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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Silicon nitride protective coatings for silvered glass mirrors

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6265451

A protective diffusion barrier for metalized mirror structures is provided by a layer or coating of silicon nitride which is a very dense, transparent, dielectric material that is impervious to water, alkali, and other impurities and corrosive substances that typically attach the metal layers of mirrors and cause degradation of the mirrors' reflectivity. The silicon nitride layer can be deposited on the substrate before metal deposition to stabilize the metal/substrate interface, and it can be deposited over the metal to encapsulate it and protect the metal from corrosion or other degradation. Mirrors coated with silicon nitride according to this invention can also be used as front surface mirrors.

Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC
Patent Number(s):
US 4780372
OSTI ID:
6265451
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English