Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings

Advanced protection for infrared optics

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) is a specialized coating that provides exceptional durability, abrasion resistance, and anti-reflective properties across the infrared spectrum (2-14μm). Combining diamond-hard structural elements with graphitic flexibility, these coatings protect critical infrared optics in defense, aerospace, and industrial applications.


Key Advantages of DLC Coatings:

 

  • High Durability: Survives sand, salt fog, humidity, and extreme abrasion tests
  • Anti-Reflective Performance: Reduces surface reflection from 36% to <1%
  • Wide IR Wavelength Compatibility: Optimized for 2-14μm applications
  • First-Surface Protection: Applied directly to Germanium, Silicon, and other IR substrates
  • Extreme Environmental Resistance: Withstands temperatures from -192°C to +500°C
  •  
Request an Optical Coating Quote

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

A hybrid diamond-graphitic structure that enhances both durability and optical properties.

  • Non-crystalline, fracture-resistant composition
  • Diamond-hard outer surface for extreme wear resistance
  • Graphitic carbon layer for stress absorption and flexibility

First-Surface Design

DLC coatings are directly applied to optical substrates, eliminating the need for secondary layers.

  • Non-porous, chemically inert surface
  • Maintains optical performance in harsh environments
  • Reduces glare and ghosting for high-precision infrared imaging

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.

DLC on Germanium

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Find Global Distributor
Request a Quote

Markets

LiDAR Optical Filters for Remote Sensing and Mapping

Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing

Machine Vision & Industrial Automation

Military & Defense Systems

Biomedical & Life Sciences

Aerospace & Space Optics | Andover

Astronomy & Space

Quality isn't just a metric

- it's our foundation.

0 %
On-Time Delivery Rate
Delivering Precision, On Schedule
0.5 %
Return Rate
Industry-leading quality
0 %
Traceability
Complete documentation
ISO 9001:2015

ISO 9001:2015

Quality Management

 AS9100:2016

AS9100:2016

Aerospace Standard

 ITAR Registered

ITAR Registered

Defense Compliance

Andover Insights & Innovations

Discovering new possibilities in optical filtering

Plasma monitoring Andover Corporation

Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing

By Andover Corporation | January 3, 2025

Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing Powering next-generation process innovation Where Light Meets Leading-Edge Manufacturing Optical precision driving semiconductor innovation Our specialized optical technologies and custom solutions are optimized for critical semiconductor applications. Working across DUV, visible, and IR wavelength ranges, we enable advanced:Photolithography systemsWafer inspection and metrologyPlasma process monitoringIon beam alignmentLaser annealingDefect detectionPhotomask verificationOverlay measurementFrom research…

potatoes

Machine Vision & Industrial Automation

By Andover Corporation | January 3, 2025

Machine Vision & Industrial Automation Empowering intelligent industrial systems Where Vision Meets Automation Optical precision driving industrial innovation As machine vision systems become increasingly sophisticated in manufacturing, quality control, and automation, we deliver high-performance optical solutions that revolutionize everything from robotic guidance to automated inspection systems.The machine vision industry faces unique optical demands: High-speed image…

A soldier in full tactical gear crouches on rocky terrain at dusk, aiming a weapon equipped with a laser rangefinder. The bright laser beam projects forward, likely measuring distance to a target. In the background, an armored military vehicle with mounted weaponry and headlights is stationed on rugged terrain. The dramatic sunset sky enhances the intensity of the scene, highlighting the advanced optics and targeting systems used in modern defense technology.

Military & Defense Systems

By Andover Corporation | January 3, 2025

Military & Defense Systems Where optics meet operations Where Precision Meets Protection Optical innovations securing tomorrow’s defense systems As defense technologies advance toward more sophisticated surveillance, targeting, and communications systems, we deliver mission-critical optical solutions that enhance everything from thermal imaging to laser-guided systems.The defense industry demands unprecedented optical performance: Superior durability in extreme military…

Contact Our Team

Ready to discuss your optical needs? Whether you're looking for a quote or have technical questions, our expert team is here to help guide you to the perfect solution.

Request a Quote
Questions?
Call Us Directly