Technical Issues - ZEMAX coating files

BASIC program zemax.bas creates coating data files for the ZEMAX optical design program. This program works with DESIGN 2.23.1100, INDEX 2.23.0100 or newer. FilmStar INDEX dispersive file names become material names (MATE) in ZEMAX coating files. By defining a dispersive index table with only one entry, dispersive file names can now represent constant indices. The DESIGN Film Indices dialog resembles

with the corresponding INDEX entry for 'AIR' given below:

Menu command 'Convert Table' (or use BASIC Sub IndexConvert) reduces the number of wavelengths to meet the ZEMAX limitation of 100. The ability to export spectral tables supports a future version of ZEMAX. This lets thin film vendors distribute spectral curves instead of their top secret thin film designs.

A ZEMAX coating file resembles the following; please let us know if there are any problems. Note that wavelengths and physical thickness are specified in microns; futhermore the design starts from air rather than from the substrate. (All of this is handled by zemax.bas.)

MATE Tio2a
.43 2.42 .0013
.47 2.35 .0008
.51 2.3 .0002
.55 2.27 .0001
.59 2.25 .0001
.67 2.22 .0001
2 2.22 .0001

MATE Sio2
.35 1.48 0
.4 1.47 0
.5 1.46 0
.6 1.46 0
.7 1.45 0
1 1.45 0

MATE glass
.55 1.52 0

MATE air
.55 1 0

COAT bbaro
SIO2 .0955 1 
TIO2A .1291 1 
SIO2 .0365 1 
TIO2A .0146 1

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Last updated on January 31, 2023