| The structure of the surface of an object, which can be revealed by a microscopic examination, is known as the microstructure. The surface of a material can influence its physical character and is therefore of great importance. IMT has a leading role manufacturing microstructures and the company works on different surfaces such as glass and other materials. The surfaces of the different objects are manipulated in a useful way and IMT as a market-leading company has wide experience in that area.
Reticle
Reticles are usually used in microscopes or telescopes in their eyepiece in order to estimate speed or distance. They can also be used for measuring distances. The treatment of the surface of an object by applying a certain microstructure to it, is generally described with the terms reticle or optical graticule. In most cases IMT treats objects of optical-quality glass. Which glass is used depends on the request, but basically every kind of glass can be treated.
Coating has an influence on the surface of an object
A layer of any kind of substance which is added to a surface is described as the coating of an object. Such a layer can influence the structure of an object for instance by fulfilling the purpose of protection. There are different coating techniques which IMT is able to apply. One complex area which IMT deals with is the challenge of structuring these coatings into microstructures. The company is able to apply metallic and dielectric coatings.
Thin film coating
A thin film coating is a layer of a material which is applied to a surface. These layers are extremely fine, sometimes only a fraction of a nanometre. They are applied to a surface by physical vapour deposition (PVD) processes. IMT uses this method of coating for several metals such as gold, platinum or titanium as well as for dielectrics. The methods applied are of high standard and systems of leading manufacturers are used.
Conductive coating
In addition to thin film coatings, IMT offers conductive coatings. These layers have the quality of conducting and transmitting heat or electricity. Conductive coating is mainly used for sensors. IMT is specialised in manufacturing such sensors for particle research. Well known particle research enterprises such as CERN, DESY or ILL are supplied by IMT and the company has a leading function concerning conductive coatings.
Optical coating
Apart from conductive coatings and thin film coatings IMT also applies optical coatings. Optical coating describes the treatment of optical components such as lenses or mirrors. A thin layer is added to the objects and can for instance affect the way in which it reacts to light. Optical components respond differently towards light depending on their optical coatings. They might for instance be non-reflective due to their layer. IMT possesses a great know-how concerning all kinds of different coatings.
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