UV, VIS, NIR Anti-Reflective: Extended Band Coatings

Specially designed to maintain low reflectance in the object lens assembly of night vision goggles, these innovative coatings significantly enhance optical clarity and performance across a wide spectral bandwidth, paving the way for clear, unobstructed views in low-light conditions. This process utilises plasma assisted electron beam deposition to provide durable and environmentally stable coatings. The unique designs offer low absorption, wide bandwidth and relative insensitivity to angle of incidence, while sophisticated process control ensures run to run reproducibility and maximum yield.

Operating over a spectral bandwidth of 520nm to 950nm, our Extended Band Anti-Reflection Coatings offer an exceptional single-surface average reflectance of less than 0.3%. This greatly reduces glare and maximizes the transmission of available light, allowing for superior visual clarity in night vision applications. Furthermore, the single-surface maximum reflectance across the same spectral range is kept below 0.6%, ensuring a consistent, high-quality visual experience.

But the benefits of our Extended Band Anti-Reflection Coatings extend beyond superior visual performance. They also offer versatility. The spectral bandwidth over which the coating operates can be optimized for other spectral regions, such as 420 to 850nm. This makes these coatings a highly adaptable solution for a wide range of optical needs.

Designed to withstand the toughest environments, our Extended Band Anti-Reflection Coatings are suitable for glasses with a refractive index of 1.48 to 1.88. They comply with the exacting environmental conditions set out in MIL-M-13508C para 4.4.6, MIL-C-675A, MIL-C-675A para 4.6.8, and MIL-C-14806A, ensuring durability, resilience, and reliable performance even under extreme conditions.

Applications

• Night vision technology

Key Metrology

• UV, VIS, and IR spectrometers
• 4 point conductivity probe
• MIL standard temperature and humidity chambers

Key Equipment & Processes

• Thin-film design including bespoke HUD design software
• PVD, CVD, and IBS coating platforms
• Laser test to MILT-DTL-62422
• TS1888 DLC test bench

Specifications

• Single surface average reflectance 520nm to 950nm <0.3%
• Single surface maximum reflectance 520nm to 950nm <0.6%
• Suitable for glasses of refractive index 1.48 to 1.88

Substrates

• Clear optical glass
• Filter glass
• Ceramic glass
• Sapphire
• Polycarbonate (including dip-coated visors)
• Nickel-plated Aluminium
• Nickel-plated Beryllium
• Active Devices

Conformance

• MIL-M-13508C para 4.4.6
• MIL-C-675A
• MIL-C-675A para 4.6.8
• MIL-C-14806A
• MIL-C-48497
• MIL-STD-810B