Silver based reflector with hybrid protection layers

A lamp comprising:

• a housing in the shape of a reflector;
• a light source disposed within the housing;
• and
• a reflective coating on an interior surface of the reflector, the reflective coating comprising:
• a silver (Ag) reflective layer having a sufficient thickness to reflect light;
• and
• an aluminum (Al) protective layer deposited on the Ag reflective layer to protect the Ag reflective layer from oxidation and sulfide formation, wherein the Al protective layer has a thickness within the range of about 30 angstroms (Å) to about 100 Å.

A method of forming a reflector of a lamp comprising:

• providing a housing in the shape of a reflector;
• thermally depositing a silver (Ag) reflective layer onto an interior surface of the reflector of a sufficient thickness to reflect light;
• and
• thermally depositing an aluminum (Al) protective layer onto the Ag reflective layer to protect the Ag reflective layer from oxidation and sulfide formation, wherein the Al protective layer has a thickness within the range of about 30 angstroms (Å) to about 100 Å.