some of the significant physical mechanisms involved in the growth, structure and optical properties of thin films for use in the wavelength range ~1 nm–1 µm. The basic electromagnetic theory of multilayer thin films will be covered, with application to coatings including reflection, antireflection, beam splitters, dichroic filters, and bandpass filters. Examples ranging from the IR to the soft-x-ray will be discussed.

Course Outline:

GROWTH OF THIN FILMS
     Physical Mechanisms Involved in the Most Common Techniques:
     Sputtering
     Evaporation (with emphasis on Molecular Beam Epitaxy)
     Nucleation and Growth Phenomena

STRUCTURE OF THIN FILMS
Physical Structure:
Diffraction Theory

Application of diffraction theory to x‑rays, high and low energy electrons, etc.

Chemical (Compositional) Structure:
Physical principles of specific probes, including RBS, XPS, Auger, etc.

OPTICAL THIN FILMS
   Theory: Maxwell's equations; reflectance, transmittance and absorptance; Smith Chart, etc.
    Optical Coatings: reflection, antireflection, beam splitters, dichroic filters, bandpass filters, etc.
     Optical Data Storage: magneto-optical media, phase-change media, etc.
     Active Optical Thin Films: diode lasers

Each of the above three major sections will make up approximately one-third of the lectures.

Text:

Optical Coating Technology
Philip W. Baumeister
SPIE Press (Bellingham, Washington, 2004)
ISBN 0-8194-5313-7

Supplemental material will be drawn from a variety of sources, including monographs and review papers in the Science Library.

Grading:

Three homework assignments and a take-home final exam each will be given equal weight. An overall score $85% = A, $75% = B, $60% = C, and <60% = D.

Instructor Office Hours/Location:

Charles M. Falco
Gould-Simpson Building, Room 1021
Class hours: 9:30–10:45 a.m., Tuesday & Thursday
1-520-621-6771 Ph. / 1-520-621-4356 Fax / falco@u.arizona.edu

University of Arizona http://www.optics.arizona.edu/ssd/Optics576.html

Other Policies:

1. "Incompletes" will only be given under very special circumstances, especially if no prior agreement with me has been made. Note: by "prior" I mean you should see me as soon as some situation arises which you feel might keep you from completing the course.

2. Office hours: Since experience shows that rigid office hours do not fit everyone's schedule, I have an "open door" policy where you can drop by any time you want to discuss something. However, since my office is located in a building that's a 10–15 minute walk from OSC, if you want to make sure I'll be there at a specific time, either call (621-6771) or e-mail (falco@u.arizona.edu) to schedule a mutually convenient time. My office is on the 10th floor of Gould-Simpson, room 1021.