Optical Coating Optical and optical components are usually coated with a thin layer of material to change the light reflected or emitted from them. This material is called an optical coating, and it can be used for everything from bulbs and lenses to mirrors and prisms. The main purpose of optical coatings is to block certain wavelengths of light or to provide a highly reflective surface. In some cases, they provide two functions to reflect specific wavelengths while allowing other wavelengths to pass unimpeded. Products using optical coating Camera lenses and vanity mirrors are common examples of optical coatings at work. The camera lens uses a dielectric coating that provides an anti-reflection coating. These coatings consist of magnesium fluoride, calcium fluoride or similar materials. They allow the user to select a specific texture of light entering the camera. For example, dielectric coatings can reduce glare or enhance certain colors (wavelengths) by blocking other glare. The mi...