World-Class Coatings
We take immense pride in being a leading force in optical thin film technology.
Find out more
Share:
G&H | Artemis in Plymouth, UK©️ G&HLayered for success: inside G&H | Artemis, the Global Center of Excellence for Optical Systems
News
Optical thin film coatings are often taken for granted, especially by those not involved in product development. However, this technology, which is nearly four centuries old, goes far beyond the anti-reflective, coloured coatings applied to glasses to reduce glare and protect the material —one of its most common uses. By using coated materials, we can see stars in space, assist doctors in performing surgeries safely, and even save lives on the battlefield. The primary function of optical thin film coatings is to alter how light interacts with the coated optical element, either by modifying transmission or by providing reflection, depending on the desired outcome.
At G&H, the experts from G&H | Artemis, our Plymouth-based facility, are the go-to team when it comes to optical coatings. With an optics heritage spanning over 200 years, their outstanding reputation is built on two main pillars. Firstly, the quality of their coated end products is recognised and appreciated globally. Having won the Queen’s Award 2022 for Enterprise, the high level of optical performance they deliver is a result of focusing on thin film coating development since the 1960s. Over time, G&H | Artemis has developed a robust manufacturing capability that frequently exceeds client expectations. Secondly, their reputation for making the impossible possible by pushing the limits of their own manufacturing equipment sets them apart. Through experimentation and a commitment to excellence, this G&H team controls light through layers of coating better than most in the industry.
©️ Private
One of the key project lines at G&H | Artemis that showcases the team’s engineering expertise is the thin film coatings applied to head-up display (HUD) systems for aircraft. These HUD systems are essential for modern aviation, providing pilots with crucial flight information directly within their line of sight. The performance of these systems heavily relies on the precision of the thin film coatings used. Specifically, the green notch filter in these coatings is designed to reflect green light while transmitting other wavelengths. This selective reflection is critical because the human eye is most sensitive to green light, making it easier for pilots to read the green-illuminated symbology displayed on the HUD.
The coatings used in green notch HUD systems are engineered to provide a high degree of optical clarity and contrast, enabling clear visibility under varying lighting conditions. The thin film stack typically includes multiple layers that precisely control the reflection and transmission of specific wavelengths, ensuring that only the desired green light is reflected. This design helps to minimise glare and maximise the readability of the information displayed, which is vital for quick decision-making and situational awareness in flight.
©️ Private
By carefully optimising the thickness and refractive index of each layer in the coating stack, these systems achieve a sharp cutoff at the green wavelength while maintaining high transmission of other colours. This balance is crucial to avoid any colour distortion or visual discomfort for the pilot. Additionally, the coatings are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations, humidity, and abrasion, ensuring reliable performance over the lifetime of the aircraft. Overall, the sophisticated thin film performance of green notch HUD systems plays a vital role in enhancing pilot safety and efficiency, providing clear, real-time data without distraction.
The team at G&H | Artemis is also behind a 500-layer optical coating design used on medical safety goggles worn by doctors during eye surgery. This complex, highly effective coating solution was developed to protect doctors from direct exposure to the blue-green wavelengths emitted by the lasers used, a type of light chosen for its ability to pass through the fluid inside the eye without causing harm. The “Made in the UK” coating option allows eye care professionals around the world to use ophthalmic lasers safely, helping people see better every day. This performance has been achieved using advanced coating chamber technology.
©️ Private
The G&H Global Centre of Excellence for Optical Coatings in Plymouth also leads the way in other high-tech solutions, including coatings for Light Fidelity (LiFi) technology, gas detection and analysis, sighting systems, and military and maritime applications, among many other innovations.
The critical role of optical thin film coatings cannot be overstated. They form the backbone of many optical applications, enabling us to achieve a multitude of technology-driven goals. Ensuring you have the right coating for your product is crucial to the success of the final product, a lesson well understood at G&H | Artemis.
