Protective coatings for optical surfaces

Thin films and coatings are a backbone for optical applications in industry, medical equipment, automotive construction, building sector, even in household. Thin films applied on the substrate such as on glass or polymers, for example, polycarbonate, enable the substrate to gain beneficial functions which can improve its energy saving properties, optical transparency and operational life span. This chapter will focus on the application of protective coatings and some evaluation methods for characterizing and optimizing the coating quality.