Broadband antireflection coatings for visible and infrared ranges

Antireflection coatings are critical elements for space applications as they will influence the overall performances of optical systems. They are among the most classical elements that are produced with optical coatings but remain a challenge when high performances are required. In this paper, we present some recent results based on thin film technology for the production of antireflection coatings dedicated to visible, near-IR and mid-IR spectral ranges. We first present a theoretical and experimental study of broadband antireflection coatings for (400-1100)-nm spectral range. We then show antireflection coatings covering the (1.5-15)-mu m range. Experimental demonstrations and limitations are presented.