The evolution of stress in evaporated SiO_2,used as optical coatings,is investigated experimentally through in situ stress measurement.A typical evolution pattern consisting of five subprocedures(thin film deposition, stopping deposition,cooling,venting the vacuum chamber,and exposing coated optics to the atmosphere) is put forward.Further investigations into the subprocedures reveal their features.During the deposition stage,the stresses are usually compressive and reach a stable state when the deposite...