An IR lens is an optical lens designed to collimate, focus, or collect infrared light. At Avantier Inc., we produce high performance IR Optics such as IR lenses for use with near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectra. These Infrared lenses can be customized for specific areas of the infrared spectrum, and are suitable for applications in defense, life science, medical, research, security, surveillance and other industries.
Why Choose Avantier for Your Infrared Optics Needs
Whether you require one-off production of single infrared (IR) lens assembly for a specialized research project or a large quantity of fixed-focus IR lenses for industry use, you need to know you can count on your provider. When you work with Avantier, you know you are getting the best product possible, at the best possible price. Our engineers design for manufacturability and work hard to ensure you get an optimized product at an optimal price and within an optimal time frame. That’s because we’ve done it, again and again.
Our extensive experience in infrared optics enables us to both design and produce the highest quality lenses and assemblies for IR light. State of the art metrology and a robust quality control program means that every lens with the Avantier name on it will perform exactly as intended, and we check and double check that each component meets your full specification. Our manufacturing processes meet all applicable ISO and MIL standards, and our IR lenses are well known throughout the world.
Types of Infrared Lenses
Infrared light is classified as light between the wavelengths of 1 mm to about 700 nm. Infrared IR radiation can be further divided into several categories:
- Near infrared lenses (NIR Lenses) 0.75–1.4 μm, used for night vision devices, near-infrared spectroscopy and fiber optic telecommunication
- Short wave infrared lenses (SWIR Lenses). 1.4–3 μm, used for fiber optics and long-distance telecommunications
- Mid wave infrared lenses (MWIR Lenses ). 3–8 μm, used for detecting gas leaks and guided missile technology
- Long wave infrared lenses (LWIR Lenses). 8–15 μm, a region used for thermal imaging
The substrate chosen for a lens will depend partly on which IR region it is designed for. For instance, Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) lenses are a good choice for radiation between 80 nm – 8 μm and so would be ideal for NIR SWIR wavelengths. Zinc Selenide has optimal transmission from 8 – 12μm, although it offers partial transmission over 0.45 μm to 21.5 μm and Zinc Sulfide (good transmission in 8-12µm, or partial transmission from 0.35 to 14µm).
Avantier and IR Lens Design
Our experienced engineers and consultants can help you determine the best substrate and antireflective or reflective coating best fits your application. Every situation is unique, and we can help you find a cost effective solution that meets your need. Whether you need special resistance to mechanical and thermal shock, or good performance in rugged environments, we can select the perfect substrate for you. We can also help design your IR lens or optical lens assembly. From basic lens selection (singlet, aspherical lens, spheric lens, cylindrical lens, custom shape lens) to design of aspheric lenses arranged in a complex opto-mechanical device, or any other infrared optical assembly, we have you covered.
Avantier can provide lenses in chalcogenide material. Chalcogenide is an amorphous glass and is easier to process than traditional IR crystalline materials.
Chalcogenide glass is an ideal material for both high performance infrared imaging systems and high volume commercial applications. Chalcogenide glass is available in a variety of chemical composition options, but BD6, composed of arsenic and selenium (As 40 Se 60), is the best choice in terms of cost and ease of production. Chalcogenide infrared glass materials and lenses are also an excellent alternative to expensive, commodity price-driven materials such as Ge, ZnSe, and ZnS2. Chalcogenide glass primarily transmits in the MWIR and LWIR wavelength bands, making it suitable for infrared imaging applications.
Please contact us if you’d like to schedule a free consultation or request for a quote on your next project.
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