
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