Barr Associates enhances capacity to supply infrared filters

OCTOBER 16, 2007--Barr Associates (Westford, MA, USA; www.barrassociates.com), a producer of thin-film coatings and optical filters, has enhanced its capacity and improved its capability for supplying high-performance, large-volume, low-cost infrared filters for night-vision technology for use in commercial and defense industries. It is addressing the growing demand for night-vision technology in the automotive and defense markets by adding the necessary capacity and operating systems to increase production for manufacturing optical filters that are integrated into IR cameras.

One filter provides excellent transmission from 8 to 12 µm while also providing exceptional blocking below this range. These coatings pass the stringent cosmetic and durability requirements that are typically defined by military standards. The coatings are also ROHS compliant, which is a must for integration into the European marketplace. In addition to the increased capacity for the dielectric coatings, Barr also has significant capacity to offer solderable metal coatings for hermetic sealing.