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

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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