We wish to explore a new method for producing very hard diamond-like coatings on optical components. To do this, we will use an apparatus that accelerates carbon ions from a carbon arch operating in vacuum. This method has several advantages: large quantities of ions can be produced, so coatings can be made rapidly. The ions' quantity and energy, and thus the properties of the coatings resulting from them, can be adjusted easily by external voltage controls. We will produce such coatings on glass, silicon, and germanium surfaces; we will further investigate the deposition conditions that yield abrasionresistant coatings, test the optical properties of such coatings in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions, and test their corrosion resistance to common environmental chemicals.
