Silver coated mirrors feature a 100–150 nm thick silver layer deposited on optical-grade substrates, protected by a 5–10 nm SiO₂ overcoat to prevent oxidation. The flat surface (λ/10 @ 633 nm) ensures efficient beam reflection across wide spectral bands.
BK7 Glass: Cost-effective for visible-light applications (400–700 nm), with 2 mm thickness standard for 25–50 mm diameters.
Fused Silica: UV-Vis transparency (200–2000 nm), ideal for 355 nm UV laser systems.
Silver Thickness Uniformity: ±5 nm across the aperture, measured via X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
Edge Quality: Rounded (0.5 mm radius) to prevent handling damage and improve mechanical stability.
Parameter Information
Product: Silver Coated Mirrors
Material: BK7/Fused Silica
Clear Aperture: >90%
Diameter Tolerance: +/-0.1mm
Bevel: Break sharp edges
Flatness (PV): <1/10L@633nm
Surface Quality: 20-10
Thickness Tolerance: +/-0.1mm
Features of Silver Coated Mirrors
Broadband Reflectivity
Flat reflectance profile: >97% from 450–12,000 nm (visible to short-wave IR), making them ideal for multi-wavelength systems.
Economic Advantage
30–50% more cost-effective than gold-coated mirrors in visible-IR ranges, without compromising on reflectivity (gold: ≥98% only above 2 μm).
Balanced Performance
Thermal Stability: Operates reliably from -10°C to +60°C, with minimal reflectivity change (<0.5% over temperature range).
Power Handling: 500 W/cm² (CW, 1064 nm), suitable for moderate-power laser applications.
Easy Integration
Compatible with standard mirror mounts (kinematic, clamp-style) and available with pre-drilled mounting holes (M2–M4 threads) on request.
Applications of Silver Coated Mirrors
General Optics Laboratories
Beam Folding: Redirect visible light (400–700 nm) in breadboard setups, reducing optical path length by 50%.
Educational Kits: Cost-effective solution for physics labs teaching geometric optics and reflection principles.
Industrial Inspection
Machine Vision: Reflect white light (400–700 nm) in automated quality control systems, enhancing contrast for surface defect detection.
Thermal Cameras: Silver-coated silicon substrates reflect 1–5 μm radiation in low-cost IR inspection tools.
Photography & Projection
Studio Lighting: Used as reflectors in flash units to direct 400–700 nm light onto subjects, achieving 95%+ light utilization.
Projector Systems: Redirect RGB beams (450, 532, 635 nm) in LCD projectors, improving brightness by 15–20%.
Renewable Energy
Solar Concentrators: Reflect 400–1100 nm sunlight in CPV (concentrated photovoltaics) systems, increasing energy capture efficiency.
Infrared Heating: Direct 2–5 μm IR radiation in industrial curing ovens, ensuring uniform heat distribution.
FAQ of Silver Coated Mirrors
How does silver coating durability compare to other metals?
Protected Silver Coated Mirrors coatings resist humidity (95% RH) for 12+ months, while unprotected silver may tarnish within 3 months in non-controlled environments.
Can silver coatings be used with UV light?
Yes, fused silica substrates with UV-stabilized overcoats maintain >95% reflectivity at 350–400 nm, suitable for UV curing applications.
What is the weight of a 50 mm diameter silver-coated mirror?
Typical weight is 25–30 g for BK7 glass (2 mm thick) and 35–40 g for fused silica (3 mm thick), ensuring lightweight integration.
How to verify coating integrity upon delivery?
Use a handheld spectrophotometer to measure reflectivity at 550 nm (should be ≥97%); visible discrepancies indicate coating defects.
Why Choose Us
Value-Driven Performance
Our Silver Coated Mirrors coatings offer industry-leading price-to-performance ratio, balancing high reflectivity with affordable pricing for volume orders.
Rigorous Quality Control
Every Silver Coated Mirror passes:
Visual inspection (10x magnification) for coating defects.
Adhesion testing (3M Scotch tape test, no coating delamination).
Fast Turnaround
Stock sizes (12.7, 25.4, 50.8 mm) ship same-day; custom sizes (up to 200 mm) ready in 10 business days.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Coatings are free of lead/halogens (RoHS compliant), with recycling programs available for end-of-life mirror substrates.
