Chalcogenide glass is a class of infrared optical glass primarily composed of chalcogen elements from Group 16 of the periodic table, including sulfur (S), selenium (Se), and tellurium (Te), often combined with elements such as germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), or antimony (Sb).
Due to its exceptional infrared transmission, high refractive index, and excellent moldability, chalcogenide glass has become a critical material for mid-infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) optical systems, particularly where traditional oxide glasses and crystalline materials face limitations.
General Manufacturing Specifications – Chalcogenide Glass Optics
Flat Shape (Windows & Plates)
Material Options: Ge, Si, ZnSe, ZnS, Chalcogenide Glasses
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameter Tolerance | ≤ 0.03 mm |
| Curvature Radius | ΔSag < 0.005 |
| Center Thickness Tolerance | ≤ 0.025 mm |
| Edge Thickness | ≤ 0.03 mm |
| Surface Quality | 40/20 |
| Transmittance | AR ≥97% / DLC+AR ≥90% |
| Surface Power | N < 2, ΔN < 1 |
| Flatness | < 10 μm |
| Decentration | Window ≤30′ / Lens ≤1.5′ |
Spherical Shape (Lenses)
Diameter Range: 12 mm – 450 mm
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameter Tolerance | 0.05 mm |
| Center Thickness Tolerance | 0.02 mm |
| Surface Quality | 20/10, 10/5 |
| Surface Accuracy | PV λ/10, λ/20 |
| Surface Roughness | Ra ≤0.04 μm |
| Local Error | ≤0.5 |
| Decentration | ≤1′ |
| Total Height Tolerance | ±0.02 mm |
| Concave Sag | ±0.02 mm |
Aspheric Shape (Precision IR Optics)
Aspheric Turning Diameter: 12 mm – 200 mm
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameter Tolerance | 0.05 mm |
| Center Thickness Tolerance | 0.02 mm |
| Surface Quality | 20/10, 10/5 |
| Surface Accuracy | PV λ/10, λ/20 |
| Surface Roughness | Ra ≤0.04 μm |
| Local Error | ≤0.5 |
| Decentration | ≤1′ |
| Total Height Tolerance | ±0.02 mm |
| Concave Sag | ±0.02 mm |
Shapeoptics Chalcogenide Glass Capabilities
Shape Optics Technologies partners with leading manufacturers to deliver high-quality infrared chalcogenide glass optics, produced using state-of-the-art equipment and precision manufacturing techniques.
With over 20 years of optical manufacturing experience, Shapeoptics delivers reliable, high-performance IR optical solutions for defense, industrial, medical, and scientific applications.