Scanning capability and diffraction efficiency of a Cr/Cu/Cr-coated elastomeric grating
Abstract
Two elastomeric gratings were coated with Cr/Cu/Cr of thicknesses 6.8nm/101nm/6.0nm and 13.2nm/101nm/6.1nm. At an applied strain of 7.6% scanning capabilities of 2.8° and 4.2°, respectively, for normal incidence were exhibited by these gratings. The coatings improved the reflectance of an uncoated grating by factors of 47 and 45, respectively, at 0% strain. Diffraction efficiencies decreased marginally over the strain interval used, with P-polarized incident beams providing lower loss in intensity. Results indicate that the thicker Cr/Cu/Cr coating exhibits relatively higher scanning capability but lower diffraction efficiency.