Optical Engineering
Scratch Forensics
Scratches on optical components are almost always detrimental. Whether formed during fabrication, cleaning or handling, scratches can cause increased scatter, impaired system performance, and, in the case of optics used in laser applications, laser damage. These “scratch forensic” techniques will help you to identify and prevent common sources of optical scratching.
Evaluating the characteristics of a scratch, including its dimensions, location, shape and orientation, can be a powerful way to identify the cause of the scratch—which in turn can point you to how to prevent future occurrences. Opticians have likely used such techniques for hundreds of years.
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