Helia Photonics: the ultimate innovators in thin film optical coatings

Your Vision, Our Expertise

Helia Photonics Ltd formed in 2002 with an aim to meet a global need for specialised facet coating of diode lasers. Initially focussing on ultralow anti-reflection (AR) coatings for external cavity lasers, Helia quickly expanded its range, adding laser lifetime-enhancing protective facet coatings and optical coatings for fibre-ends, micro-optics and supporting services for diode lasers. The combined technical know-how and equipment capabilities are brought together in an 8,000 ft² purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility at Rosebank Park, Livingston in Scotland – conveniently located between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

2002
In 2002, Helia Photonics was founded, making use of a single machine utilising ion-assisted electron beam technology.
2005
Electron beam capabilities expanded with the introduction of a new machine
2006
With the addition of a new machine, the company expanded its coatings offering with DC & pulsed DC sputtering deposition technology.
2008
The sputtering capacities of Helia Photonics was expanded with the introduction of a new machine making use of RF sputtering technology
2009
Helia expanded into the long-wave infra-red waveband by introducing a new machine making use of thermal evaporation
2010
With the addition of another new machine the RF magnetron sputtering capacity was expanded
2012
Ion Beam sputtering capability was introduced to Helia with the installation of a new machine
2014
Spectral metrology range expanded to 180nm-25µm
2015
True plasma ion assisted evaporation added, capable of coating 8″ wafers
2016
Photolithography and reactive ion etching machine is added
2017
Ex-atmos cleave and coat capability added
2018
Microwave assisted pulsed DC sputtering capability added