Licensable Technologies : Materials : Manufacturing & Fabrication

Optically Transparent, Scratch-Resistant, Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings

Abstract
A plasma-based method for the deposition of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings is described. The process uses a radio-frequency inductively coupled discharge to generate a plasma at relatively low gas pressures. The deposition process is environmentally friendly and scaleable to large areas, and components that have geometrically complicated surfaces can be processed. The method has been used to deposit adherent 100 – 400 nm thick DLC coatings on metals, glass, and polymers. These coatings are between three and four times harder than steel and are therefore scratch resistant, and transparent to visible light. Boron and silicon doping of the DLC coatings have produced coatings having improved optical properties and lower coating stress levels, but with slightly lower hardness.

IP Status: Available both Exclusively and Non Exclusively

Reference Number: 546

S Number: DOE reference no.(s): 14,073

Patents & Applications:
United States National Patent Number 2940915 Issued on 06/14/1960

Posted: 10-01-2004

Contact
John Russell
Technology Transfer Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory
P.O. Box 1663, MailStop C334
(505) 665-3941
jrussell@lanl.gov