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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Thin films of gold or silver on fused silica

To the members, I have a pressing requirement to deposit very thin gold or silver films onto fused silica surfaces. Are there any techniques you can use to do this. In particular I need to deposit gold or silver (50-60 microns thick) without using a thick adhesion layer. If any of your companies are interested in fabricating this coating I would be delighted to hear from you.

Dr John Quinn
Dublin City University - Dublin
1999

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We have different concepts of 'very thin', Dr. Quinn. 50-60 microns is exceptionally thick for gold plating, and I think it's been years since a jewelry plater or electronics supplier applied gold that heavy. Is there a typo in your inquiry?

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
1999

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The inquiry I mailed did possess a typo and should have read as follows.

I have a pressing requirement to deposit very thin gold or silver films onto fused silica surfaces (10 mm length of stripped declad optical fibre). Are there any solution phase electroless techniques one can use to do this. In particular I need to deposit gold or silver (40-60nm thick) without using a thick adhesion layer. If any of your companies are interested in fabricating this coating I would be delighted to hear from you.

Dr John Quinn
- Dublin City University - Dublin
1999

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March 1, 2009

Hi, again. PVD processes sound more promising for such a thin film on a non-conductive substrate. Still you should be able to do "two part silvering" (simultaneous spray of silver nitrate and a reducing agent) on a spin table, and gold plate it if you wish. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey