Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings

Modern optical systems operate in environments defined by abrasion, chemical exposure, sand, salt fog, and laser threats. Standard coatings are insufficient where survivability is mission-critical.

At the Applied Optics Center, Optex Systems applies Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings using Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD), delivering exceptional durability and optical performance.

What Makes DLC Different?

DLC is a carbon-based thin film engineered to provide:

• Extreme surface hardness
• Superior abrasion resistance
• Hydrophobic and chemical resistance
• Reduced reflectivity
• Enhanced infrared transmission

DLC coatings are especially critical for systems operating in:

• 3–5µm IR band (Silicon substrates)
• 8–12µm IR band (Germanium substrates)

These bands are essential for thermal imaging and EO/IR sensor systems.

Mission-Critical Applications

DLC coatings support:

• Military sensors
• Thermal weapon sights
• UAV EO/IR systems
• Armored vehicle optics
• Aerospace IR windows
• Industrial high-temperature monitoring

By combining mechanical durability with spectral optimization, DLC ensures optical clarity and survivability in the most demanding environments.

Integrated Thin-Film Infrastructure

Optex operates a ~44,000 sq. ft. coating facility with 12 advanced coating chambers utilizing Ion-Beam Assisted Vapor Deposition (with plasma assist on select systems).

This infrastructure allows:

• High-volume production
• Strict lot-to-lot consistency
• Controlled spectral performance
• MIL-SPEC compliance

DLC at Optex is not an add-on process — it is part of a vertically integrated optical engineering ecosystem.

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