Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings

DLC coatings are specialized optical coatings that combine the hardness of diamond with the flexibility of graphite. They provide exceptional durability, abrasion resistance, and anti-reflective properties across the infrared spectrum (2–14μm), making them ideal for protecting critical infrared optics in defense, aerospace, and industrial applications.

DLC coatings offer several advantages:

• High Durability: They withstand harsh environmental conditions, including sand, salt fog, humidity, and extreme abrasion.

• Anti-Reflective Performance: They reduce surface reflection from 36% to less than 1%, enhancing optical clarity.

• Wide IR Wavelength Compatibility: Optimized for applications within the 2–14μm infrared range.

• First-Surface Protection: Applied directly to substrates like Germanium and Silicon, eliminating the need for secondary layers.

• Extreme Environmental Resistance: Maintain performance in temperatures ranging from -192°C to +500°C.

DLC coatings feature a dual-layer architecture:

• Diamond-Hard Outer Surface: Provides extreme wear resistance.

• Graphitic Carbon Layer: Offers stress absorption and flexibility.
  This non-crystalline, fracture-resistant composition ensures both durability and optimal optical properties.

Andover's DLC coatings are directly applied to various infrared substrates, including:

• Germanium: Ideal for 8–12μm thermal imaging applications, offering over 91% transmission and military-grade durability.

• Silicon: Suitable for 3–5μm applications, providing excellent transmission and industrial-grade environmental resistance.

Yes, Andover offers custom DLC solutions tailored to specific wavelength ranges between 2–14μm and various substrate materials. These custom designs are optimized for specific environmental requirements or optical performance targets.

DLC coatings are beneficial in applications requiring robust environmental durability and superior optical performance, such as:

• Defense and Aerospace: Protecting infrared optics in challenging environments.

• Industrial Applications: Enhancing the longevity and performance of infrared optical systems.