Driving Vision Forward With HUD/ADAS
How Omega Optical Powers ADAS with High-Performance Cold Mirrors and Beamsplitters
You’ve noticed the rapid growth of ADAS/ HUD technologies in automotive markets in the last few years. You’ve paid attention to the importance of optical components in ensuring real-time, reliable data for driver monitoring, lane detection, and autonomous navigation, making the cars on the road safer for everyone.
Omega Optical’s contribution in the field is precision optics for ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems), manufactured at scale for OEMs in the automotive industry. From the design and prototype stage, our team works closely with your group to ensure that we understand your needs and that the final design can be scaled up into high volumes when you are ready.
ADAS: An Optics-Centered Evolution
The list of how ADAS technology keeps drivers and passengers safe on the road continues to lengthen.
Infrared-based driver monitoring systems (DMS). In-cabin facial recognition and eye tracking- Important for younger drivers and those who are easily distracted. A hidden IR sensor monitors where the driver is focused.
Our Heads-up displays (HUDs): This tech has been driving around your city for a while now in Acuras, Audis, BMWs, as well as higher-end Fords and Jeeps. A HUD provides projected information on a windshield or a separate transparent screen (a combiner) and may be installed as an aftermarket option.
Night vision and pedestrian detection are also common ways to use ADAS technology and mainly appear in the safety sector, and are now finding their way into the driver’s seat as well.
Omega shines in this application space with our miniaturized, robust, and thermally resilient coated optics.
Cold Mirrors: Thermal Management + Spectral Performance
Cold mirrors provide the ability to reflect visible light, transmit IR—ideal for in-cabin and DMS applications.
Omega Optical’s cold mirror advantages:
- High reflectivity in the visible range (400–700 nm)
- Excellent IR transmission (800+ nm)
- Appropriate thermal durability for enclosed automotive environments
- Provides a metal layer to form a partially reflective surface, under the “plate”
- They can be manufactured in orders of 1000s.
Specific Applications:
- Separation of IR illumination and imaging channels
- Integration into dashboard or mirror assemblies
Omega Beamsplitters: Precision Light Management in Complex Assemblies
The beamsplitter is the key to splitting or combining optical paths in HUDs, LIDAR, and DMS systems. This product type also happens to be one of our most often requested custom-coated optics.
Available beamsplitter options from Omega:
- Beamsplitters
- Broadband dichroic beamsplitters (KBr and CsI) – used for IR and Far-IR transmission in commercial FT-IR instruments
- Plate Beamsplitters
- Polka-dot Beamsplitters
- Custom Beamsplitter substrates and coatings (Request a Quote)
Additional applications where you’ll find Omega’s popular beamsplitters:
- Simultaneous RGB / IR imaging in medical camera systems, which capture color and infrared for remote patient monitoring
- Efficient signal routing in compact sensor systems for safety, defense, automotive, and healthcare.
Automotive Volume Capability from Sophisticated Coating Facilities
Omega Optical’s vertically integrated manufacturing locations offer you proprietary hard or soft coatings with extreme environmental durability and performance. Tight spectral control for repeatable and manufacturable performance across coating run batches. Production scalability from prototyping to OEM volumes comes from our award-winning optical design and engineering team.
While the main manufacturing facility in Vermont features advanced deposition technology, in-house metrology, and quality control systems tailored for automotive standards, we offer the security of multiple optic manufacturing facilities in the Northeast, which offer the same controls and cross-support.
Partnering with Omega for Performance and Speed
Omega’s engineering team is here to support Automotive OEMs, Tier 1 & 2 suppliers, as well as system integrators designing the next generation of ADAS modules. Our rapid prototyping capabilities and streamlined transition to high-volume production are worth mentioning again in this context. We understand that you rely on your vendors to ensure timely product deliveries, and therefore, we work diligently to keep your prototypes and blanket orders arriving on schedule.
Optics Engineered for the Road Ahead
Omega Optical is ready to meet the volume, precision, and customization needs of forward-looking ADAS technologies.
If your team is sourcing high-quality optics to ensure the safety, comfort, and performance of modern vehicles, we would appreciate the chance to speak with your team.
Request a Quote for your ADAS/ HUD/ LiDAR optics application.
