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Find out more about our custom infrared lenses
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Infrared lenses (IR lenses) play a pivotal role in the diverse fields of defence, aerospace, robotics, and automation. We at Knight Optical, leaders in custom optical solutions, have extensive expertise in delivering our valued clients a precision infrared lens or multiple IR lenses.
We offer a wide range of infrared lens types including cylindrical, planoconvex/concave, and meniscus lenses. To minimise system aberrations, we also provide achromatic and aspheric options, including diamond-turned aspheric lenses. We can also offer IR receiver lenses and IR corrected lenses.
Our portfolio boasts a variety of infrared materials, such as:
- Germanium IR Lenses
- Silicon
- Zinc selenide/Zinc sulphide
- Sapphire, with transmission capabilities extending from UV to mid-infrared.
- Fluoride materials like Calcium Fluoride (CaF2), Barium Fluoride (BaF2), and Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2), which offer transmission from UV to IR.
- AMTIR and other amorphous chalcogenide glasses.
For more in-depth details on Knight Optical’s infrared materials, visit our infrared optics page where each substrate’s capabilities are outlined.
To further optimise your infrared lenses, we offer a range of coatings such as antireflective (AR) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings. These coatings can be tailored to target specific wavelength ranges, including NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR, making them well-suited for thermal imaging applications.
Both our stock and custom infrared lenses come quality-assured. Get in touch with our technical sales team to discover how Knight Optical’s high-quality IR lenses and impeccable service can elevate your instrumentation and supply chain experience.
Speak to our experts about your Custom IR Lens needs today
Call +44 (0)1622 859444 Call +1 401 583 7846Make a quick enquiry about Custom Infrared Lenses Now
Dive into the forefront of optical solutions. Got questions about an optical product? Reach out now and let our expertise guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are Infrared Lenses and How are They Used?
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Infrared lenses are optical lenses that are designed to transmit and focus infrared wavelengths. Factors such as the material and coating will influence the degree of transmission. Common substrates include germanium, silicon, zinc selenide, and sapphire. IR lenses are key components in applications like thermal imaging systems and infrared spectroscopy.
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What are IR Corrected Lenses and Why are They Important?
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An IR Corrected Lens has been designed to provide optimal imaging performance in both the visible and infrared wavelength regions. The optical lens is designed to correct optical aberrations in both of these wavebands to provide improved imaging which can be critical in applications such as multispectral imaging, surveillance (including cameras with day/night functionality), remote sensing, and machine vision. Material is a key factor here with substrates that transmit both in the visible and infrared ranges being selected such as sapphire and calcium fluoride.
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What are the Key Considerations When Choosing Infrared Optics?
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There are multiple factors that need to be considered when choosing an infrared optic. These include the wavelength range, the material, coatings, the optical design, integration into the system, and many more. The wavelength range will determine what materials are suitable and the operating wavelengths of coating, if applied. The system and application need to be considered when designing the optic. For example, if space and weight are limiting factors, then an infrared aspheric lens may be required. Price is also a key factor – infrared optics can be costly and need to be considered when designing infrared optics for an optical system.
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Typical Applications
Thermal Imaging
In the realm of thermal imaging, or thermography, germanium stands out as an ideal material for crafting IR lenses. This is chiefly due to its exceptional transmission capabilities within the MWIR and LWIR thermal wavebands.
CO2 lasers
Zinc selenide IR lenses are frequently employed in CO2 laser applications, owing to their broad transmission range. Specifically, these lenses cover both the HeNe laser wavelength (632.8nm) and the CO2 laser wavelength (10.6µm), making them versatile choices for CO2 laser optics.
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With our in-house state-of-the-art metrology laboratory you can be confident that your optical components will meet your requirements. You can find out more about our testing facilities here.
Operating for over 30 years
Knight Optical has been operating for over 30 years, with our managing director Colin Overton at the helm. Over this time, we have become a global leader in the production and distribution of scientific optical components and bringing quality into focus for all of our products and services that we provide.
Our Catalogue
Inside Knight Optical’s catalogue you’ll find details of the industries we serve as well as the many other services we can offer. It also showcases hundreds of our most popular products, supported by useful technical information, to help you choose the right part for your application.
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