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Spectral reflectance is used on ophthalmic lenses to measure anti-reflection (AR) spectra and residual color, as well as hardcoat and hydrophobic film thickness measurement.

AR Coating Thickness Measurement

AR coatings are applied to reduce glare and the resulting eye fatigue caused by uncoated lenses. The blue-green hue of AR-coated lenses has also turned out to be an attractive feature for many consumers. Therefore measurement and control of the AR coating and its color has become increasingly important.

The Filmetrics^® F10-ARc anti-reflection coating instrument was designed especially for ophthalmic applications and comes standard with a number of proprietary features for characterizing AR coatings. It's easy to measure curved surfaces with anti-reflection coatings on eyeglasses and other optical lenses.

Hardcoat Measurement

Hardcoats are applied to impart increased scratch and UV resistance. This protection is supplied to the lens by covering it with the hardcoat and to the AR coating by providing a harder, less flexible foundation.

The Filmetrics F10-ARc is available with a hardcoat measurement upgrade. It is possible to measure both one- and two-layer hardcoats up to 15 microns thick.

Hydrophobic Layer Thickness Measurement

Hydrophobic coatings impart water- and oil-repellent properties to AR-coated lenses, making them easier to clean. These layers are extremely thin - on the order of a hundred atoms - and thus require short-wavelength (UV) light to measure most accurately. The preferred instrument for measuring hydrophobic layer thickness is the F10-AR-UV with the UPG-RT-to-Thickness and UPG-Thickness-to-n&k upgrades.

Transmittance Measurements of Lenses

An optional stage (SS-Trans-Curved) for the F10-AR is available for measuring lens transmittance.

For ophthalmic applications, contact our thin-film experts.

Filmetrics offers free trial measurements - results are typically available in 1-2 days.