Infrared Lenses (IR Lenses)

Avantier designs and manufactures custom infrared (IR) lenses for advanced applications in

  • Manufacturing
  • Defense and security
  • Scientific research
  • Medical diagnostics

IR lenses operate beyond the visible light spectrum, capturing and focusing infrared radiation to enable high-precision thermal imaging and detection.

Key IR Lens Types

We offer optical systems across the full infrared spectrum, including:

Each lens type is optimized for its target wavelength range and application.

IR Lens
MWIR Lens
Germanium MWIR Lens
SWIR Lens
LWIR Lens
Germanium LWIR Lenses
NIR Lens
Motorized MWIR Lens

Factory Standard (Manufacturing Capability)

SWIR lens MWIR lens LWIR lens NIR lens
Wavelength 0.9 um-2.5 um 3 um-5 um 8 um-12 um 0.9 um-1.5 um
Focal length 25 mm 50 mm 6 mm 25 mm
F/# 2.5 0.94 1 2
Sensor 2/3″ 2/3″ 1″ 2/3″
FOV 25° 13° 128° 25°

Custom IR Lens Options

Avantier specializes in fully customized IR lens systems, from prototyping to volume production.

  • Custom Specifications: Tailored to meet your exact performance metrics, from resolution to spectral response.
  • Lens Types
    • Aspherical lenses
    • Spherical lenses
    • Cylindrical lenses
    • Custom geometries and assemblies
  • Precision Optical Design: Our engineers use advanced simulation software to optimize for:
    • Thermal stability
    • Low distortion
    • Aberration correction
    • High transmission efficiency
  • Material Selection Guidance: Based on your target infrared band and operating environment, we select optimal substrates to ensure durability and performance.
  • Custom Coatings: We offer anti-reflection (AR) coatings tailored to the target spectral range:
    • Visible
    • NIR
    • SWIR
    • MWIR
    • LWIR
    • Coatings improve optical transmission, minimize reflection losses, and provide environmental protection.
  • Advanced Manufacturing: Using high-precision processes like diamond turning, CNC machining, and precision molding, we deliver IR optics with exceptional surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

Material Selection

Our IR lenses are fabricated using infrared-transparent materials, such as:
  • Germanium (Ge)
  • Zinc Selenide (ZnSe)
  • Chalcogenide glass
  • Zinc Sulfide (ZnS)
  • Silicon (Si)
  • Sapphire (Al₂O₃)
  • Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂)
  • Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) – as needed for specialized applications
These materials offer high refractive indices and are selected for optimal spectral performance and aberration correction. The optical parameters are as follows:
Refractive index Transmission spectrum
CaF2 1.414@3.5 μm 0.23-9.7 μm
Ge 4.033@3.5 μm 2-15 μm
Chalcogenide 2.0~3.0@10μm 0.6-20 μm
CdTe 2.677@8.0 μm 6-22 μm
Sapphire 1.695@3.5 μm 0.2-5.5 μm
Si 3.428@3.5 μm 1.36-11 μm
ZnSe 2.417@8 μm 0.55-18 μm
ZnS 2.223@8 μm 0.42-18 μm

Stock IR Lenses

Stock IR Lenses

Part Number

Focal Length (mm)

F#

Sensor (μm)

FOV (°)

Wave Length (μm)

Focus Method

Focus Range

Mount

MBFL (mm)

Dimensions (mm)

AVTHG-1001

2

1.3

160×120, 12μm

72.36°(D)×57.36°(H)×43°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.2m~∞

M7×0.25

1.4

Ф7×L2.5

AVTHG-1002

2.1

1.21

160×120, 12μm

65.6°(D)×52°(H)×39°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.05m~∞

M8×0.25-6g

3.075

Ф8×L2.8

AVTHG-1004

1.5

1

256×192, 12μm

167°(D)×121°(H)×88°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.3m~∞

M14×0.5-5h

3.7

Ф16×L11.5

AVTHG-1006

1.67

1.25

256×192, 12μm

160.5°(D)×120.8°(H)×84.2°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.1m~∞

M9×0.25-6g

2.4

Ф9×L3.23

AVTHG-1007

3.5

1

256×192, 12μm

62°(D)×49.1°(H)×36.7°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.1m~∞

M14×0.5

4

Ф15×L9

AVTHG-1008

4

1

256×192, 12μm

56.63°(D)×44.36°(H)×32.8°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.2m~∞

M17×0.75

4.8

Ф17×L10.6

AVTHG-1010

5.6

1

256×192, 12μm

40.2°(D)×32.3°(H)×24.3°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.1m~∞

M14×0.5

5.4

Ф16.5×L10.2

AVTHG-1011

7

1

256×192, 12μm

30.86°(D)×24.8°(H)×18.7°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.2m~∞

M14×0.5

3.923

Ф15×L9

AVTHG-1012

9

1

256×192, 12μm

24.56°(D)×19.63°(H)×14.71°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.2m~∞

M17×0.75

5.3

Ф17×L10.1

AVTHG-1014

9

0.8

256×192, 12μm

24°(D)×19.31°(H)×14.55°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.5m~∞

Flange

-2.28

W24.2×H24.2×L20.9

AVTHG-1015

10

1

256×192, 12μm

17.4°(H)×13.12°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.2m~∞

M14×0.5

3.7

Ф16×L11.5

AVTHG-1016

10

0.8

256×192, 12μm

21.78°(D)×17.45°(H)×13.12°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

Flange

-2.28

W24.8×H24.7×L20.9

AVTHG-1018

13

0.9

256×192, 12μm

16.7°(D)×13.42°(H)×10.09°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M24×1-6g

8.23

Ф27.5×L28.2

AVTHG-1019

15

0.8

256×192, 12μm

14.62°(D)×11.7°(H)×8.78°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.5m~∞

Flange

-2.28

W26.52×H26.52×L24.72

AVTHG-1020

19

1

256×192, 12μm

9.22°(H)×6.93°(V)

8-12

Manual

1m~∞

Flange

3.69

55.6×57.1×43.8

AVTHG-1021

25

1

256×192, 12μm

8.8°(D)×7°(H)×5.2°(V)

8-12

Manual

1m~∞

Flange

3.69

55.6×57.1×44.8

AVTHG-1023

3.9

1.2

160×120, 17μm

49.1°(D)×39.63°(H)×29.91°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.1m~∞

Flange

6

W30×H47xL20.9

AVTHG-1024

7.5

1.1

320×240, 12μm

37.2°(D)×29.54°(H)×22°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.1m~∞

Flange

6

Ф47×L20.9

AVTHG-1025

7.5

1

320×240, 12μm

37.59°(D)×32.32°(H)×24.01°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.2m~∞

Flange

12

Ф47×L20.9

AVTHG-1027

2.73

1

320×256, 12μm

136.5°(D)×92°(H)×69.68°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.2m~∞

M20×0.5-6g

7.61

Ф20×L12.6

AVTHG-1028

3.2

1.2

384×288, 12μm

120.64°(D)×90.2°(H)×65.1°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.3m~∞

Flange

5.95

W15×H15×L8.68

AVTHG-1029

3.54

1.2

384×288, 12μm

107.29°(D)×80.14°(H)×57.77°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.2m~∞

Flange

5.95

W15×H15×L8.35

AVTHG-1030

4

1

384×288, 17μm

110.61°(D)×90.42°(H)×68.75°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M34×0.5-6g

7.5

Ф38×L28.8

AVTHG-1032

4

1.1

384×288, 12μm

78.2°(D)×64.1°(H)×48.9°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.5m~∞

Flange

5

W21×H21×L15.2

AVTHG-1037

5.3

1.2

384×288, 12μm

63.50°(D)×50.11°(H)×37.3°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.2m~∞

Flange

4.875

W18×H18×L12.825

AVTHG-1038

6.2

1

384×288, 17μm

78.64°(D)×61.88°(H)×45.94°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M34×0.5-6g

8

Ф36×L19.8

AVTHG-1040

6.3

1.1

384×288, 12μm

53.13°(D)×42.08°(H)×31.38°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M17×0.75-6g

6

Ф20×L13.7

AVTHG-1043

6.8

1.2

384×288, 17μm

67.18°(D)×54.08°(H)×40.75°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.3m~∞

M17×0.75-6g

6.1

Ф20×L14.1

AVTHG-1044

6.8

1

384×288, 12μm

50.16°(D)×39.54°(H)×29.39°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M34×0.75-6g

7.3

Ф34×L19.7

AVTHG-1045

7.5

1.2

384×288, 17μm

59.15°(D)×48.25°(H)×36.76°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.1m~∞

Flange

8

W30×H47xL25.9

AVTHG-1046

9

1

384×288, 12μm

37.17°(D)×29.53°(H)×22.08°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M20×0.5-6g

7.5

Ф22×L13.5

AVTHG-1049

13

1

384×288, 17μm

35.43°(D)×28.51°(H)×21.48°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M20×0.75-6g

7.5

Ф22×L16

AVTHG-1051

13

0.9

384×288, 12μm

25.28°(D)×20.24°(H)×15.19°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M31×0.75-6g

7.43

Ф31×L22.5

AVTHG-1052

13

0.3

384×288, 12μm

25.25°(D)×20.24°(H)×15.23°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M34×0.5

5.8

Ф36×L14.4

AVTHG-1054

15

1

384×288, 12μm

21.8°(D)×17.5°(H)×13.15°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.3m~∞

M34×0.75-6g

9.3

Ф39×L28.7

AVTHG-1055

15

1

384×288, 12μm

21.35°(D)×17.25°(H)×13.04°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.5m~∞

Flange

-2.28

W24.2×H24.2xL21

AVTHG-1056

19

1

384×288, 17μm

24.56°(D)×19.68°(H)×14.78°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M25×0.75-6g

7.32

Ф28×L24.6

AVTHG-1058

19

1

384×288, 12μm

17.15°(D)×13.78°(H)×10.37°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.5m~∞

Flange

5.425

W24.4×H27xL21.08

AVTHG-1059

19

1.2

384×288, 12μm

17.1°(D)×13.79°(H)×10.39°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.5m~∞

Flange

4.475

Ф22.5×L19

AVTHG-1060

25

1

384×288, 17μm

18.73°(D)×14.98°(H)×11.23°(V)

8-12

Manual

1m~∞

M33×0.75-6g

8.5

Ф45×L36.5

AVTHG-1061

25

1

384×288, 12μm

13.23°(D)×10.57°(H)×7.92°(V)

8-12

Manual

1m~∞

Flange

6.72

Ф49×L41.2

AVTHG-1064

5

1

400×300, 12μm

84.4°(D)×61.7°(H)×43.71°(V)

8-12

Fixed

5m~∞

M24×0.5-6g

4.5

Ф25.35×L15

AVTHG-1066

50

1

400×300, 17μm

9.69°(D)×7.77°(H)×5.83°(V)

8-12

Fixed

4m~∞

M34×0.5-6g

9.5

Ф58.4×L57.5

AVTHG-1067

4.1

1.2

640×512, 12μm

127.03°(D)×103.65°(H)×84.24°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.2m~∞

M20×0.5-6g

9.5

Ф22×L20.1

AVTHG-1068

4.62

1

640×512, 12μm

121.1°(D)×95.06°(H)×76.17°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.1m~∞

M20×0.5-6g

7.61

Ф24.2×L23.2

AVTHG-1071

6

1

640×512, 8μm

61.6°(D)×47.5°(H)×38.03°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M12×0.5

3.86

Ф15×L7.78

AVTHG-1072

6

0.8

640×512, 8μm

62.54°(D)×48.74°(H)×39.01°(V)

8-12

Manual

2m~∞

Flange

4.47

W17×H17×L14.3

AVTHG-1075

6.9

1

640×512, 12μm

81.41°(D)×63.4°(H)×50.69°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.4m~∞

Flange

5.425

W21×H21×L20

AVTHG-1077

7.8

1.2

640×512, 14μm

90.1°(D)×62.44°(H)×50.92°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M30×0.5-6g

10

Ф34.5×L28.3

AVTHG-1080

9

0.9

640×512, 8μm

40.26°(D)×32.95°(H)×25.79°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M14×0.5-6g

4.92

Ф20×L11.6

AVTHG-1081

9.1

1

640×512, 12μm

63.1°(D)×48.6°(H)×38.6°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M20×0.5-6g

7.5

Ф22×L13.5

AVTHG-1082

9.1

1.2

640×512, 12μm

63.78°(D)×48.59°(H)×38.62°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.3m~∞

M20×0.5-6g

7.5

Ф22×L24

AVTHG-1083

9.1

1.1

640×512, 12μm

61.9°(D)×48.02°(H)×38.44°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.3m~∞

M18×0.5-6g

6.6

Ф19×L13.5

AVTHG-1086

9.1

1.2

640×512, 12μm

60.23°(D)×47.51°(H)×38.24(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.2m~∞

M20×0.5-6g

9

Ф20×L15

AVTHG-1089

11.5

1.2

640×512, 12μm

37.368°(H)×30.2°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M19×0.5

8

Ф20×L11.8

AVTHG-1090

12

1

640×512, 12μm

45.3°(D)×35.82°(H)×28.88°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

Flange

4.55

W17×H17×L16.85

AVTHG-1091

12

1

640×512, 12μm

44.67°(D)×35.54°(H)×28.73°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

Flange

4.55

W17×H17×L15.95

AVTHG-1092

12.3

1

640×512, 10μm

35.6°(D)×28.55°(H)×23.2°(V)

8-12

Manual

2m~∞

Flange

5.3

Ф18.2×L12.91

AVTHG-1093

16.5

1

640×512, 12μm

33.16°(D)×26.34°(H)×21.27°(V)

8-12

Fixed

1.5m~∞

M33×0.75-6g

8.5

Ф36×L20.1

AVTHG-1095

13

1.2

640×512, 12μm

42.45°(D)×33.42°(H)×26.87°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M20×0.5-6g

8.5

Ф20×L13.5

AVTHG-1096

13

1

640×512, 12μm

44.27°(D)×35.1°(H)×28.31°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.5m~∞

Flange

8.67

Ф47.6×L32.4

AVTHG-1097

13

1

640×512, 12μm

42.93°(D)×33.96°(H)×27.4°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

Flange

4.55

W17.3×H17.3×L15.9

AVTHG-1099

13.5

1

640×512, 12μm

41.73°(D)×32.68°(H)×26.26°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.8m~∞

M17×0.5-6g

7.2

Ф19×L18.59

AVTHG-1100

19

1

640×512, 17μm

41.6°(D)×32.67°(H)×26.24°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.8m~∞

M34×0.5-6g

9.5

Ф34.9×L26

AVTHG-1101

19

1

640×512, 12μm

29.14°(D)×22.93°(H)×18.43°(V)

8-12

Fixed

1m~∞

M25×0.5-6g

9

Ф28×L20

AVTHG-1103

19

1

640×512, 12μm

29.15°(D)×22.87°(H)×18.4°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M25×0.5-6g

9

Ф28×L20

AVTHG-1107

25

1

640×512, 12μm

22.47°(D)×17.5°(H)×14.01°(V)

8-12

Manual

3m~∞

M34×0.75-6g

8.2

Ф40×L38.21

AVTHG-1109

35

1

640×512, 17μm

22.3°(D)×17.67°(H)×14.18°(V)

8-12

Fixed

5m~∞

M34×0.5-6g

8.01

Ф43×L39.5

AVTHG-1110

35

1

640×512, 12μm

16.09°(D)×12.63°(H)×10.15°(V)

8-12

Manual

3m~∞

Flange

3.69

57.1×55.6×42.9

AVTHG-1111

35

0.8

640×512, 12μm

16.09°(D)×12.58°(H)×10.07°(V)

8-12

Fixed

3m~∞

Flange

6.9

Ф49.5×L47.93

AVTHG-1112

35

1

640×512, 12μm

15.94°(D)×12.48°(H)×10.02°(V)

8-12

Manual

5m~∞

Flange

2.06

W54.31×H56.6×L43.1

AVTHG-1113

35

0.9

640×512, 12μm

15.88°(D)×12.44°(H)×10°(V)

8-12

Fixed

3m~∞

M46×0.75-6g

10.71

Ф51×L40.69

AVTHG-1116

37.5

1

640×512, 12μm

14.95°(D)×11.7°(H)×9.38°(V)

8-12

Manual

3m~∞

Flange

-2.56

W53×H66.8xL60.95

AVTHG-1117

40

1

640×512, 17μm

13.95°(D)×10.94°(H)×8.78°(V)

8-12

Fixed

10m~∞

M27×0.5-6g

8.7

Ф46×L40.5

AVTHG-1119

45

1.2

640×512, 12μm

12.5°(D)×9.8°(H)×7.85°(V)

8-12

Fixed

5m~∞

M23×0.5-6g

7

Ф43×L41.9

AVTHG-1120

50

1

640×512, 17μm

15.79°(D)×12.40°(H)×9.98°(V)

8-12

Fixed

3m~∞

M34×0.5

9.5

Ф58.4×L48.64

AVTHG-1121

50

1

640×512, 17μm

15.79°(D)×12.40°(H)×9.98°(V)

8-12

Electronic

3m~∞

M34×0.75

7.5

Ф59.5×L75×81

AVTHG-1123

50

1

640×512, 12μm

11.21°(D)×8.79°(H)×7.06°(V)

8-12

Manual

5m~∞

Flange

6.5

W60.8×H68.95×L59.75

AVTHG-1125

50

1

640×512, 12μm

11.13°(D)×8.73°(H)×7.01°(V)

8-12

Manual

5m~∞

M34×0.75-6g

10.21

Ф56.5×L47.29

AVTHG-1127

50

1

640×512, 12μm

11.17°(D)×8.75°(H)×7.02°(V)

8-12

Manual

5m~∞

M34×0.75-6g

9.2

Ф56.5×L60.6

AVTHG-1132

120

1.2

640×512, 17μm

6.66°(D)×5.2°(H)×4.16°(V)

8-12

Electronic

10m~∞

M45×1

9

Ф136×L137

AVTHG-1133

180

1.2

640×512, 17μm

4.46°(D)×3.46°(H)×2.71°(V)

8-12

Electronic

0.5m~1.5m

M45×1

9

Ф198×L279.8

AVTHG-1134

8.7

1.2

1280×1024, 12μm

109.56°(D)×90.45°(H)×75.1°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M34×0.5-6g

9

Ф54×L56

AVTHG-1135

10

1.2

1280×1024, 12μm

96.36°(D)×79.88°(H)×66.4°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.5m~∞

Flange

7.875

Ф46.8.×L44.8(min)

AVTHG-1136

14

1

1280×1024, 12μm

74.9°(D)×59.94°(H)×48.75°(V)

8-12

Fixed

0.5m~∞

M30×0.75-6g

9.5

Ф54×L52.9

AVTHG-1137

14.5

1.1

1280×1024, 12μm

77.57°(D)×60.99°(H)×48.95°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.5m~∞

Flange

7.875

Ф42×L35.05(min)

AVTHG-1138

35

1

1280×1024, 12μm

31.5°(D)×24.7°(H)×19.9°(V)

8-12

Fixed

5m~∞

M34×0.75

8

Ф42.5×L39.5

AVTHG-1140

35

1

1280×1024, 12μm

30.91°(D)×24.49°(H)×19.83°(V)

8-12

Manual

5m~∞

Flange

7.66

Ф43×L36.8

AVTHG-1141

50

1.2

1280×1024, 12μm

22.2°(D)×17.4°(H)×14°(V)

8-12

Manual

2m~∞

Flange

7.86

Ф48.8×L50.4

AVTHG-1142

50

1

1280×1024, 12μm

22.15°(D)×17.38°(H)×13.96°(V)

8-12

Manual

3m~∞

M45×1-6g

9.18

Ф62×L0.9 (max)

AVTHG-1144

55

1

1280×1024, 12μm

20.22°(D)×15.92°(H)×12.8°(V)

8-12

Fixed

4m~∞

M34×0.5-6g

9.5

Ф68×L72

AVTHG-1145

75

1.2

1280×1024, 12μm

14.93°(D)×11.67°(H)×9.35°(V)

8-12

Fixed

7m~∞

Flange

7.86

Ф70×L75.29

AVTHG-1146

75

1

1280×1024, 12μm

15.01°(D)×11.7°(H)×9.36°(V)

8-12

Manual

8m~∞

Flange

7.97

Ф86×L83(min)

AVTHG-1147

75

1

1280×1024, 12μm

15.05°(D)×11.75°(H)×9.41°(V)

8-12

Electronic

10m~∞

Flange

12.5

Ф99×L107.5

AVTHG-1149

100

1

1280×1024, 12μm

11.39°(D)×9.13°(H)×6.85°(V)

8-12

Electronic

20m~∞

Flange

12.5

Ф134×L122.23

AVTHG-1150

100

1.2

1280×1024, 12μm

11.23°(D)×8.77°(H)×7.03°(V)

8-12

Electronic

25m~∞

Flange

12.5

Ф107×L109.42

AVTHG-1153

150

1.2

1280×1024, 12μm

7.51°(D)×5.85°(H)×4.69°(V)

8-12

Electronic

30m~∞

Flange

/

Ф161×L171.11

AVTHG-1155

55

1

1920×1080, 8μm

18.41°(D)×16.07°(H)×8.9°(V)

8-12

Fixed

10m~∞

M45×1

9

Ф66×L63.5

AVTHG-1156

3.9

1.2

160×120, 17μm

49.1°(D)×39.63°(H)×29.91°(V)

8-12

Manual

0.1m~∞

Flange

6

W30×H47xL20.9

AVTHG-1158

35

1

384×288, 17μm

13.34°(D)×10.68°(H)×8°(V)

8-12

Fixed

2m~∞

M33×0.5-6g

11

Ф47.6×L48.5

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Technical Resources

How Does an Infrared Lens Work?

Unlike visible light, infrared light—also known as infrared radiation (IR)— is undetectable to the human eye and standard optical systems such as conventional cameras or the retina. Infrared lenses are engineered to overcome this limitation by:
  • Capturing infrared radiation emitted or reflected by objects in the environment
  • Focusing this radiation onto a specialized IR sensor within the camera system
This enables the generation of thermal or infrared images, which visualize temperature differences and energy signatures.

Key Functional Aspects:

  • Material transparency: IR lenses are made from materials like germanium or zinc selenide, which are transparent to IR wavelengths but opaque to visible light.
  • Wavelength range: Typical operating ranges begin at 700 nm (near-infrared) and extend into the long-wave IR (up to ~14 µm), depending on application.
  • Design differences: Unlike standard optical lenses, IR lenses are optimized for minimized chromatic aberration, thermal stability, and high transmission in specific IR bands.
By combining the lens with IR filters, sensors, and camera electronics, the system becomes capable of capturing detailed thermal or IR imagery, critical for applications like surveillance, diagnostics, and industrial monitoring.
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Structure of Lens

An infrared imaging lens, often referred to as an objective lens or machine vision lens, is composed of several functional parts:
Infrared Lenses, IR lenses, custom IR lenses, stock IR lenses, stock infrared lenses, germanium infrared lenses, germanium IR lenses
Diagram of a lens
  • Focus Adjustment Ring: Changes the focal distance (working distance) between the lens and the object.
  • Iris/Aperture Ring: Adjusts the F-number (f/#) to control light intake and image quality.
  • Thumbscrews: Lock settings in place to prevent accidental shifts.
  • Lens Information: Printed on the barrel—includes focal length, minimum f/#, and model number.
  • Working Distance Range: Indicates the focusing range of the lens.
  • f/# Tick Marks: Help set the aperture precisely.
  • Filter Thread: Mounting point for filters; adapters may be needed for wide-angle lenses.
  • Camera Mount: Connects the lens to a camera (e.g., C-Mount, F-Mount, TFL-Mount).
  • Rear Protrusion: Portion that extends into the camera—must avoid sensor or filter interference.
  • First and Last Optical Surfaces: Define working distance and optical path.
  • Lens Shoulder & Flange Distance: Ensure proper mounting alignment and sensor positioning.
  • Image Plane: Where the lens focuses light—typically the camera sensor.

Cooled vs. Uncooled Infrared Detectors

Cooled IR Detectors

  • Used in: MWIR and LWIR imaging
  • Cooling Required: Yes (often liquid nitrogen)
  • Advantages:
    • High sensitivity and image resolution
    • Long detection range
  • Applications: Aerospace, defense, high-end scientific imaging
Cooled lenses must align with a cold stop, which increases lens complexity and size but ensures better thermal noise suppression.

Uncooled IR Detectors

  • Used in: Mostly LWIR imaging
  • Cooling Required: No
  • Advantages:
    • Compact, cost-effective
    • Operates at room temperature
  • Disadvantages: Lower sensitivity and slower response
  • Applications: Civilian use, building inspection, automotive systems
Uncooled IR lenses typically have low F-numbers (f/1–f/2) to maximize thermal signal capture and are optimized for wide fields of view.
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a Cooled MWIR lens
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an Uncooled, long wave infrared lens

Types of Infrared Lenses (IR Lenses)

Infrared lenses are typically categorized by the wavelength range they are designed to capture. Each type is suited for different applications and detector technologies.

Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Lenses

  • Wavelength: 800–1700 nm
  • Key Features:
    • Works with reflected IR light
    • High-resolution imaging
    • Performs well in low-visibility environments (e.g., smoke)
  • Applications:
    • Semiconductor inspection
    • Anti-counterfeiting
    • Medical diagnostics
    • Quality control and machine vision
SWIR lenses reveal material properties invisible to visible light systems, such as water absorption and silicon transparency.

Medium-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Lenses

  • Wavelength: 3000–5000 nm (3–5 μm)
  • Key Features:
    • Captures emitted thermal radiation from hot objects
    • Requires cooled detectors
    • Higher resolution than LWIR
  • Applications:
    • Fire detection
    • Engine diagnostics
    • Military target acquisition
    • Long-distance surveillance
MWIR is ideal for scenarios with higher object temperatures and offers superior performance in humid environments.
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The relationship between radiation exitance and temperature

How to Select the Right Infrared Lens

Matching Wavelength Bands to Application Needs


The first and most critical step is to align the IR lens’s wavelength band with your application’s requirements. Each band offers distinct advantages:

  • Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR, 0.9-1.7μm): Ideal when reflected light imaging is paramount. SWIR lenses excel in applications requiring strong penetration through smoke/fog, high contrast, and the ability to capture microstructures. Think semiconductor wafer defect detection, covert night vision, and biometric identification.
  • Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR, 3-5μm): Best suited for high-temperature object thermal radiation detection. MWIR lenses offer high atmospheric transmittance and often provide superior sensitivity compared to long-wave IR. They are perfect for industrial equipment overheating warnings (e.g., kilns) and long-range target identification in border surveillance.
  • Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR, 8-14μm): The go-to for perceiving thermal radiation from objects at room temperature without needing an active light source. LWIR lenses are highly resistant to environmental interference. Common uses include human body temperature measurement (e.g., medical screening), power equipment heat leakage detection, and general night security surveillance.

Core Technical Parameters for Optimal Performance

Once the wavelength band is determined, delve into these technical specifications to fine-tune your lens selection:

  • Focal Length and Field of View (FOV):
    • For large-area monitoring (e.g., ports, forest fire prevention), opt for wide-angle lenses (e.g., 45° FOV).
    • For long-distance recognition and detailed inspection of remote targets, telephoto lenses (e.g., 75mm focal length) are essential.
    • For dynamic scenes like UAV inspections, zoom lenses offer flexibility, allowing you to balance resolution with an appropriate F-number (typically 0.7-1.2).
  • Infrared Resolution and Thermal Sensitivity:
    • Resolution: While 640 x 480 pixels (LWIR) often suffices for most scenarios, 1280 x 1024 pixels (SWIR) is crucial for precision detection in applications like semiconductor inspection.
    • Net Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD): A lower NETD indicates higher thermal sensitivity. An NETD of ≤ 40mK (LWIR) allows for the identification of a 0.05°C temperature difference, whereas below 30mK is necessary for sensitive tasks such as medical temperature measurement.
  • Optical Materials and Coating Technology:
    • SWIR lenses often incorporate chalcogenide glass or are designed to pair efficiently with InGaAs sensors, aiming for a photon detection efficiency above 70%.
    • LWIR lenses are typically crafted from high-purity germanium glass and require anti-reflection coatings to minimize energy loss and maximize light transmission.

Adapting to Special Environmental Demands

The operational environment significantly impacts lens choice. Consider these factors for specialized applications:

  • Extreme Temperatures:
    • For industrial scenes involving high temperatures, select high-temperature resistant lenses (e.g., those supporting up to 2000°C).
    • Outdoor equipment necessitates robust protection, such as IP68-rated enclosures constructed from 316 stainless steel to guard against corrosive elements like salt fog.
  • Light Conditions:
    • In no-light environments at night, LWIR non-cooling lenses with a large aperture (F1.0 or lower) are preferable to maximize light intake.
    • For active lighting scenes, ensure your SWIR lens matches the laser wavelength (e.g., 1.55μm) and that its field of view is consistent with the laser to avoid wasted light.
  • Infrared Illuminator Matching:
    • For applications like gate monitoring, the infrared light beam angle should be slightly narrower than the lens field angle. This helps prevent the “edge light screen effect,” where uneven light distribution causes bright spots at the image edges, obscuring the central view.
    • In complex lighting scenarios, a complementary strategy using both wide and narrow-angle lights can optimize thermal imaging uniformity.

Simple IR lens Selection WorkFlow

 

StepKey ConsiderationsTypical Parameter Examples
1. Fixed BandDetect target temperature/reflection characteristics20-2000℃ selects MWIR/LWIR
2. Select Focal LengthDetection range and coverageWide Angle 45° vs. super telephoto 75mm
3. Core PerformanceResolution, NETD, transmittance640 x 480 pixels + 30mK sensitivity
4. Test CompatibilityInterface sealing, detector matchingFascia connection dustproof is better than thread

Applications of Infrared Lenses

Infrared lenses are critical components in modern imaging systems, supporting diverse applications across multiple industries. From medical diagnostics to national defense, their ability to detect invisible infrared radiation makes them indispensable for thermal and spectral imaging.

Medical Instrumentation

Infrared lenses are widely used in thermal imaging and non-invasive diagnostics. Equipped with MWIR or LWIR lenses, infrared thermal cameras can detect subtle surface temperature variations on the skin—useful in identifying:
  • Inflammation
  • Circulatory issues
  • Cancerous growths
  • Endoscopic systems

Life Sciences

In life sciences and pharmaceutical research, infrared lenses enable precise NIR light focusing for:
  • Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy
  • Chemical composition analysis
  • Food quality inspection

Surveillance & Security

Infrared lenses play a pivotal role in night vision and thermal imaging surveillance.
  • SWIR lenses enhance visibility in low-light or obscured environments (smoke, fog, darkness).
  • LWIR lenses are widely used in thermal cameras to detect intruders and monitor infrastructure in all weather conditions.
  • Border security
  • Critical infrastructure monitoring
  • Law enforcement and crowd control

Aerospace & Defense

Defense systems rely heavily on MWIR and LWIR lenses for:
  • Long-range surveillance
  • Target acquisition and tracking
  • Navigation in low-visibility conditions
  • SWIR imaging also supports target recognition and identification, especially in harsh or camouflaged environments.
Optics for Aerospace and Defense
Aerospace & Defense
Optics for Life Science, Optics in Life Science Applications, optical filters in life sciences
Life Science
biomedical optics
Biomedical
Security & Surveillance

Industry Use Cases at a Glance

Application Area

Typical Infrared Lens Types

Use Cases

Life Sciences

NIR, SWIR

Spectroscopy, chemical imaging

Security & Surveillance

SWIR, LWIR

Night vision, perimeter monitoring

Medical

MWIR, LWIR

Thermography, diagnostics, endoscopy

Aerospace & Defense

MWIR, LWIR, SWIR

Reconnaissance, threat detection

 

As demand for infrared imaging continues to grow, several key trends are shaping the future of IR lens development:

Enhanced Performance

Advances in optical materials and coatings will lead to:
  • Higher IR transmission efficiency
  • Lower aberrations and distortion
  • Improved resolution and clarity

Miniaturization

With increasing demand for compact devices, IR lenses are being designed for:
  • Wearable medical monitors
  • Lightweight UAV and drone systems
  • Portable inspection tools

Multi-Spectral Imaging

Next-gen IR lenses may combine multiple wavelength bands (e.g., SWIR + MWIR), enabling:
  • Simultaneous data capture across the IR spectrum
  • Advanced imaging for agriculture, environment, and security

AI & Machine Learning Integration

When paired with AI-powered imaging systems, IR lenses can support:
  • Real-time threat recognition
  • Automated quality control
  • Predictive maintenance in industrial settings

Emerging Applications

As infrared imaging becomes more accessible, new use cases are emerging in:
  • Smart agriculture
  • Energy efficiency and HVAC diagnostics
  • Waste sorting and recycling

In Summary

Infrared lenses are advancing rapidly—enabling smarter, faster, and more accurate imaging across critical sectors. Whether it’s improving patient care, enhancing national security, or enabling better environmental analysis, IR lenses will remain at the forefront of innovation.

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