First Contact Black Polymer Solution for Backside Reflection Hiding
Transparent substrates introduce challenges in optical metrology, interferometry, and microscopy. Backside reflections reduce signal to noise, are recorded as artifacts, or introduce false signals. These reflections often need to be suppressed, however many uses do not allow the use of permanent anti-reflection (AR) coatings.
Our customer's know Photonic Cleaning Technologies has created several specialized polymer formulations, so it was no surprise when we were asked if we could develop a polymer to hide backside reflections while still providing the ability to clean the substrate to the molecular level. Our engineers developed and tested several iterations of polymers with additives to hide such reflections until they were satisfied with the results. Our Black First Contact Polymer is the result of their efforts! The polymer is slightly more viscous than our other non-spray polymer. The dry film will not look smooth like car paint and was never intended to do so, however the polymer on the substrate surface will be smooth to hide reflections.*
At present, a trusted outside organization is performing evaluations of the black polymer to provide metrology data and determine partial or total wavelength spectrum blocking. However, the polymer is already successfully deployed with several companies and is available for purchase in kit and bulk bottle form.
*Sometimes bubbles form in the drying polymer, an artifact of the additive and manufacturing process. If the bubbles don't allow for a continuous black film apply a second coat to the substrate.
