> The naturally occuring oxide layer is only approximately 50 nm
> thick. I use an electrochemical method to increase the natural oxide to
> around 1000 nm. At this thickness the surface is quite durable. We use the
> mirrors to observe Nitrogen fuorescence in the near ultra-violet region 300
> nm - 400 nm. I optimized the oxide thickness for 1/2 wave at 337.1 nm (N2
> laser line). With this oxide thickness I get from 85% to 90% reflectivity at
> 337.1 nm.
Just checking to be sure I understand. A half wave of sapphire at 337 nM would be closer to 100 nm, than 1000, so I'm assuming you accidently typed an extra zero?
More importantly, it sounds like you're anodizing your mirror. Is this common? Does it result in a longer lastimg mirror, or are you just trying to boost the reflectance?
"Inquiring minds want to know". :-) Sam Paris