Anti-Reflection Coatings, Part I: Single Layer

Introduction It is well-known that the transmission of light through optical components such as lenses and prisms can be improved through the application of specialized dielectric coatings. We’ve come to take them for granted, and can easily forget that without them, the views through our instruments would be significantly dimmer. Any curious user of binoculars, … More Anti-Reflection Coatings, Part I: Single Layer

The Physics of Roof Prisms and Phase Coatings, Simplified: Part II

Phase shifts and interference The previous post introduced the topic of roof prism performance loss resulting from phase shifts that accompany total internal reflection (TIR). These shifts are endemic to TIR and to any device that employs it, including not only roof but Porro prisms. But in the latter case, the shifts have no deleterious … More The Physics of Roof Prisms and Phase Coatings, Simplified: Part II