The coating of mirror surfaces with an oxide of silicon is described. The process is carried out in high vacuum, using a heating element to volatilize the oxide. The oxide deposits on the mirror surface to form a hard coating to protect against abrasion. The oxide of silicon is of doubtful composition hut is a lower valence compound or mixture than the dioxide. Its preparation by sublimating a mixture of silicon and silicon dioxide is given. Also a description of a method for testing the scratch resistance of Mie coated mirrors is presented. Three sketches of apparatus are included.
展开▼
