Uncoated vs UV Enhanced Aluminum Flat Mirrors
By Esco Optics, Inc. | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Comparisons
Compare uncoated and UV enhanced aluminum flat mirrors from Esco Optics. Learn which precision flat mirror best fits your laser setup based on reflectivity, cost, and surface accuracy.
Quick answer
Choose the UV enhanced aluminum flat mirror if you need high reflectivity in the 250–450 nm range; pick the uncoated substrate if you plan to apply your own coating or need a lower-cost starting point.
Why coating matters for laser mirrors
A mirror's coating directly determines how much light it reflects at your operating wavelength. Uncoated substrates reflect only a small fraction of incident light (typically 4–5% per surface from Fresnel reflection), while a UV enhanced aluminum coating boosts average reflectivity above 90% across 250–450 nm. For most laser applications, that difference is the difference between a usable mirror and a useless one.
Surface quality is identical
Both the uncoated and the UV enhanced aluminum mirrors from Esco Optics start from the same Borofloat-33 substrate, polished to 1/10 wave surface accuracy with a 40/20 scratch-dig specification over 85% aperture. Your choice of coating does not change the flatness or surface finish — only the reflectivity and environmental durability.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Reflectivity: UV enhanced aluminum delivers Ravg > 90% in the UV-blue band. Uncoated substrates reflect < 5% from each surface — unusable as a laser mirror without a coating.
- Cost: The UV enhanced aluminum mirror is priced at USD 48.42 (compared to USD 68.20). The uncoated substrate costs USD 27.03 (compared to USD 42.90). The uncoated option saves about 44% before coating costs. Factor in the cost of a future coating service if you buy uncoated.
- Lead time & convenience: UV enhanced aluminum mirrors are ready to mount and use. Uncoated substrates require a separate coating step, adding time and complexity to your project. If you need a mirror today, choose the coated version.
Product facts
- Precision Quality Flat Mirrors, UV Enhanced Aluminum: UV Enhanced Aluminum coating provides Ravg > 90% from 250–450 nm on a Borofloat-33 substrate polished to 1/10 wave. This gives you a ready-to-use mirror for UV and near-UV laser lines without needing a separate coating run.
Precision Quality Flat Mirrors, UV Enhanced Aluminum - Precision Quality Flat Mirrors, Uncoated: Uncoated Borofloat-33 substrate polished to 1/10 wave with 40/20 scratch-dig; no reflective coating applied. You save on initial cost and can apply a custom coating (e.g., dielectric or metallic) tailored to your exact wavelength.
Precision Quality Flat Mirrors, Uncoated
Which one should you pick?
Best for
- Laser setups operating between 250–450 nm that need high reflectivity out of the box
- Prototyping or production runs where coating lead time is a constraint
Not ideal for
- Wavelengths outside 250–450 nm (consider dielectric coatings for those bands)
- Projects where you need a specific custom coating not available as standard inventory
