Thin Film Coatings

At i-photonics, we are your trusted B2B partner for advanced thin film coating solutions. We combine cutting-edge vacuum and thin film technology with the expertise of seasoned engineers to deliver consistent quality and high-performance coatings for the most demanding industries. Our dedicated thin film coating services are designed to enhance your products, ensuring superior functionality, durability, and reliability for critical applications.

About our thin film coating services

Thin film coating involves depositing ultra-thin layers of material onto a substrate, profoundly altering its surface properties without changing its bulk characteristics. These coatings are crucial for improving optical, electrical, and mechanical performance, extending component lifespan, and enabling new functionalities. Through our advanced vacuum and thin film technology, we apply these coatings with unparalleled precision.

We utilize state-of-the-art technologies such as Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS), Plasma Assisted Reactive Magnetron Sputtering (PARMS), and Electron Beam Evaporation (EBE). This allows us to produce functional and optical coatings with exceptional accuracy, environmental durability, and repeatable results.

Our extensive thin film service capabilities include:

• Substrate sizes: Up to 300 mm diameter or 200×200 mm square.
• Layer thickness range: From 1 nm to 20 µm.
• Coating uniformity: ≤ ±0.1-1.0%, depending on the method employed.
• Deposition rates: 0.1–10 nm/s, tailored to material and method.
• Optical working range: Wide spectral coverage from 0.29 µm to 16 µm.
• Materials: A diverse range including oxides (e.g., SiO₂, TiO₂, Al₂O₃), fluorides (YF₃, YbF₃), metals (Cr, Al, Ag), and custom hybrid designs.
• Thermal stability: Our coatings maintain performance up to 400°C (material-dependent).

Thin film coating applications across industries

Our thin film coating applications span a wide range of industries, delivering customized solutions for high-value components. We empower your products with improved transmission, enhanced durability, and consistent functionality, even in harsh environments.

Optics and photonics solutions

We provide precision coatings essential for lenses, filters, and mirrors, enabling superior light transmission and reflection control in complex optical systems:

• Anti-Reflective (AR) coatings: Significantly reduce reflection to < 0.2% per surface, maximizing light throughput.
• High-Reflective (HR) mirrors: Achieve reflection greater than 99.9% at target wavelengths for precise light manipulation.
• Optical filters: Various types including Bandpass Filters (BPF), Shortwave Pass Filters (SWPF), and Longwave Pass Filters (LWPF) with steep spectral edges, critical for sensing and imaging systems.
• Beam splitters (BS) & dichroic beam splitters (DBS): Precisely separate or combine light beams based on wavelength or polarization.
• Polarizers: Optimize light polarization for specific optical applications.
• Partial Reflective (PR) coatings: Offer controlled reflectivity for demanding optical designs.

Electronics and displays enhancement

Our coatings significantly enhance the functionality and durability of electronic displays, sensors, and sensitive optical components:

• Hydrophobic coatings: Provide excellent water repellence for screens and sensors, preventing damage and improving clarity.
• Thermal and environmental Protection: Shield sensitive electronic components from extreme temperatures, moisture, and other environmental stressors.
• High-temperature stability: Our coatings remain stable up to 400°C, making them ideal for high-temperature electronics where reliability is paramount.

Industrial and Automotive Solutions

We offer robust wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant coatings for optics and functional components exposed to harsh industrial and automotive conditions:

• Protective coatings: Safeguard sensor windows, optical sight systems, and lighting from abrasion and chemical exposure.
• High-hardness, low-friction coatings: Reduce wear and improve the operational life of mechanical parts.
• Environmental durability: Our coatings are rigorously tested for resistance to humidity, salt spray, and thermal cycling, ensuring long-term performance in challenging environments.

Uncompromising quality and process control in thin film service

Quality is paramount in every thin film service we provide. Our systematic approach to quality control ensures that every coating meets the highest standards. From initial consultation to final inspection, our process is meticulously controlled.

Key quality highlights include:

• Certified management systems: We operate under ISO 9001-certified quality management and ISO 14001-certified environmental management systems, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and sustainability.
• Surface quality: Our coatings consistently achieve surface quality in line with MIL-PRF-13830B, reaching 20/10 scratch-dig specifications.
• Environmental durability testing: We conduct rigorous environmental durability testing per MIL-STD-810 (including thermal cycling, humidity, and vibration) and MIL-C-48497 for optical coatings, guaranteeing robust performance in real-world conditions.
• Precision measurement: We employ strict measurement protocols for layer thickness, uniformity, and adhesion, ensuring unparalleled precision.
• Reliable lead times: Our efficient processes and dedicated team ensure reliable lead times, supporting your production schedules.

We are proud to maintain long-term partnerships with international B2B clients who trust our expertise and consistent quality in vacuum film coating technology.

Why Choose i-photonics?

Choosing i-photonics means partnering with a leader in thin film coating services. Our distinct advantages provide you with a competitive edge:

• Flexibility in production scale: Whether you require prototype batches or high-volume production, our facilities are equipped to meet your specific demands.
• Wide material compatibility: We work with an extensive range of materials, offering solutions tailored to your unique application requirements.
• Expert engineering support: Our experienced engineers provide comprehensive support, from design consultation and material selection to customized project execution.
• Proven expertise: With a track record of success in delivering complex optical and functional coatings, we bring unparalleled knowledge to every project.

We are committed to delivering technical excellence and reliability in every vacuum film coating we produce, ensuring your components perform optimally and consistently.

Partner with us for advanced coating solutions

Ready to elevate your product performance and unlock new possibilities? Contact i-photonics today to discuss your specific thin film coating services requirements. Request a quote or schedule a consultation with one of our expert engineers. We are dedicated to providing high-performance solutions that enhance your product functionality and ensure long-term reliability. Partner with us as your trusted engineering ally for advanced coating solutions.