ClearDLC™

Name: ClearDLC™
Brand: Reynard Corporation

Photonics Marketplace

Reynard is excited to introduce a new DLC coating technology offering superior spectral performance while offering all of the expected durability of DLC coatings. ClearDLC™ coatings offer high transmission from the visible to the long wave infrared (LWIR) and can be deposited on a variety of substrate materials.

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings are low-absorbing, amorphous carbon coatings that take on hardness and durability characteristics similar to diamond. These coatings have a proven track record of protecting optics from harsh environmental conditions, such as airborne particulate impacts, corrosive fluids, environmental extremes, and improper physical handling, while offering acceptable optical performance, typically in the infrared spectrum. The coatings are low stress, hydrophobic, and lubricious (offering a low coefficient of friction).

Spectral Performance
With ClearDLC™, Reynard Engineering has redefined the spectral performance of DLC coatings. Transmission has increased 3% to 15%, depending on the specific wavelength. Measured performance on Germanium (Ge) is shown in the graph below across the mid-wave IR (MWIR) and long-wave IR (LWIR) spectral bands on a Germanium (Ge) substrate, with the coating peak performance tuned to 9 microns. Increased transmission directly translates to more light through the optical path to the sensor or detector, increasing system sensitivity and performance.

DLC coatings are ideally suited for substrate materials with a high index of refraction, in the range of 3.5 to 4. Silicon(Si) and Germanium (Ge) are the most abundant materials of choice due to natively enhanced broadband anti-reflection (BBAR) performance. ClearDLC™ coatings offer the same enhanced BBAR performance, and can also be further tuned to increase the BBAR performance of other materials such as multi-spectral ZnS (ie. Cleartran), ZnSe, and various chalcogenides. Unlike standard DLC coatings, ClearDLC™ increases spectral performance throughout the visible spectrum, making it the clear choice in visible DLC coatings.

Hardness
The ClearDLC™ coating on Ge has been validated at a third- party test facility using a nanomechanical indention test configuration. Testing was compared against an optically hard thin film coating typically used to produce a durable AR coating on the same substrate material. The chart (right) provides a comparative result, clearly indicating the superior performance of the ClearDLC™ coating.

Applications
Applications for ClearDLC™ hard protective coatings are numerous and can include any system where optical performance must be maintained for long periods of time, or in the presence of abrasive or chemical exposure.

Some examples include:
   • Supermarket scanners
   • Night vision for handheld units or fighting vehicle windows
   • Laser debris shields for CO2 lasers
   • Maritime/Marine windows

Protection can be enhanced on many types of material substrates, such as infrared materials, glass, ceramics, crystals, and plastics.

Datasheet: http://www.reynardcorp.comhttps://www.photonics.com/images/datasheets/ClearDLC-Data_Sheet.pdf

More products

Request Info About This Product

* Message:

(requirements, questions for supplier)

Your contact information

* First Name:

* Last Name:

* Email Address:

* Company:

Address:

Address 2:

City:

State/Province:

Postal Code:

* Country:

Phone #:

Fax #:

* Required

When you click "Send Request", we will record and send your personal contact information to Reynard Corporation by email so they may respond directly. You also agree that Photonics Media may contact you with information related to this inquiry, and that you have read and accept our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use.