Computer Simulation Of Thin Film Growth: Applying The Results To Optical Coatings

M. Sikkens; I. J. Hodgkinson; F. Horowitz; H. A. Macleod; J. J. Wharton

doi:10.1117/12.7973791

1 January 1986 Computer Simulation Of Thin Film Growth: Applying The Results To Optical Coatings

M. Sikkens, I. J. Hodgkinson, F. Horowitz, H. A. Macleod, J. J. Wharton

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 25, Issue 1, 250142 (January 1986). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.7973791

Abstract

Computer simulation of thin film growth has been used extensively to gain insight into the origin and nature of the microstructure of vapor-deposited thin films. Usually, however, no attempts are made to predict film properties other than column angle and film density from such simulations. The aim of our work is to derive quantitative data from computer simulations in order to be able to predict relevant properties of optical coatings. The deposition of 2500 to 25,000 particles has been simulated on different computers by random deposition of two-dimensional hard disks, using a simple relaxation scheme. Statistical analysis of the results yields quantitative data for the density, column angle, and column period. On the basis of these results, a simple model has been developed for the microstructure of a three-dimensional film. The birefringence and the shape of water-penetration fronts in evaporated optical coatings, predicted from this model, are confirmed by experiment.

Citation Download Citation

M. Sikkens, I. J. Hodgkinson, F. Horowitz, H. A. Macleod, and J. J. Wharton "Computer Simulation Of Thin Film Growth: Applying The Results To Optical Coatings," Optical Engineering 25(1), 250142 (1 January 1986). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.7973791

Published: 1 January 1986

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available