Multifunctional CVD diamond window for Infrared imaging

Abstract Diamond is well known for its outstanding thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties, but is also of great interest for optical and imaging applications. Imaging systems offer increasing performances, with high functionalities and technicity, but are often exposed to harsh or visually degraded environments. In this paper, we exploit some of the multiple physical properties of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond and demonstrate the feasibility of diamond-based metasurface multifunctional windows for infrared spectral range, throughout different configurations. The resulting 2″ full diamond optical window provides imaging systems with several functionalities, including antireflective optical properties with an enhanced transmission up to 80–90% in the 8–14 µm spectral range, high mechanical resistance, superhydrophobicity, antirain, and antimist behaviors. Moreover, the electrochemical activation of a boron-doped diamond-based window leads to self-cleaning properties, thus paving the way for the imaging system to low maintenance operations and 24/7 operation. Graphical abstract