Systems having optical absorption layer for mid and long wave infrared and methods for making the same

An optical system according to one embodiment includes a substrate; and an optical absorption layer coupled to the substrate, wherein the optical absorption layer comprises a layer of diamond-like carbon, wherein the optical absorption layer absorbs at least 50% of mid wave infrared light (3-5 mum wavelength) and at least 50% of long wave infrared light (8-13 mum wavelength). A method for applying an optical absorption layer to an optical system according to another embodiment includes depositing a layer of diamond-like carbon of an optical absorption layer above a substrate using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, wherein the optical absorption layer absorbs at least 50% of mid wave infrared light (3-5 mum wavelength) and at least 50% of long wave infrared light (8-13 mum wavelength). Additional systems and methods are also presented.