Infrared AR and DLC Silicon (Si) Optical Domes
Infrared AR and DLC Silicon (Si) Optical Domes are optical domes made with infrared-grade single-crystal silicon as the substrate, with an AR anti-reflection coating and a DLC diamond-like carbon protective film deposited on the silicon dome surface. Coligh specializes in manufacturing and customizing various high-quality optical domes.
- Infrared-grade single-crystal silicon offers high mid-infrared transmittance and excellent environmental durability.
- We provide infrared anti-reflective (AR) coatings optimized for the mid-infrared waveband.
- Diamond-like carbon (DLC) protective coatings offer resistance to scratches and sand/dust impact.
- Hemispherical dome structures provide wide-angle optical protection.
We offer flexible customization based on specifications for dimensions, curvature, thickness, and coating designs.
Infrared AR and DLC Silicon (Si) Optical Domes Description
Our infrared silicon optical domes are specifically designed for thermal imaging systems, offering high transmission within the 1.2–7 µm wavelength range. Leveraging the inherent physical properties of silicon—such as low density and excellent thermal conductivity—these domes feature exceptional surface hardness and wear resistance. They serve as reliable protective windows for infrared detectors and thermal imagers, even in environments exposed to rain, sand, dust, and high humidity. We offer flexible customization options for these silicon domes—including hemispherical, hyper-hemispherical, and flat window configurations—tailored to specific customer requirements regarding dimensions, thickness, AR (anti-reflective) wavelength bands, and DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating specifications.
Key features of this product include:
- The monocrystalline silicon substrate offers high transmission in the 3–5 µm range, maintains good transmission up to 7 µm, and provides excellent thermal conductivity.
- Optimized specifically for the 1.2–7 µm infrared range, the anti-reflective coating significantly reduces reflection losses at the silicon surface.
- The DLC coating is extremely hard, providing resistance against scratches and sand/dust impact; it also exhibits strong adhesion to the silicon substrate, ensuring durability and preventing delamination.
- The hemispherical and hyper-hemispherical dome designs provide wide-angle optical protection.
- We utilize precision cold-processing and vacuum coating technologies, enabling customization across various parameters, including dimensions, curvature, and thickness.
Hard Carbon Coated IR Optical Silicon Hemispheres Domes Detail Display
Infrared AR and DLC Silicon (Si) Optical Domes Custom Capability
| Item | Custom Capability |
| Substrate Material | IR-grade single-crystal silicon (Si) |
| Product Shapes | Hemisphere, hyperhemisphere, dome, spherical window, flat window |
| Diameter Range | 5–350 mm |
| Thickness Range | 2–30 mm |
| Transmittance after AR + DLC Coating | ≥85% (1.2–7 μm) |
| Surface Quality | 10/5, 20/10, 40/20, 60/40 |
| Surface Roughness | Ra ≤ 0.5 nm |
| Surface Figure Accuracy | λ/10 @ 633 nm |
Infrared AR and DLC Silicon (Si) Optical Domes Applications
Automotive Infrared Night Vision Systems
Automotive infrared night vision cameras and autonomous driving sensors are mounted externally, exposing them to mud, gravel, dust, and car wash brushes. Standard optical windows are prone to scratching, cracking, or obstruction by debris, which compromises night vision performance and driving safety. Installing a silicon dome—coated with infrared anti-reflective (AR) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) films—in front of the camera or sensor protects the internal infrared lens; the AR coating minimizes reflection losses on the silicon surface, thereby enhancing infrared energy capture.
Infrared Thermal Imagers
Handheld infrared thermal imagers are frequently used in field environments such as industrial inspections, electrical maintenance checks, and building diagnostics, where devices risk impacts, drops, or exposure to oil and dust. Silicon domes featuring AR coatings ensure high infrared transmission, while DLC layers provide abrasion resistance, ultimately improving the reliability of industrial inspections.
Infrared Security Surveillance
Infrared surveillance cameras deployed in remote, border, or coastal areas are susceptible to damage from wind-blown sand, rain, snow, and environmental debris. Silicon domes with AR and DLC coatings serve as protective windows for these cameras; their high transmission rates ensure clear infrared imaging during nighttime operations and in adverse weather conditions.
