Commentary

Webcast: Angus Macleod's optical coating design tips

Jan. 17, 2014

If you design optical coatings, then you certainly have heard of Angus Macleod, professor emeritus at the University of Arizona and president and CEO of Thin Film Center (Tucson, AZ). Dr. Macleod (although he likes to be known as Angus) is one of the most prominent figures in modern multilayer thin-film optical coating design; not only did he author the "Bible" of coating design, "Thin Film Optical Filters," he has, via his thorough understanding of what is actually happening in those hundreds-of-layers-thick thin-film stacks when you try to tweak this and that, consistently pushed the boundaries of coating design.

Laser Focus World is pleased to present a webcast by Dr. Macleod (I mean, Angus) on optical coating design on January 21, 2014 at 1 pm Eastern Standard time (10 am Pacific Standard).

Here is the official webcast synopsis: "We cover basic structures, conventions and techniques in optical coating design. Optical interference effects in thin layers, together with the optical properties of their materials, assure the performance of an optical coating. The designer's job is to create a suitable structure for the coating and, in this, is aided by powerful computers. The computer brings to the task its incredible calculating power, together with automatic methods, while the designer brings skill, experience and knowledge. The webcast, sponsored by L-3 Communications Applied Optics Center, addresses some of the components of this knowledge."

However, here's my revised version: "In this webcast, Dr. Angus Macleod will show you just what really happens when you try to add this pair of layers here or adjust that spacing layer there—you will have numerous "Aha!" moments, a feeling of true understanding will wash over you, and, after it is all over, you will walk away a better coating designer."

To register, visit:

http://www.laserfocusworld.com/webcasts/2014/01/optical-coating-design.html

About the Author

Conard Holton | Editor at Large

Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.