Sub-wavelength anti-reflection (AR) nano-textures etched directly into the surface of laser grade fused silica windows and lenses exhibit reflection losses down to 0.1% over wide bandwidths from UV-NIR.  Because no dissimilar materials are deposited as with thin film AR coatings, there is no added absorption or surface heating.  As a result, thermal lensing is reduced,  resulting in improved beam parameters and long term stability.  Extensive laser damage tests have shown significantly increased pulsed and CW laser damage thresholds compared to traditional thin-film AR coatings.

With no dissimilar materials used or deposited, the AR nano-textures exhibit no added absorption or surface heating. This results in improved beam parameters and longer lifetimes for these laser optics. Extensive laser damage tests have shown significantly increased pulsed and CW laser damage thresholds compared to thin-film ARs with damage thresholds equivalent to the bulk material. Typically, for pulsed laser applications, the threshold will be higher by 2-5x, compared to the standard thin films AR V-coating method. Testing results show that the nano-textured optics damaged at 35.6 J/cm² at 1064 nm, 10 ns pulses, with 0.5 mm diameter beam. Untreated high purity fused silica was also tested and damaged at 42.1 J/cm², using the same parameters. For applications in the CW regime, tests have been conducted under long duration CW damage testing at intensities above 15.5 MW/cm², with no damage.

Conventional cleaning methods used for standard thin film coatings, such as the drop and drag technique or physical wiping, should not be used on nano-textured optics.

Using these standard cleaning methods will result in further contamination to the surface because solvent residues and debris will be forced deeper into the valleys of the nanostructures. These optics are best cleaned by solvent rinsing first with methanol or isopropyl alcohol or by immersion in an ammonia solution or simple soap and water bath. Aggressive cleaning can be implemented by immersion in acid solutions such as a mix of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide.  These cleaning techniques should be used with caution or ideally, not at all.  Any cleaning should be completed by rinsing with isopropyl alcohol followed by air drying under cover or nitrogen blow-drying.

Polymer Optic Cleaning Kits are not recommended.