Goldblack coating for thermal infrared detectors

In this paper, we describe the design of and first results from a new facility aimed at producing goldblack coatings to give improved performance of thermal infrared detectors. Extensive characterisation of both the process and goldblack have resulted in a repeatable process that produces coatings with absorption >90% out to wavelengths beyond 40 μm. Investigations of the goldblack structure have revealed the importance of coating uniformity in achieving high absorption at longer wavelengths.