ZnSe Infrared Lenses
Chemical vapor deposited (CVD) zinc selenide lenses offering broadband infrared transmission from 0.6um to 18um. The standard material for CO2 laser (10.6um) optics and versatile MWIR/LWIR imaging systems. Plano-convex, meniscus and aspheric designs.
Key Specifications
Material Options
Select the optimal optical material based on your wavelength, power, thermal environment and mechanical requirements.
- CVD ZnSe (Standard) — Multi-spectral grade. Broadest IR transmission. Standard for CO2 laser and thermal imaging.
- CVD ZnSe (CO2 laser grade) — Optimized for 10.6um with lowest absorption. Highest LIDT for CO2 laser cutting and welding.
- Multi-spectral ZnSe — For systems spanning visible alignment (600nm+) through LWIR. Allows HeNe or visible alignment beam.
Coating Options
Coatings are engineered around your specific wavelength and operating conditions.
- AR @ 10.6um (CO2) — R < 0.5% per surface. Standard for CO2 laser focusing and beam delivery.
- DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) — Hard protective overcoat. Essential for workshop environments. Prevents coating degradation from moisture and handling.
- BB AR (0.6-18um) — R < 2% across full transmission range. For multi-wavelength IR systems with visible alignment.
- AR @ 3-5um (MWIR) — R < 0.5% per surface. For MWIR thermal imaging with visible alignment capability.
Manufacturing Tolerances
We optimize specifications to match your system requirements — not over-specify. Tighter tolerances increase cost without always improving system performance. Typical manufacturing capabilities:
- Surface quality: from 60-40 to 10-5 scratch-dig
- Surface flatness: from λ/4 to λ/20 per inch
- Dimensional tolerance: ±0.01mm to ±0.05mm
- Centration: <3 arc min standard, <30 arc sec precision
Inspection & Quality
Every component undergoes 100% inspection before shipment with full documentation including interferometer reports, spectral curves, surface quality images and dimensional data.
- Laser interferometry: λ/100 resolution
- Spectrophotometry: 190nm – 25μm
- Surface inspection: MIL-PRF-13830B compliant
- Dimensional metrology: ±0.01mm accuracy
Applications
- CO2 laser (10.6um) cutting, welding and engraving optics
- Thermal imaging camera lenses (MWIR and LWIR)
- FLIR and infrared surveillance systems
- IR spectroscopy focusing optics
- Medical laser beam delivery (CO2 surgical lasers)
- Gas sensing and environmental monitoring
- IR pyrometry and temperature measurement
- Free-space IR communication systems
Engineering Considerations
ZnSe vs Ge for CO2 lasers: ZnSe is the standard material for CO2 laser (10.6um) optics because it transmits from 600nm (visible red alignment beam possible) to 18um. Germanium is opaque below 2um and cannot pass visible alignment beams. For CO2 laser systems, ZnSe is preferred.
DLC coating is recommended: ZnSe is moderately soft (Mohs ~3.5) and susceptible to environmental degradation. DLC (diamond-like carbon) overcoat dramatically improves scratch resistance and environmental durability, especially for industrial laser workshop environments.
Temperature limitation: ZnSe begins to absorb significantly above ~120 degrees C. For high-average-power CO2 laser systems (>2kW), monitor optic temperature and consider active cooling or alternative materials for the output optics.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Technical Resources
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