Introducing Ion Beam Sputtering Capabilities
It is with a level of enthusiasm generally reserved for Nobel Prize announcements and mint-condition comic books that Blue Ridge Optics unveils the newest addition
CAMBRIDGE, Ontario, and BEDFORD, Va. — Angstrom Engineering®, a global leader in thin film deposition equipment and vacuum process solutions, today announced that Blue Ridge Optics, a leading manufacturer of precision laser optics and thin film coatings, has purchased an Angstrom Reticle® 300 precision ion beam sputtering deposition system.
The new system will enhance Blue Ridge Optics’ ability to deliver state-of-the-art optical coatings for demanding applications across aerospace, defense, medical, scientific research, industrial laser, and advanced photonics markets. The Reticle® 300 installation is the first in a planned series of advanced coating systems from Angstrom Engineering that Blue Ridge Optics intends to deploy as part of a long-term strategy to expand its thin film coating capacity and domestic manufacturing footprint.
This investment underscores the growing strategic relationship between the companies and their shared commitment to advancing optical coating technologies capable of meeting increasingly stringent performance requirements across the industry.
The Reticle® 300 platform is designed to produce high-density, environmentally stable optical coatings through precision ion beam sputtering deposition. The technology enables exceptional control of film thickness, uniformity, and optical performance, making it well suited for applications requiring the highest levels of durability, spectral precision, and laser damage resistance.
The Reticle® 300 will further strengthen Blue Ridge Optics’ position as a trusted manufacturing partner for customers requiring advanced optical coating solutions for mission-critical applications. It is the first step in a broader roadmap to expand Blue Ridge Optics’ coating operations over the coming years.
“The Reticle® 300 investment is more than the acquisition of a coating platform; it is an investment in the future of precision photonics manufacturing,” said Walter Siehien, CTO at Blue Ridge Optics. “By expanding domestic IBS capacity, Blue Ridge Optics is helping ensure that critical optical technologies can be developed and produced within the United States for the industries that depend on them most.”
“Optics customers are increasingly seeking large-format coatings that combine exceptional performance with increased production speed and scalability,” said Duane Mallory, president and CEO of MPF Products, Inc., the parent company of Blue Ridge Optics. “The Reticle® 300 positions Blue Ridge Optics to meet that demand while supporting the company’s long-term strategy of becoming a premier supplier of advanced coated optics for high-power laser and defense applications.”
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Blue Ridge Optics is a fully integrated manufacturer of precision laser optics, thin film coatings, and optical assemblies serving customers worldwide. The company specializes in high-performance optical coatings, super-polished optics, laser components, and custom optical solutions used in aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and scientific applications. Through its expertise in optical fabrication, metrology, and coating technologies, Blue Ridge Optics helps customers develop and manufacture optical systems for some of the world’s most demanding environments and applications.
MPF Products, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of ultra-high vacuum feedthrough components and hermetic solutions for demanding applications in semiconductor, photonics, aerospace, defense, and scientific research markets. The company specializes in ceramic-to-metal sealing, electrical and optical feedthroughs, and custom-engineered vacuum interfaces that enable reliable performance in extreme environments. Through its expertise in materials, precision manufacturing, and vacuum engineering, MPF Products helps customers design and build advanced systems for some of the world’s most critical and high‑value technologies.
Founded in 1992, Angstrom Engineering designs and manufactures advanced thin film deposition systems and vacuum process equipment for research, development, and production applications worldwide. The company’s portfolio includes physical vapor deposition (PVD), ion beam sputtering deposition (IBSD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), and integrated cluster tool platforms supporting industries ranging from optics and photonics to quantum technologies, semiconductor development, energy, and advanced materials.
The Reticle® family of ion beam sputtering platforms is engineered specifically for the deposition of high-performance optical coatings requiring exceptional purity, density, repeatability, and long-term stability.
“Blue Ridge Optics’ decision to build its future coating expansion strategy around the Reticle® platform is a significant milestone for both organizations. This partnership reflects growing confidence in the performance and scalability of our optical coating solutions while reinforcing Angstrom Engineering’s position as a trusted technology partner for leading optics manufacturers. As demand for advanced optical coatings continues to grow, we look forward to supporting Blue Ridge Optics’ long-term expansion plans and advancing the next generation of optical manufacturing technologies.”
Akhil Vohra – Director | Product Management
It is with a level of enthusiasm generally reserved for Nobel Prize announcements and mint-condition comic books that Blue Ridge Optics unveils the newest addition
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