Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings

Precision wavelength selection from 193nm to 14μm

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings

Unmatched performance across the infrared spectrum

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings represent a specialized coating technology that combines the durability of diamond with unique infrared optical properties. These advanced coatings are characterized by their hybrid structure, incorporating both diamond-like and graphitic forms of carbon that create a uniquely resilient and optically advantageous material. Each DLC coating is defined by three key attributes:

  • Structure Properties:
    • Amorphous carbon composition with no long-range order
    • Mixture of diamond and graphitic bonding
    • Non-fracturable film structure due to lack of crystallinity
  • Performance Characteristics:
    • Refractive index of approximately 2.0
    • Ideal for anti-reflection applications with high-index IR materials
    • Superior hardness compared to traditional IR coating materials
    • Chemically inert and non-porous surface
  • Environmental Durability:
    • Survives extreme temperature testing (-192°C to +500°C)
    • Withstands 10-day humidity exposure
    • Passes acidified salt fog testing
    • Superior performance in severe abrasion testing including sand slurry wiper blade tests

Andover Corporation leverages DLC technology primarily for high-performance infrared optics, with particular emphasis on Germanium and Silicon optical components. When applied to Germanium lenses (n=4.0) and Silicon optics (n=3.4), DLC coatings provide exceptional anti-reflection properties while delivering unprecedented environmental protection. This makes them ideal for first-surface optics in military and aerospace applications where durability and reliable performance are critical. The coating's combination of optical efficiency and physical resilience has made it a preferred solution for infrared imaging systems, thermal cameras, and military optical windows that must maintain performance in harsh conditions.

DLC Coating Technologies

Primary Construction Features

Diamond-Like Carbon coatings represent a sophisticated hybrid technology that combines superior durability with exceptional optical properties. Understanding the key aspects of DLC coatings is essential for selecting the optimal solution for your infrared applications:

Dual Layer Architecture

Hybrid carbon structure combines diamond hardness with graphite's flexible properties.

  • Diamond-like structural components
  • Graphitic carbon elements
  • No long-range crystalline order
  • Fracture-resistant composition

First Surface Design

Direct substrate coating technology delivers maximum durability and optical enhancement.

  • Applied directly to infrared substrates
  • Hard, durable coating structure
  • Non-porous surface protection

Military-Grade Durability Meets Optical Excellence

Andover's Diamond-Like Carbon coatings deliver unmatched environmental durability while maintaining superior optical performance across the infrared spectrum. With options spanning 2-14μm and multiple substrate choices, our DLC solutions protect and enhance critical IR optical systems.

Premium infrared anti-reflection coating optimized for 8-12μm thermal imaging applications with military-grade durability. Standard specifications include >91% transmission and full environmental qualification.
  • Wavelength Range 8.0 - 12.0 μm
  • Transmission >91% average
  • Surface Reduction 36% to <1% per surface
  • Environmental Military-grade qualification
Military-Qualified
Maximum Durability
Thermal Imaging

DLC on Silicon

Cost-effective alternative for 3-5μm applications requiring high durability. Excellent transmission combined with industrial-grade environmental resistance.
  • Wavelength Range 3.0 - 5.0 μm
  • Surface Reduction 36% to <1% per surface
  • Temperature Range -192°C to +500°C
  • Environmental Industrial qualification
Cost-Effective
High Durability
MWIR Optimized

Custom DLC Solution

Available for specialized wavelengths between 2-14μm and custom substrate materials. Optimized designs for specific environmental requirements or optical performance targets.
  • Wavelength Range 2.0 - 14.0 μm
  • Substrate Options Germanium, Silicon, Custom
  • Environmental Application-specific qualification
  • Design Custom optimization available
Custom Design
Flexible Specifications
Application-Specific

From Prototype to Production

Custom Fabrication and High-Volume Manufacturing

Our vertically integrated facility handles both specialized custom projects and large-scale production runs with consistent quality and short lead times.

Quality isn't just a metric

- it's our foundation.

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On-Time Delivery Rate
Delivering Precision, On Schedule
0.5 %
Return Rate
Industry-leading quality
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