Advanced Optical Coatings

• Optical precision alone is not enough in modern warfare. Durability, spectral control, and environmental survivability are essential.Optex’s Applied Optics Center (AOC) operates a ~44,000 sq. ft. thin-film facility with 12 coating chambers utilizing Ion-Beam Assisted Vapor Deposition processes. The company is the largest supplier of laser protection filters to the U.S. Armed Forces, with many programs performed to classified specifications.Core Thin-Film Capabilities Include:
  • Multiple-frequency laser blocking filters
  • Anti-reflective (AR) coatings
  • Mirrors, partial reflectors, beam splitters (metallic, dielectric, ITO)
  • 3–5µm and 8–12µm IR coatings
  • Aluminum, silver, gold, and compound coatings
  These coatings protect human vision, sensors, and targeting systems from directed-energy threats while maintaining high transmission efficiency.

• AOC’s Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) capability is applied through Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) for enhanced durability and IR performance.Benefits of DLC:
  • Extreme hardness and abrasion resistance
  • Hydrophobic and chemical resistance
  • Enhanced IR transmission
  • Protection against sand, salt fog, dust, and harsh weather
  • Anti-reflective functionality combined with durability
  DLC coatings support:
  • Military sensors
  • Thermal imaging systems
  • EO/IR platforms
  • Aerospace optics
  • Ruggedized surveillance systems
  These coatings ensure optical survivability where failure is not an option.

• Optex is actively establishing a dedicated reticle manufacturing line at AOC, expanding its vertical integration into precision micro-patterned optics.
  
  Planned Reticle Technologies:
  • Chrome deposition (simple and complex patterning)
  • Chrome with etched & filled combinations
  • Bonded cover window illuminated reticles
  • Diffraction grating reticles
  Combined chrome and etched designs feature titanium dioxide-filled etched regions and optically bonded cover windows for enhanced clarity and durability.
  
  Three-Pronged Manufacturing Strategy:
  1. Establish a domestic U.S. source for chrome and chrome/etched reticle plates
  2. Establish a parallel sourcing channel in Japan
  3. Collaborate with UTD laboratories to develop full in-house reticle manufacturing capability
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  This approach strengthens supply chain control while supporting leading optics manufacturers and defense programs requiring high-precision reticle systems.

• Beyond coatings and prisms, Optex delivers complete opto-mechanical assemblies designed for battlefield and aerospace performance.Capabilities Include:
  • Glass-to-glass bonding
  • Glass-to-metal bonding
  • Mechanical and optical alignment
  • Laser Filter Unit (LFU) integration
  • Eyepiece and objective lens assemblies
  • Internal focus units
  With over 1 million laser filter units fielded and more than 300,000 military binoculars delivered since 2002, Optex combines thin-film science with precision mechanical integration.The company serves as prime contractor for the M22 (7x50) and M24 (7x28) U.S. Army binocular systems, reinforcing its leadership in military-grade optical assembly.Vertical integration — coating, bonding, alignment, and final assembly under one roof — ensures performance consistency and long-term reliability.

Optex Systems supports:

Defense & Military

Scopes, periscopes, vehicle optics, targeting systems

Aerospace & Space

Cockpit displays, UAV sensors, IR optics

Homeland Security

Thermal imaging, surveillance optics

Industrial & Medical

Machine vision, precision instrumentation

OEM & Government Programs

Custom-built optical and opto-mechanical solutions

Manufactured in Texas and compliant with ITAR and MIL-SPEC requirements, Optex Systems delivers advanced optical coatings, reticle technologies, opto-mechanical assemblies, and precision sighting systems engineered for survivability and mission-ready performance.

From laser protection filters and DLC coatings to next-generation prisms and reticle manufacturing, Optex continues engineering tomorrow’s security through American-built optical excellence.