초록 ▼

A protective diffusion barrier for metalized mirror structures is provided by a layer or coating of silicon nitride which is a very dense, transparent, dielectric material that is impervious to water, alkali, and other impurities and corrosive substances that typically attack the metal layers of mir

A protective diffusion barrier for metalized mirror structures is provided by a layer or coating of silicon nitride which is a very dense, transparent, dielectric material that is impervious to water, alkali, and other impurities and corrosive substances that typically attack the metal layers of mirrors and cause degradation of the mirrors\reflectivity. The silicon nitride layer can be deposited on the substrate before metal deposition to stabilize the metal/substrate interface, and it can be deposited over the metal to encapsulate it and protect the metal from corrosion or other degradation. Mirrors coated with silicon nitride according to this invention can also be used as front surface mirrors.

대표청구항 ▼

A mirror, comprising: a substrate comprising glass; a first diffusion barrier comprising silicon nitride deposited on said substrate; and a reflective layer of metal deposited on said first silicon nitride diffusion barrier such that said first silicon nitride diffusion barrier is positioned between

A mirror, comprising: a substrate comprising glass; a first diffusion barrier comprising silicon nitride deposited on said substrate; and a reflective layer of metal deposited on said first silicon nitride diffusion barrier such that said first silicon nitride diffusion barrier is positioned between the substrate and the metal for preventing leaching and diffusion of substances from and through the substrate to the metal and for avoiding metal contact and chemical reaction with the substrate.