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Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) films for infrared objective lenses offer enhanced durability along with improved performance.
When an objective is to be used in harsh environments and better transmittance, less friction, and enhanced durability are crucial, the diamond-like properties of DLC IR films may be exactly what is needed. These thin films can be used over multiple infrared bands (1-3 µm, 3-5 µm, 8-14 µm) and have applications in temperature measurement, security, and military reconnaissance.
Let’s look at the special properties of these films and just what makes them so special. Then we’ll dive into a few of their important applications and how they are powering some key optical innovations.
Just what is DLC film? An amorphous carbon material with a structure very similar to that of diamond, DLC film is sometimes referred to as hard carbon film. With important thermal, mechanical, chemical, and optical properties, these coatings have been used in electronics, in machinery, in biomedicine, and in many other fields.
The refractive index of DLC films is between 1.5 and 2.3. They are almost transparent to IR light, with less than 1% absorption in the infrared band.
Some special properties of these films include:
The high chemical inertness of these carbon-based coatings enables them to effectively protect the objective lens from corrosive gases or liquids in the environment. Their hardness increases the wear resistance and mechanical durability of the lens significantly, and effective heat dissipation enables the lens to perform stably even with quick temperature changes. Good insulation from electric charge enables them to isolate the optical system from stray electricity, and high biocompatibility makes them a good choice for medical systems.
DLC films give an IR objective increased durability at the same time as they provide an anti-reflection layer.
It’s the high transmittance, wide optical bands, and low IR absorption of these durable carbon films that make them especially useful for infrared objectives. If you need a reliable single-layer anti-reflection coating that enhances transmittance and improves imaging as well as extending the life of your lens, DLC films may be ideal.
Providing both protection and anti-reflection properties in one layer, they can be used with a wide variety of infrared substrates like zinc sulfide, germanium, silicon, and glass.
Marine environments are one example of a situation in which DLC film coatings can be a very helpful addition to IR lenses. Exposure to wind, water, and salts can rapidly deteriorate an objective that is not fully protected, but a DLC film can take a battering without adverse results, even while keeping the substrate untouched. At the same time, it provides key anti-reflective properties that are essential for substrates with high refractive indexes like silicon and germanium.
IR microscopy is important to marine research, but lenses should be protected by DLC film to ensure they will remain unscathed by the ocean environment.
At Shanghai Optics, we carefully test our DLC coated lenses to ensure they will fully protect the objective lens they shield. From temperature cycle testing to temperature and humidity resistance checks, from solubility checks to salt spray exposure and wear resistance, we ensure these coatings have the durability required to take your imaging to the next level—no matter what the environment.
DLC films are a relatively new technology and are continually evolving to meet the needs of cutting-edge modern applications. From new types of DLC with enhanced hardness or optical properties, to more efficient manufacturing methods that allow us to produce the highest quality films in a more streamlined manner, the future of these hard carbon coatings is bright.
At Shanghai Optics, we are at the forefront of DLC research as regards optical applications. Contact Shanghai Optics today for more information about how DLC films can improve your imaging technology.