Mirrors for Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL)
The high optical power output, tuning range, and room temperature operation make QCLs ideal for spectroscopic applications such as remote sensing of environmental gases and pollutants in the atmosphere.
Industrial process control, and medical diagnostics are being developed with QCLs. Infra red emitters in the 2-5μm atmospheric window are finding uses where Gold coated mirrors or Molybdenum mirrors, which combine high reflectivity and chemical inertness, are perfect.
Protected silver coated mirrors based on aluminum or copper substrates can give good infrared reflectivity (99%) and visible reflectance (99%) , useful for alignment and adjustment.