New and exotic applications of optics to directed energy weapons systems, advanced astrophysical, and alternative energy applications to name a few, are forcing reconsideration of the available optical materials and manufacturing processes. Metal and coated metal optics of both conventional and unconventional geometry are of particular importance in these areas due to their unique efficiency and optimal functional properties. The emerging importance of these coated metal optics will be discussed, including the types and characteristics of coatings required, the optical design process and a very short survey of the more common and important applications. Also, a perspective on the optical manufacturing technologies and their implications to the characteristics of the plated coatings is given. Finally, a short survey describing the size of the potential market for coated optics in the next decade will be presented.
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