Gold Mirrors (Au)
Metallic coating with high reflectivity across infrared wavelengths
Infrared Reflective Coating
Gold mirrors utilise a gold reflective coating to provide extremely high reflectivity across the infrared spectrum. They are commonly used in laser systems, thermal imaging, and IR beam steering applications where maximum IR reflectance is required. Gold coatings are often protected with dielectric overcoats for durability.
Is this material right for your application?
Use When:
Avoid When:
Consider Alternatives:
Maximum reflectivity in the infrared is required
Laser beam steering or folding is needed
Thermal imaging systems use reflective optics
Broadband IR reflectance is critical
Mirrors can be protected with overcoatings
High reflectivity in the visible or UV is required
Surface abrasion resistance is critical without protection
Dielectric-only mirror solutions are preferred
Protected Silver mirrors – higher visible reflectivity
Aluminium mirrors – broadband UV–visible performance
Dielectric mirrors – wavelength-specific high reflectance
Key Properties
Optical
Extremely high reflectivity in the infrared
Poor reflectivity in the UV and visible
Mechanical
Soft metallic coating
Environmental
Chemically stable
Typically protected with overcoats
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Frequently asked questions about Barium Fluoride specifications and use-cases
FAQ
Q1. What wavelength range are gold mirrors used for?
Gold mirrors are used from the visible to the far-infrared.
Q2. Why is gold used for mirrors?
Gold offers high reflectivity in IR wavelengths.
Q3. Are gold mirrors durable?
Moderate. Gold is soft and easily scratched.
Q4. What are alternatives to gold mirrors?
Protected silver and aluminium mirrors.
Applied as thin-film coatings
Usually protected with overcoats
Common in IR lasers and spectroscopy