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
  •  
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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

What are Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings?
What are the key benefits of using DLC coatings?
How are DLC coatings constructed?
On which substrates can DLC coatings be applied?
Are custom DLC coating solutions available?
What applications benefit from DLC coatings?

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.
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