Defense & Avionics
Notch Optics is a leader in providing precision optics and thin-film coatings tailored specifically for the Aerospace & Defense industry.
Since 2003, we have been supplying critical optical components that meet stringent requirements for mission-critical applications in both aerospace and defense sectors.
Our products are proven performers used in cockpit and vehicle displays, field instruments, HUD and HMD displays, specialty imaging applications, heat reduction, anti-fogging, and sighting applications.
Notch Optics is ITAR certified and vertically integrated from our inventory of performance glass, glass strengthening, machining, MIL Spec coatings, indicator graphics, bus bars, and wiring to MIL Spec environmental testing.
General Capabilities
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified: Ensuring quality management systems meet international standards.
- ITAR Registered: Compliance with U.S. regulations for handling defense-related technologies.
- Cybersecurity Compliant: Meeting security standards for data protection.
- Single-Point Diamond Turning: Precision machining for optical components.
- Design-Prototype-Production: Comprehensive support from initial design through to full-scale production.
- Compliance to MIL Standards: Adherence to military standards ensuring reliability and performance.
- Complete In-House Production: All stages of production, including optical fabrication and environmental testing, are conducted in-house.
- Made in USA: Manufacturing operations based in the United States.
Substrates
- High Durability: Corning® Gorilla®, SCHOTT Xensation®, AGC Dragontrail™
- Soda Lime (and Low Iron): with broad-angle anti-glare (AG)
- Low Expansion: BOROFLOAT®, fused silica
- Low Alkaline: AF 32®, Eagle XG®, D 263®
Glass Modification
- Cutting
- Grinding
- CNC machined features
Graphics (Semi-Transparent/Opaque)
- High-temperature, epoxy, carbonless
Bus Bars
- Silver epoxy
- Silver frit
- Cr/Ni/Au
- Indium ultrasonic welded
Coatings
- Anti-Reflective: MIL Spec – SL, V, broadband – (UV-IR)
- Covert & Semi-Covert: VIS block, NIR transmit
- EMI & Heater: Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Index Matched Indium Tin Oxide (IMITO)
- Filters: Bandpass, cut-off/on edge, dichroic
- Hot/Cold Mirror/Solar Blocking
- Mirrors: Precious metal, all dielectric, selective
- NVIS Filters
- Oleophobic & Anti-Abrasive: Steel wool resistant
Military Specifications
- MIL-C-14806
- MIL-PRF-13830
- MIL-C-48497
- MIL-C-675C
- MIL-M-13508
Sensing, Security & Surveillance
Notch Optics specializes in designing and manufacturing optical, opto-mechanical, and opto-electronic assemblies for various sensing, security, and surveillance applications. Their capabilities include:
- MWIR & LWIR Optimized Processes: Tailored for mid-wave and long-wave infrared applications.
- High Transmission Levels: Exceeding 98% transmission for optimal performance.
- High Out-of-Band Blocking: Minimizing unwanted wavelengths for precise filtering.
- Lightweight Optics: Utilizing materials and designs to reduce overall weight.
APPLICATIONS
- Heat Sensing
- Detectors
- Night Vision
- Navigation
- Thermal Imaging
- LiDAR
- High-Performance Optronic Systems
- Airborne Surveillance
- Border & Marine Surveillance
- Rescue Missions
- Infrared (IR) Imaging
- Military and Defense Optic Systems
- Law Enforcement
- Facility Safety & Security
- Search & Rescue
Space & Satellite
For space and satellite applications, Notch Optics produces optical components that withstand extreme environments and adhere to stringent low-outgassing criteria set by NASA:
- Low Outgassing Processes/Materials: Compliant with NASA Publication 1124 standards.
- Radiation Hardened: Designed to endure ionized environments and extreme temperatures.
- High Damage Threshold: Able to withstand high-energy radiation and impacts.
- Environmental Testing: Ensuring reliability and durability in space conditions.
APPLICATIONS
- Airborne
- Astronomical
- Spacecrafts
- Communication Systems
- Imaging Systems
- Space Satellite Imaging
- High-Bandwidth Optical Communications
- Satellite Imaging
- Telescopes and Lasers
- R&D programs
- Telecommunication Satellites
UAVs & Drones
In the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector, Notch Optics provides advanced optical components that meet the demanding requirements of thermal imaging, lightweight design, and high-performance optics:
- EMI Shielded Windows: Protecting electronics from electromagnetic interference.
- Aluminum Optical Mirrors: Lightweight yet durable for UAV applications.
- Infrared Optical Coatings: Optimized for infrared wavelengths crucial for UAV operations.
- Miniature Sizes: Custom optics designed to fit compact UAV configurations.
APPLICATIONS
- Heat Sensing
- Detectors
- LiDAR
- Surveillance Systems
- Military Surveillance
- Traffic Detection Sensors
- Multi-Mission Drone Systems
- Tactical Support Missions
- Tactical UAV Systems
- Remote Sensing
- Sensors
- Night Vision
- Thermal Imaging
- Firefighting
- Camera Systems
Missile Systems
Notch Optics manufactures custom optical components for military missile systems, emphasizing high durability, precision, and performance:
- Low-Z Optical Coatings: Custom coatings tailored for specific optical performance requirements.
- VIS – Thermal Infrared (IR): Covering a wide spectrum from visible to thermal infrared wavelengths.
- High Laser Damage Threshold: Ensuring reliability under intense laser conditions.
- Aerial Reconnaissance: Providing critical optics for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
APPLICATIONS
- Radiation Hardened Designs
- Proximity Fuse Systems
- Night Vision
- Remote Sensing
- Aerial Reconnaissance Mirrors and Windows
- LiDAR
- Tactical Optics
- High Laser Damage Threshold Assemblies
- Thermal Imaging
- Optical Imaging