Panel Graphic is proud to announce the launch of Optiguard™ NIR AR, a specialist near infrared anti-reflective coating engineered for 850nm optical applications.
Developed for advanced sensing technologies, this new NIR AR coating has been designed to improve infrared light transmission through plastic optical windows, helping manufacturers achieve better performance in systems such as facial recognition, machine vision, industrial automation, medical diagnostics and automotive sensing.
As demand continues to grow for high-performance 850nm anti-reflective coatings, Optiguard™ NIR AR provides a reliable solution for improving optical clarity and maximising sensor efficiency.
What is an NIR AR coating?
An NIR AR coating (Near Infrared Anti-Reflective coating) is a specialist optical surface treatment designed to reduce surface reflection at specific infrared wavelengths.
Unlike standard AR coatings that focus on visible light transmission, Optiguard™ NIR AR has been specifically optimised for 850nm wavelength transmission, a key wavelength used across modern infrared sensing systems.
By reducing front surface reflectance, more infrared light passes through the optical plastic substrate and reaches the sensor, resulting in:
- improved signal strength
- increased sensor sensitivity
- better image and scan accuracy
- enhanced contrast and optical performance
This is particularly important in applications where every percentage of light transmission matters.
Designed for 850nm infrared sensors and imaging systems
The 850nm wavelength is widely used in next-generation optical systems, making this coating ideal for customers designing products such as:
- facial recognition systems
- IR camera lens covers
- machine vision sensors
- medical diagnostic devices
- security and surveillance equipment
- automotive infrared cameras
- industrial automation sensors
As near infrared sensing technology becomes more widely adopted, manufacturers need optical windows that do not compromise transmission performance.
Optiguard™ NIR AR helps achieve this by reducing reflection losses at the surface of acrylic and polycarbonate display windows.
NIR AR coating for acrylic and polycarbonate
One of the major advantages of Optiguard™ NIR AR is its compatibility with PMMA (acrylic) and polycarbonate optical plastics.
This makes it ideal for lightweight, durable and impact-resistant optical windows used in demanding environments.
For OEMs and product designers, this means you can combine:
- high NIR transmission
- abrasion resistance
- lightweight plastic substrates
- production scalability
all within a single engineered solution.
Anti-fingerprint easy-clean surface
In addition to its optical benefits, Optiguard™ NIR AR includes an AFP easy-clean top layer to help maintain surface clarity in real-world environments.
This helps reduce visible fingerprints, smudges and contaminants that can impact both appearance and sensor performance.
For high-touch devices and external-facing optical systems, this added durability is a key benefit.
Supporting production from prototype to volume manufacture
At Panel Graphic, we support customers from prototype development through to full production manufacture.
With over 25 years of expertise in anti-reflective coatings for plastics, the launch of Optiguard™ NIR AR strengthens our offering for advanced infrared sensing markets. Whether you are developing a new 850nm IR sensing device, upgrading an existing display window, or looking to improve optical performance in a demanding application, our team can help.
