New e-beam vacuum deposition system produces superior coatings, dramatically increases the size of the optical components that can be coated.
Northvale, N.J. – April 18, 2013 – Inrad Optics has advanced its thin film coating capabilities with the installation of a new plasma assisted e-beam vacuum deposition system. The new coating system employs high-density plasma technology to dramatically enhance the quality of thin films by improving a wide variety of mechanical and optical properties. Its large 96-inch chamber also significantly increases Inrad Optics’ capacity and allows the company to handle parts up to 1 meter in diameter.
George Murray, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Inrad Optics, reports, “This new plasma assisted coatings system represents a significant step up for Inrad Optics’ coatings services. It will eliminate production bottlenecks to dramatically improve lead-times, while improving our process control. Access to this level of technology in-house rounds out our turnkey custom optics services and is a springboard for delivering some of the industry’s most advanced coatings services.”
Plasma assisted deposition represents an evolution of the ion assisted e-beam process that Inrad has successfully employed for years. Like ion assist, the new plasma-based deposition process relies on electron beams to evaporate coating materials prior to deposition on a substrate. Unlike its predecessor, however, plasma assist combines reactive ions and evaporated coating materials within high-density DC plasma. The resulting thin films are of a measurably higher quality than previous processes.
Amy Eskilson, President and CEO, Inrad Optics, adds, “This significant investment in state-of-the-art coating technology not only to serves to meet Inrad Optics’ internal needs, but also enables us to offer superior contract thin film coating services. This advancement is a clear signal of Inrad Optics’ commitment to investing in the people and technology required to deliver the highest level of service and expertise to our customers.”
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About Inrad Optics
Inrad Optics is a manufacturer of exceptional quality crystalline materials and devices, fabricated high precision glass, and metal optical components. Originally founded as Inrad, Inc., the organization matured via organic and acquired growth as Photonic Products Group, Inc., and in January 2012 announced its name change to Inrad Optics. Vertically integrated, manufacturing expertise includes solution and high temperature crystal growth, extensive optical fabrication capabilities, including precision diamond turning and the handling of large substrates, optical coatings and extensive in-process metrology. Inrad Optics’ customers include leading corporations in defense, aerospace, process control and metrology, medical and industrial laser sectors of the photonics industry, as well as government, national laboratory and university customers worldwide.