JGS2 stands out as a premier choice for delivery drone optics. In the face of rugged outdoor environments, its superior durability and optical clarity are what drive high-quality image transmission and flawless obstacle avoidance performance.
1. Why Choose JGS2?
JGS2 is a widely utilized optical fused silica that offers significant physical advantages for drone applications:
- Extreme Temperature Resistance: Drones operate across varying altitudes and climates. JGS2 features an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion, ensuring the lens remains free from deformation or “focus drift” even during rapid temperature fluctuations.
- High Transmission: It delivers exceptional optical performance across a broad spectrum, from visible light to the near-infrared band (approximately 220nm – 2500nm).
- Superior Mechanical Strength: JGS2 is significantly more resistant to impact and scratches than standard glass, making it the perfect “productivity tool” for high-frequency delivery drone operations.
2. The Necessity of Optical Coatings
AR Coating (Anti-Reflection)
- Function: Reduces surface reflection and maximizes light throughput.
- Drone Pain Points: Direct sunlight or high-glare environments often cause “ghosting” and “lens flare,” resulting in washed-out images.
- The Result: Applying an AR coating can reduce single-surface reflectivity from approximately 4% to 0.5% or lower. This dramatically improves video clarity, allowing AI algorithms to identify obstacles and landing zones with higher precision.
AF Coating (Anti-Fingerprint / Anti-Fouling)
- Function: Utilizes vacuum-evaporated fluorides to create a highly hydrophobic (water-repellent) and oleophobic (oil-repellent) surface.
- Drone Pain Points: Dust kicked up by propellers, insect residue, raindrops, or fingerprints from ground crew handling.
- The Result: Contaminants struggle to adhere to the surface. Raindrops bead up and slide off instantly, preventing water streaks from obstructing the camera’s field of view.
3. Recommended Coating Strategy
For delivery drones, we typically recommend a combined AR + AF solution:
Inner Surface：AR
Outer Surface:AR+AF
Technical Structure of JGS2 Coated Lens
- Layer 1: AF Coating (Top Surface)
- Properties: Hydrophobic & Oleophobic.
- Benefit: Repels rain, dust, and fingerprints for a self-cleaning effect during flight.
- Layer 2: AR Coating (Multi-layer)
- Properties: Destructive interference layers (e.g., $MgF_2$, $SiO_2$).
- Benefit: Reduces surface reflection to <0.5%, eliminating ghosting and flare.
- Core: JGS2 Fused Silica Substrate
- Properties: High thermal stability and excellent UV-NIR transmission.
- Benefit: Maintains focus in extreme temperatures and provides high-strength protection.