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Infrared lens

Current model: SSK-HWTJ


Infrared lenses are the core components of infrared optical systems, and their material properties directly influence the system’s spectral response, imaging quality, and environmental adaptability. Currently, the mainstream materials for infrared lenses include germanium (Ge), silicon (Si), and chalcogenide glasses, each with distinct advantages in terms of optical characteristics, physical properties, and application scenarios.

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Infrared lenses are the core components of infrared optical systems, and their material properties directly influence the system’s spectral response, imaging quality, and environmental adaptability. Currently, the mainstream materials for infrared lenses include germanium (Ge), silicon (Si), and chalcogenide glasses, each with distinct advantages in terms of optical characteristics, physical properties, and application scenarios.
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1.  Germanium ( Germanium, Ge )

Overview
Germanium is a high-refractive-index infrared optical material, widely used in the mid-infrared range ( 3–5 µm ) and far infrared ( 8–12 µm ) Optical systems are widely used, particularly in infrared thermal imaging, surveillance, pyrometers, and military optical equipment.

Key Features

Band range: 2–14 µm , covering the mid- to far-infrared range

Refractive index: n≈4.0 ( @10 µm ), the imaging system is designed to be compact.

Transmittance: High transmittance, coated AR The membrane can reach >98%

Thermal properties: Low thermal expansion ( 6.1×10 ⁻⁶ / ° C ), low temperature drift

Density: relatively high ( 5.33 g/cm³ ), the weight is somewhat heavy

Advantages

High transmittance in the infrared band.

Good thermal stability, with stable imaging under temperature variations.

The machining accuracy can reach λ/10

Disadvantages

Opaque to visible light ( <2 µm )

High density, weight‑limited miniaturized devices

Under high temperatures, the transmittance will decrease significantly (exceeding 100°C There will be performance degradation.)

Typical Applications
Infrared thermal imaging lenses, seeker lenses, laser rangefinder receivers, and surveillance thermal imaging systems

Parameter Introduction Table

Parameter Category

Numerical value /  Scope

Explanation

Operating band

2 – 14 µm

Both mid- and far-infrared are acceptable.

Refractive index

4.003 @10 µm

High refractive index, compact design

Transmittance

≥95% (Uncoated) / ≥98% ( AR Coating)

High infrared transmittance

Density

5.33 g/cm³

Relatively heavy

Coefficient of thermal expansion

6.1×10 ⁻⁶ / ° C

Good thermal stability

Thermal conductivity

60 W/(m·K)

Strong thermal conductivity

Mohs hardness

6.0

Medium hardness

Diameter machining range

Ø5 mm – Ø200 mm

Spherical surface /  Aspheric

Thickness machining range

1 mm – 25 mm

Aperture and design requirements

Surface accuracy

λ/4 – λ/10 @632.8 nm

Interference detection accuracy

Surface roughness

Ra ≤ 5 nm

High-quality polishing

Coating type

Single band AR , multi-band AR 、 DLC

Enhance transmittance and protection

Temperature resistance range

-60°C ~ +100°C

Transmittance decreases at high temperatures.

2. Chalcogenide glass ( Chalcogenide Glass )

Overview
Chalcogenide glasses are a class of materials based on sulfur ( S ), selenium ( Se ), tellurium ( Te ) infrared optical glass whose main component is, for example, AMTIR-1 、 IRG Series. Its refractive index and transmittance fall between those of germanium and silicon, and it can be processed using low-cost forming techniques such as casting and molding, making it well suited for the mass production of aspheric infrared lenses.

Key Features

Band range: 0.8–12 µm

Refractive index: n≈2.4 ( @10 µm )

Transmittance: High transmittance, particularly well suited for mid- and long-wave infrared.

Density: approximately 4.5 g/cm³ , moderate weight

Processability: Can be compression-molded, suitable for mass production of aspheric optics.

Advantages

Supports visible and infrared multi-band design.

Aspheric lenses can be manufactured in large quantities at low cost.

The material exhibits excellent homogeneity and stable optical performance.

Disadvantages

It has low mechanical strength and is not suitable for high-impact environments.

High coefficient of thermal expansion (approximately 18×10 ⁻⁶ / ° C )

Sensitive to acidic and alkaline environments, requiring a surface protective coating.

Typical Applications
Handheld infrared thermal imagers, infrared sights, vehicle-mounted thermal imaging cameras, and security thermal imaging systems.

Parameter Introduction Table

Parameter Category

Numerical value /  Scope

Explanation

Operating band

0.8 – 12 µm

Covered, visible in the longwave infrared.

Refractive index

~2.4 @10 µm

Medium refractive index

Transmittance

≥95% (Uncoated) / ≥98% ( AR Coating)

Transmittance is stable.

Density

~4.5 g/cm³

Moderate weight

Coefficient of thermal expansion

18×10 ⁻⁶ / ° C

High thermal expansion

Thermal conductivity

~0.9 W/(m·K)

Lower

Mohs hardness

2.5 – 3.0

Softer

Diameter machining range

Ø5 mm – Ø150 mm

Supports compression molding

Thickness machining range

1 mm – 20 mm

Mass Production of Aspheric Surfaces

Surface accuracy

λ/4 – λ/8 @632.8 nm

General precision

Surface roughness

Ra ≤ 10 nm

Polished or molded surface

Coating type

AR , moisture-proof, scratch-resistant

Enhanced protective performance

Temperature resistance range

-60°C ~ +200°C

Protective coatings can enhance

3. Silicon ( Silicon, Si )

Overview
Silicon is a lightweight, high-hardness infrared optical material, primarily used in… 1.2–8 µm Band (near-infrared to mid-infrared). With high mechanical strength and excellent thermal conductivity, it is well suited for use in high-temperature, high‑shock environments and is commonly employed in outdoor and military optical systems.

Key Features

Band range: 1.2–8 µm (Transmittance is optimal in the mid-wave infrared.)

Refractive index: n≈3.42 ( @4 µm )

Transmittance: High transmittance, especially in 3–5 µm Excellent band performance

Density: 2.33 g/cm³ , lightweight

Mechanical properties: High hardness (Mohs hardness 7 ), high thermal conductivity

Advantages

Lightweight, suitable for lightweight devices.

High strength and excellent scratch resistance.

High thermal conductivity and excellent high-temperature resistance (up to +600°C )

Disadvantages

Long-wave infrared ( >8 µm ) Transmittance decreases significantly.

Precision coating is required to enhance anti-reflective performance.

It has high machinability, and its processing cost is slightly higher than that of germanium.

Typical Applications
Infrared camera window, laser scanning system, infrared detector protective window, airborne / Shipborne Infrared System

Parameter Introduction Table

Parameter Category

Numerical value /  Scope

Explanation

Operating band

1.2 – 8 µm

Near-infrared /  Best in the mid-infrared range

Refractive index

3.42 @4 µm

Medium to high refractive index

Transmittance

≥90% (Uncoated) / ≥97% ( AR Coating)

Mid-wave infrared performs best.

Density

2.33 g/cm³

Lightweight materials

Coefficient of thermal expansion

2.6×10 ⁻⁶ / ° C

Extremely low, with minimal temperature drift.

Thermal conductivity

150 W/(m·K)

Excellent thermal conductivity

Mohs hardness

7.0

High hardness

Diameter machining range

Ø5 mm – Ø200 mm

Spherical surface /  Aspheric

Thickness machining range

1 mm – 25 mm

Depending on the optometric design

Surface accuracy

λ/4 – λ/10 @632.8 nm

High-precision detection

Surface roughness

Ra ≤ 5 nm

High-polish quality

Coating type

AR , multi-band AR 、 DLC

Scratch Resistance and Protection

Temperature resistance range

-60°C ~ +600°C

Suitable for high-temperature environments

 

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Upon unpacking and use, the standard package includes the above accessories.

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