Knight Optical’s top-selling products in June 2026
June’s best-selling products highlight the demand for precision optics across machine vision, automotive, scientific and manufacturing applications. The top products include Hot Mirrors for managing NIR wavelengths in imaging systems, PMMA Plastic Lenses that enable cost-effective, high-volume optical designs, and Transmission Spheres for high-accuracy interferometric testing.
Although these optical components serve very different functions, they share a common goal: improving optical system performance. Whether enhancing colour fidelity in machine vision cameras, reducing weight and cost in LiDAR systems, or enabling nanometre-level measurement of optical surfaces, these components help engineers achieve greater accuracy, efficiency and reliability.
Hot Mirrors
Hot mirrors are used in optical systems to reflect NIR wavelengths (R(avg) > 95% @ 780-1150 nm) typically away from a detector or sensor, whilst transmitting visible light. The optic itself does not heat up (unless KG1 filter glass which absorbs the NIR wavelengths).
Stock capabilities: Dimensions from 25 mm to 100 mm available.
Custom capabilities: Can offer different dimensions.
Application: Machine vision cameras (in front of sensors to block NIR from reaching them and improving colour accuracy), microscopes (heat management)
Industry: Machine vision, scientific.
Transmission Spheres
The innovative design of Kreischer Transmission Spheres allows for the measurement of an extended range, accommodating larger radii of curvature on convex surfaces compared to other transmission spheres on the market.
Stock capabilities:
- 4” and 6” apertures with a bayonet mount
- Designed for 633 nm Fizeau interferometers
- Polished to lambda/20
- Innovative Kreischer design which allows for an extended measuring range, accommodating larger radii of curvature on convex surfaces.
- 4” series – F-numbers available F/0.56-F/3.3 and 6” series – F/1.1-F/2.4
Custom capabilities: We can offer lambda/10-lambda/40 polish. Custom wavelengths including 532 nm, 1064 nm, 1550 nm, and 3.39 µm.
Application: Interferometric testing of optics for surface accuracy, wavefront measurement of optical systems.
Industry: Scientific (optical manufacturing and testing).
PMMA Plastic Lenses
Cost-effective lenses manufactured from PMMA material (plastic). As these lenses are moulded, this is a great option for high volume requirements.
Stock capabilities: Knight Optical offers aspheric and spherical plastic lenses with focal lengths ranging from 4.87 mm to 63 mm. We also offer a lens set which is one of each lens type.
Custom capabilities: We can offer plastic lenses manufactured to your specifications – diameter/focal length/applied coating.
Application: Lenses in LiDAR systems (where may require lightweight and cost-effective options)
Industry: Automotive, machine vision
Need something different?
We specialise in precision-engineered optical solutions, offering extensive customisation across components, optical assemblies, and services to meet the exact needs of your application.
We have a wide range of stock and custom optical components, and our in-house team will provide expert advice, whether you’re working from an existing design or starting from scratch.
Contact our technical sales team to discuss your requirements.