The Cutting Edge Coatings (CEC) GmbH was founded in 2007 by Dr. Kai Starke in Hannover, Germany as a spin-off of the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH). CEC focuses on the production and development of the company´s own ion beam sputtering (IBS) coating system „NAVIGATOR“. IBS is known as the physical vapor deposition (PVD) process that produces the highest quality thin film. Compared to other coating processes, IBS is known for extremely dense coatings, low optical losses, low absorption, high laser irradiation resistance (LIDT) and high durability in harsh environments. The IBS systems combine decades of experience in optical thin-film technology with the special requirements of our customers to continuously improve the quality of their coatings.