First surface mirror with chromium nitride layer

US7621648B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Guardian Industries Corp. · US
• Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.) · LU

Inventors

• Francis Wuillaume · Plymouth, US
• Anton Dietrich · Fontnas, CH
• Brent Boyce · Novi, US
• Gregory Scott · Shelby Charter Township, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 23, 2007
• Grant date: Nov 24, 2009
• Expiry date: Aug 23, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B5/08
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A mirror (e.g., first surface mirror) is provided with a layer of or including chromium nitride (CrNx). In certain example embodiments, the CrNx layer may be the primary reflective layer of the mirror. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, it has been found the addition of nitrogen to the chromium to form CrNx reduces pinhole formations in the resulting layer. In certain example embodiments, the more nitrogen which is introduced into the layer, the smaller the number and/or size of pinholes in the Cr inclusive layer. In certain example embodiments, it has also been found that the addition of nitrogen to Cr may improve durability.