Optical Lenses

Germanium Infrared Lenses

Single-crystal germanium lenses for mid-wave and long-wave infrared optical systems operating from 2um to 14um. High refractive index (n=4.0) enables compact, fast f-number designs ideal for thermal imaging, FLIR systems, and IR spectroscopy.

Material

Germanium

Availability

Standard / Custom

Germanium Infrared Lenses

Key Specifications

MaterialSingle-crystal Germanium (Ge)
Transmission Range2 - 14 um (opaque below 2um)
Refractive IndexNd = 4.003 @ 10.6um
Diameter Range6mm - 150mm
Focal Length Range10mm - 500mm
Surface Quality40-20 / 20-10 (MIL-PRF-13830B)
Surface Flatnesslambda/4 @ 632.8nm (test at 10.6um)
Centration< 3 arc min
CoatingAR @ 3-5um / AR @ 8-12um / DLC
Density5.32 g/cm3

Available specifications vary by material and configuration. Contact engineering for exact capabilities.

What Is Germanium Infrared Lenses?

Germanium infrared lenses are fabricated from single-crystal germanium (Ge) for mid-wave and long-wave infrared applications. With a refractive index near 4.0, germanium enables compact, high-power lens designs for thermal imaging systems.

When Should You Use This Product?

Use germanium lenses for thermal imaging (MWIR/LWIR), FTIR spectroscopy, and IR imaging systems operating from 2µm to 14µm. The high refractive index allows shorter focal lengths and more compact optical assemblies.

Available Optical Materials

MaterialAvailabilitySpec Sheet
Germanium Standard / Custom See material page

All materials are available in standard and custom thicknesses. Browse all 30+ optical materials →

Optical Coating Options

Anti-Reflection (AR)

Single-layer or multi-layer AR coatings for specific wavelength bands. Reduce reflection to below 0.5% per surface.

High-Reflection (HR)

Dielectric HR coatings for laser mirrors and cavity optics. Reflectivity >99.5% at design wavelength.

Broadband AR

BBAR coatings for wide spectral range applications. Low reflection across 400-700nm or other bands.

Laser Line Coatings

Optimized for specific laser wavelengths: 266nm, 355nm, 532nm, 1064nm, 10.6µm, etc.

Custom Coating

Custom coating designs for unique wavelength ranges, angles of incidence, and polarization requirements.

Engineering Considerations

Wavelength Selection

Material and coating selection must be matched to your operating wavelength band. We can help optimize for single-wavelength or broadband use.

Tolerance Budget

Surface quality, flatness, and centration tolerances directly impact cost. Our engineers can help balance performance requirements with manufacturability.

Thermal Considerations

High-power or wide temperature range applications require careful material selection to minimize thermal lensing and wavefront distortion.

Environmental Durability

For harsh environments, consider material chemical resistance, coating durability, and packaging options. We can provide MIL-spec testing on request.

Applications

Medical & Life Sciences

Biocompatible optics for endoscopy, microscopy, and diagnostic imaging.

Aerospace & Defense

Ruggedized optics for thermal imaging, targeting, and aerospace systems.

Research & Laboratory

Custom and catalog optics for university and R&D laboratory setups.

Manufacturing & Customization

30+
Optical Materials
Custom
Sizes & Shapes
ISO 9001
Certified Facility
4-6 wks
Custom Lead Time

Quality Assurance

Every component undergoes comprehensive inspection before shipment. Our quality control process includes:

  • Dimensional verification with calibrated metrology equipment
  • Surface quality inspection per MIL-PRF-13830B standards
  • Coating performance verification with spectrophotometry
  • Centration and wedge angle measurement
  • Cleanroom packaging for critical applications

Learn more about our quality processes →

You May Also Need

Browse All Products

Explore our complete catalog of optical components

AI Optical Engineer

Get instant material and coating recommendations

Evidence Center

Inspection reports, coating curves, test data

Related Knowledge

Application Note

Surface Quality: Scratch-Dig Explained

Understanding MIL-PRF-13830B surface quality specifications and what they mean for your application.

Knowledge Center

Optical Materials Guide

Compare 30+ optical materials by wavelength range, properties, and typical applications.

Engineering Documentation

PDF

Germanium Infrared Lenses - Datasheet

Standard specifications, available options, and ordering information

Request →
DWG

Germanium Infrared Lenses - Drawing Template

Standard drawing with full dimension callouts and tolerance information

Request →
3D

3D CAD Model (STEP)

3D solid model for integration into your optical design software

Request →

Documentation available upon request. Custom specifications require engineering review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are germanium infrared lenses used for?

Germanium Infrared Lenses are used in optical systems where precise control of light is required. Common applications include laser systems, imaging, spectroscopy, and scientific instrumentation.

What is the wavelength range?

The usable wavelength range depends on the selected material and coating. Please refer to the material specifications above or contact our engineering team for guidance.

Can I order custom sizes or specifications?

Yes. PhotonEdge offers custom diameters, focal lengths, and coating specifications outside our standard catalog. Custom specifications typically require 4-6 weeks lead time.

What coatings are available?

We offer a range of standard and custom coatings including AR, HR, broadband, and laser-line options. Coating selection depends on your wavelength range and application requirements.

What quality standards do you follow?

Our manufacturing facility is ISO 9001:2015 certified. All components undergo rigorous inspection including dimensional verification, surface quality assessment, and coating performance testing.

Do you provide inspection reports?

Yes. Inspection documentation including dimensional reports, surface quality verification, and coating performance data can be provided according to project requirements.

What is the typical lead time?

Standard catalog components typically ship within 2-4 weeks. Custom specifications require 4-8 weeks depending on complexity. Contact us for expedite options.

How do I request a quote?

Click the 'Request Engineering Quote' button above. Please provide your required specifications, wavelength, coating, surface quality, and quantity for an accurate quotation.

Not sure which option is right for your project?

Describe your system requirements and our AI Optical Engineer will recommend materials, coatings, and specifications instantly.

Try AI Optical Engineer →