| Abstract [eng] |
This dissertation investigates magnetron-sputtered metal–dielectric thin-film coatings for optical sensing and space-optics applications, focusing on silver and chromium layers. It examines their physical and optical properties as functions of thickness, dopant content (aluminium alloying), and integration into multilayer structures. Using in-situ broadband transmittance monitoring (BBM) with ex-situ methods, the coalescence and percolation stages of growing silver films were identified, allowing reliable in-situ estimation of the minimum thickness at which silver film becomes continuous. Silver films doped with 8% aluminium showed reduced surface roughness while retaining the high reflectivity of pure silver in the VIS–IR range, with improved resistance to proton-induced degradation relevant for space mirrors. A fabrication approach combining laser melting, polishing, and sputtering was developed for lightweight, cooled, high-reflectivity metal mirrors. Chromium-based multilayer structures supporting sharp Fano-type resonances were demonstrated as a platform for advanced optical filters. Silver-based plasmon-waveguide multilayer structures, integrated into Total Internal Reflection Ellipsometry (TIRE) sensors, increased optical sensitivity up to four times versus gold-based sensors. The results, published in five peer-reviewed articles, provide new materials, characterisation methods, and optical architectures for next-generation, durable sensors and space-optics components. |
