Patent attributes
A method of forming a coated optical element is disclosed herein. The method uses a mold having first and second mold sections that will form front and back surfaces of the optical element, one of the mold sections having a casting face. The method includes the steps of: applying an abrasion resistant coating layer to the casting face of a mold section, the casting face being capable of imparting a desired optical configuration on a surface of the optical element; treating the abrasion resistant coating layer to prevent damage to the layer during subsequent steps; applying a second coating layer to the abrasion resistant coating layer to substantially cover the abrasion resistant coating layer; treating the second coating layer to provide at least weak adhesion of the second coating layer to the abrasion resistant coating layer and to prevent damage to the second layer during subsequent steps; filling the mold with an organic liquid material; and hardening the organic liquid material so as to form the optical element adhered to the second coating layer.