FIELD: chemistry.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to protective layers deposited on optical coatings on transparent substrates. Disclosed is an optical coating on a transparent substrate with a temporary carbon layer, intended to protect from scratching and corrosive media during manufacture. When the optical coating and/or substrate are hardened in an atmosphere which is reactive with respect to carbon, such as air, the carbon layer is removed in form of a carbon-containing gas. For an optical coating with a brittle, glass-like outer layer, furthest from the substrate, further protection is provided by a layer which prevents crack propagation, which is situated between the outer layer and the carbon layer. The method of making a transparent article involves forming on the outer layer a layer which prevents crack propagation, having thickness of 2-8 nm, wherein the layer which prevents crack propagation is a uniform layer containing material selected from a group consisting of Ti, Si, Zn, Sn, In, Zr, Al, Cr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; oxides of Ti, Si, Zn, Sn, In, Zr, Al, Cr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; nitrides of Ti, Si, Zn, Sn, In, Zr, Al, Cr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W; and mixtures thereof.
EFFECT: fewer scratches and other surface defects on the surface of the transparent article.
14 cl, 6 dwg, 2 tbl, 4 ex
