Zinc Selenide Optics: Precision for Infrared Systems
Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) is a vital material for infrared (IR) optical components. Synthesized from zinc, ZnSe offers high resistance to thermal shock and is prized for its wide transmission range—from the visible spectrum through the long-wave IR. Its minimal absorption, particularly in the red, along with excellent optical homogeneity, makes it indispensable for high-performance IR systems. From laser-based instrumentation to advanced thermal imaging, ZnSe components play a crucial role in beam steering, image manipulation, and dispersion.
Why Choose ZnSe for Your IR Optics?
ZnSe is a material produced through vapor deposition, renowned for its superior performance in mid- and long-wave IR applications.- Broad Transmission: Transmits effectively across a wide spectrum, from 0.6 µm to 21 µm.
- High Efficiency: Achieves approximately 70% transmission between 1 µm and 15 µm.
- Low Absorption: Exhibits very low absorption at critical CO₂ laser wavelengths (e.g., 10.6 µm).
- Refractive Index: Features a refractive index of 2.4028 at 10.6 µm, ideal for CO₂ laser systems.
Avantier’s ZnSe Optical Component Family
We offer a diverse range of ZnSe optical components, each engineered for specific functions within demanding IR environments.ZnSe Prisms
Our ZnSe prisms are designed for precision beam manipulation and spectral dispersion.- Right-Angle Prisms: Ideal for 90° beam deflection and 180° image rotation, commonly used in IR alignment tools and CO₂ laser systems.
- Wedge Prisms: Used for slight beam deviation and steering, often found in IR beam combining and splitting applications.
- Pellin-Broca and Dispersive Prisms: Essential for spectrometers and FTIR systems requiring precise wavelength separation in the mid-IR range.
- Roof and Dove Prisms: Employed in compact thermal imaging systems for image rotation and inversion.
Other ZnSe Components (Customizable)
In addition to prisms, we offer custom manufacturing of other ZnSe optical components to meet your specific system requirements. Contact us to discuss your needs for:- Lenses: For focusing and collimating IR beams.
- Windows: For protective enclosures with high IR transparency.
- Beam Splitters: For dividing IR beams with precise ratios.
Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges: Avantier’s Expertise
Manufacturing ZnSe components requires specialized techniques due to the material’s inherent properties. Our advanced processes ensure superior quality and performance.- Material Softness and Fragility: ZnSe’s relative softness (Knoop hardness ~120) and brittleness necessitate precision handling to prevent chipping, scratching, and microcracks during machining and handling.
- Surface Quality Control: Achieving exceptional surface flatness and low scatter is challenging. We mitigate sub-surface damage during polishing, especially on steep prism angles or small geometries.
- Coating Adhesion: The soft, hygroscopic nature of ZnSe can complicate uniform, durable thin-film coatings. We employ specialized surface preparation and coating techniques to prevent delamination.
- Thermal Sensitivity: ZnSe’s relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion (~7.6 × 10⁻⁶ /K) demands strict thermal management during fabrication, coating, and use, particularly in high power laser systems.
- Tight Tolerances: We consistently achieve angular accuracy below 1 arcminute, even on complex or miniature components.
Our Solutions:
- Precision CNC Grinding: Utilizing ultra-fine diamond tools and optimized parameters to minimize material stress and edge chipping.
- Advanced Polishing: Employing modified pitch polishing with sub-abrasive slurries to reduce surface micro-damage and maintain figure accuracy.
- Cleanroom Coating Facilities: Applying coatings in controlled environments using advanced techniques like Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS) and e-beam evaporation, enhanced with adhesion layers.
- Rigorous Metrology and Inspection: Utilizing interferometry, autocollimators, and angle measurement systems to ensure precise angular tolerances and inspect surface quality.
- Protective Packaging: All finished components are handled with soft-tipped tools and packaged with non-abrasive optical materials to prevent damage during transport and storage.
Our offerings:
We provide a wide range of ZnSe optical components, designed and manufactured to the highest standards for various IR applications. Our capabilities extend to custom solutions to meet your precise specifications.
Transmission Wavelength (um) | ZnSe Lenses | ZnSe Windows | ZnSe Prisms | ZnSe Filters | ZnSe Mirrors |
0.5 – 20 | Φ1-500mm | Φ1-500mm | 1-100mm | Φ1-500mm | Φ1-500mm |
Applications Across Industries
Our ZnSe optical components are integral to a wide array of high-performance systems.- Laser Optics: Essential for beam manipulation and scanning in CO₂ laser systems.
- Thermal Imaging: Used in IR camera modules for compact light path folding and image correction.
- Spectroscopy: Dispersive ZnSe prisms are crucial in FTIR systems for analyzing organic compounds, polymers, and gases.
- Industrial Sensing & Automation: Integrated into IR sensors for non-contact temperature measurement and process control.
Your Partner for ZnSe Optical Solutions
Avantier’s ZnSe optical components offer an effective combination of optical performance and IR transparency for precision systems operating in the mid- to long-wave infrared range. Their versatility and wide adoption across defense, medical, industrial, and scientific sectors underscore their importance. With our expertise in advanced manufacturing, coating, and polishing techniques, we can custom-tailor ZnSe components to meet the stringent demands of your advanced optical systems.Related Content
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