Military Specification Definitions

MIL-C-48497A (STANDARD RROI TEST)

This specification establishes the durability requirements for single layer and multi-layer interference coatings used on optical materials.
Optical components cannot show signs of deterioration or abrasion after each of the following tests:

Required:

  • Adhesion: A 1/2″ wide strip of cellophane tape is pressed against the coated surface and quickly removed
  • Humidity: Components are exposed to an atmosphere of 120° ± 4° and 95 to 100% relative humidity
  • Moderate Abrasion: Coated optical components are rubbed with a cheese cloth pad for 25 cycles (50 strokes)
  • Temperature: Components are exposed to temperatures of -80° and +160° for 2 hours at each temperature
  • Solubility and Cleanability: Coated components are immersed in trichloroethylene, acetone, and ethyl alcohol and wiped with cheesecloth

Optional:

  • Severe Abrasion: A MIL-E-12397 compliant eraser is rubbed over the coated surface for 20 complete cycles (40 strokes)
  • Salt Solubility: Coated components are immersed in a saline solution for 24 hours
  • Water Solubility: Coated components are immersed in distilled water

MIL-C-675C

This specification establishes the durability and abrasion resistance requirements of anti-reflection interference films used on optical materials. Optical components cannot show signs of deterioration or abrasion after each of the following tests:

Required:

  • Salt Solubility: Coated optical components are immersed in a saline solution for 24 hours
  • Humidity: Components are exposed to an atmosphere of 120° ± 4° and 95 to 100% relative humidity
  • Salt Spray Fog: Components are exposed to a salt spray fog for 24 hours
  • Severe Abrasion: A MIL-E-12397 compliant eraser is rubbed over the coated surface for 20 complete cycles (40 strokes)
  • Moderate Abrasion: Coated optical components are rubbed with a cheese cloth pad for 25 cycles (50 strokes)
  • Adhesion: A 1/2″ wide strip of cellophane tape is pressed against the coated surface and quickly removed

MIL-M-13508C

This specification establishes the durability requirements for a mirror coating consisting of a deposited aluminum reflective film overlaid with a transparent dielectric protective film. Optical components cannot show signs of deterioration or abrasion after each of the following tests:

Required:

  • Temperature: Components are exposed to temperatures of -80° and +160° for 2 hours at each temperature
  • Adhesion: A 1/2″ wide strip of cellophane tape is pressed against the coated surface and quickly removed
  • Moderate Abrasion: Coated optical components are rubbed with a cheese cloth pad for 25 cycles (50 strokes)

Optional:

  • Humidity: Components are exposed to an atmosphere of 120° ± 4° and 95 to 100% relative humidity
  • Salt Spray: Components are exposed to a salt spray
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