News | August 12, 2011

ZC&R Coatings For Optics Now Offers A Family Of Solutions For Abrasion Resistant Optical Windows

Santa Paula, CA – ZC&R Coatings for Optics, a division of Abrisa Technologies, now offers a of family of abrasion resistant windows that are custom designed to meet unique customer requirements. All abrasion resistant windows feature ZC&R's high performance anti-reflective (AR) coatings that maximize optical transmittance while eliminating image ghosting, thereby protecting optical systems in hostile as well as common operating environments.

Abrasion from common airborne particles such as sand or poor cleaning procedures applied to external optical surfaces can significantly degrade the optical system performance. Airborne chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide, nitric acid, sulphuric acid, carbonic acid, and other corrosive constituents of urban smog can, over time, produce staining and etching of exposed optical surfaces.

To counteract these harmful environmental effects, ZC&R Coatings for Optics provides three levels of protection:

  • Level 1 – Hardened anti-reflective (AR) coatings applied to conventional glass substrates for less hostile operating environments.
  • Level 2 – Hardened anti-reflective (AR) coatings on hard optical substrates for more challenging environments.
  • Level 3 – Hardened anti-reflective (AR) coatings on sapphire laminated substrates for the most hostile operating conditions.

Level 1 coatings are the most economical, provide superior optical performance over most spectral ranges, offer superior abrasion resistance in comparison to conventional windows, and are available in a variety of sizes including large apertures up to 10" in diameter.

Level 2 coatings are moderate in cost, provide increased abrasion resistance, while also offering significant improvement in resistance to corrosive chemical exposure, have superior optical performance over most spectral ranges, and are available in a variety of sizes including large apertures up to 10" in diameter.

Level 3 coatings provide maximum resistance to abrasion, significant resistance to corrosive chemicals, while also providing enhanced protection from ballistic damage with superior optical performance over most spectral ranges. Level 3 coatings are available in apertures up to 6" in diameter.

Typical applications include:

  • Camera lens systems
  • Telescopes
  • Point-of-purchase (POP) displays
  • Menu boards
  • Display monitors
  • Digital signage
  • LCD screens
  • Handheld displays

Anti-reflective (AR) coatings provided by ZC&R meet the following MIL specifications:

  • MIL-PRF-13830B
  • MIL-C-675C
  • MIL-F-48616
  • MIL-C-48497A
  • MIL-C14806A

AR coatings from ZC&R Coatings for optics will extend the service life of optical window systems while enhancing optical clarity and viewability. In addition, the coatings provide protection from weather and deterioration from chemical attack.

SOURCE: Abrisa Technologies