Spectral Filters & AR Coatings
AR Coatings & Spectral Filters
Anti-Reflective (AR): Reduce Fresnel loss and ghosting across the visible and infrared. Ion-assisted processes, crystal monitoring, and real-time rate control deliver uniform film coating on flat and curved optics, with custom tooling for complex geometries.
Notch Filters: Block narrow wavelength bands while passing others, supporting laser safety, spectroscopy, microscopy, and instrument stray-light suppression. We offer single and multi-band notch designs across UV–LWIR.
Deposition Methods We Use (and How We Choose)
- CVD: When a chemical reaction route yields the needed microstructure or barrier properties. We do not offer ALD, PLD, Dip coating or flexible substrates. Our process portfolio focuses on PVD/CVD and scalable operations.
Precision at Scale
We support prototype to production with multi-chamber capacity and in-house spectrophotometry to keep spectral bands, layer thickness, and adhesion in tolerance. Our tooling library have over 30,000 custom fixtures and we have an in-house machine shop for quick fixture designs on quick-turn programs.
Where These Coatings Operate
- EO/IR imaging systems (border surveillance, maritime patrol, gimbals)
- Protective windows and domes for harsh environments including military vehicles.
- Notch and bandpass filters for laser-based instruments and laser eye safety
- Anti-reflective coatings for high-NA assemblies and compact ISR payloads.
Pairing Materials Science + Process Control
By pairing deposition techniques with rigorous deposition process controls, we shape microstructure (grain size, grain boundaries), stress, and adhesion to achieve the mechanical properties and spectral performance you need—without over-engineering or cost creep. The result is the right coating, the right coating, and the right lifetime for your mission.
Chalcogenides, Specialty Glasses and Military Optics with Unique Requirements
We apply deep expertise in the basic properties of thin films and the surface science of specialty chalcogenide substrates. Our team maintains precise control of vacuum chamber conditions and deposition temperature to ensure uniformity in advanced deposition processes for mass production. Clear Align works with a wide range of glass substrates and delivers both metallic films and custom films deposited for demanding defense applications, including tank windows and other specialty optics engineered for extreme environments.
Flawless Results: Advanced Automated Cleaning Systems
We are experts in depositing thin films on bulk materials, and it begins with automated ultrasonic cleaning that provides a meticulous surface for optical coatings. This process is critical to adhesion and long-term reliability.
Optical Coatings Inspection
Our coating process utilized modernized inspection techniques and equipment and inspect to ANSI, MILSPEC, and ISO 10110 standards. This disciplined process eliminates guesswork for inspectors and offer standardized quality control.
Unique Capability: Advanced Dual-Band, Broadband, and Multiband Coatings
Clear Align offers specialized evaporation process expertise in the design and production of dual-band, broadband, and multiband optical coatings, enabling performance across multiple spectral bands including VIS, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR. These advanced coatings are applied to a wide range of specialty optical materials, such as germanium, chalcogenide glass, sapphire, and silicon, supporting next-generation imaging systems with stringent spectral and environmental requirements. Our precision deposition techniques and in-house metrology ensure tight control over spectral response, durability, and adhesion—critical for maintaining optical performance in extreme operational environments. This capability positions Clear Align to meet emerging customer needs in multi-sensor fusion, free-space optical communication, and compact ISR platforms, where maximizing optical throughput and minimizing reflection losses across multiple bands is essential to mission success. Precision at Scale: Your High-Volume Coating Partner.
Effect of Coating on Center Thickness
Ultimate thickness of coating can modify your lens center thickness and that will vary with wavelengths. Please note we measure CT prior to coating. Shorter wavebands such as Visible and SWIR have thinner coatings that may have no effect, while LWIR and MWIR can be thicker and this should be taken into account during your design phase.
Partner With Clear Align for Your Coating Solution
From thin films for high-performance ISR platforms we serve extreme defense environments, and balance film thickness, durability, and spectral precision. Our expertise spans bulk material, specialty glasses, and plastics—applied with advanced chemical deposition methods and very low-pressure vacuum processes.
Work with our esteemed team to design your coating solution. Whether you need to maximize transmission in visible and SWIR, or engineer rugged coatings for MWIR and LWIR, we provide coatings tuned to your exact mission parameters.
Let’s build coatings that perform where it matters most—contact Clear Align today to start your program.