1. Overview
Applied Optics Center (AOC), a division of Optex Systems, is expanding its world-class thin-film coating capabilities with the addition of Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) deposition. This new capability enables mechanically durable, chemically robust, and optically optimized coatings designed to perform in the harshest environments.
Our new PECVD DLC system supports advanced infrared optical components that must meet stringent MIL-Spec durability, environmental resistance, and performance requirements across defense, aerospace, and industrial applications.
2. How the Technology Works
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) is deposited using Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD).
This process forms a hard, carbon-based protective layer on the optical substrate.
Key Benefits:
- Extreme hardness and abrasion resistance
- Hydrophobic and chemical resistance
- Improved IR transmission
- Environmental durability (sand, rain, dust, salt fog)
- AR (Anti-Reflective) + durability functionality
3. What Optex / AOC Has to Offer
AOC provides full-spectrum thin-film coating services including AR coatings, beam-splitters, high-reflection coatings, conductive coatings, and ruggedized warfighter-grade coatings.
Additional benefits:
- U.S.-based manufacturing (Texas)
- MIL-spec testing & qualification
- Custom thin film engineering
- Custom optical eningeering
- Prototype-to-production scaling
- ITAR-compliant processes
4. DLC Capability Highlights
- PECVD Diamond Carbon Deposition
- 508 mm electrode working area
- Excellent coating uniformity
- Supports MWIR (3–5 µm) and LWIR (8–12 µm)
Compatible substrates include Silicon, Germanium, Chalcogenides, II–VI compounds, optical glasses, sapphire, metals, and plastics.
5. Military Applications
DLC coatings support:
- EO/IR sensor windows
- UAV and ISR aircraft gimbal sensors
- Armored vehicle optics
- Missile seeker windows
- Soldier thermal weapon sights
6. Commercial & Industrial Applications
Applications include:
- Industrial thermal cameras
- Machine vision and high-temp process monitoring
- Oil & gas IR sensors
- Security and surveillance thermal imaging
- Autonomous systems using IR navigation
7. Why Choose Applied Optics Center
- U.S.-based, ITAR-compliant production
- 50+ years defense-trusted optical manufacturing
- MIL-Spec compliant coatings
- Engineering + coating under one roof
- High-volume scale capacity
