An Infrared (IR) Dome is a precision-engineered, dome-shaped optical component designed to transmit infrared radiation efficiently while protecting sensitive sensors and imaging systems housed within. IR domes are critical in applications where thermal imaging, infrared sensing, tracking, and surveillance must operate reliably under harsh environmental conditions.
Unlike flat windows, dome geometries minimize optical distortion over wide fields of view and offer superior aerodynamic and mechanical strength, making them ideal for defense, aerospace, and mobile infrared systems.
Key Features of Infrared (IR) Domes
- High Infrared Transparency: Optimized transmission in MWIR and LWIR bands, ensuring accurate thermal and IR signal capture
- Material Versatility: Manufactured from IR-transparent materials such as Germanium (Ge), Silicon (Si), Zinc Sulfide (ZnS), and Zinc Selenide (ZnSe)
- Environmental Protection: Shields IR sensors from dust, moisture, wind, sand erosion, and temperature extremes
- Optical Performance Stability: Maintains imaging quality under thermal shock and dynamic operating conditions
- Coating Compatibility: Supports AR and AR+DLC coatings for enhanced transmission and surface durability
- Customizable Design: Diameter, thickness, curvature, and coatings can be tailored to system requirements
Applications of Infrared (IR) Domes
- Thermal Imaging Systems: Used in surveillance, security, industrial inspection, and firefighting cameras to protect thermal sensors while maintaining accurate infrared transmission.
- Infrared Sensing & Detection: Applied in motion detection, temperature measurement, and gas sensing systems, enabling reliable IR signal reception in harsh environments.
- Military & Defense Systems: Employed in reconnaissance, target acquisition, missile guidance, and seeker systems where durability, aerodynamic performance, and IR transparency are critical.
- Aerospace & Aviation: Used in aircraft, UAVs, drones, and satellite payloads for navigation, surveillance, and remote sensing applications.
- Scientific Research & Instrumentation: Utilized in laboratories and research facilities for experiments involving thermal radiation, material analysis, and environmental monitoring.
IR Dome Materials Offered
- Germanium (Ge): High refractive index and excellent LWIR transmission
- Silicon (Si): Cost-effective option for NIR and MWIR applications
- Zinc Sulfide (ZnS): Rugged material suitable for harsh and defense environments
- Zinc Selenide (ZnSe): Excellent MWIR transmission and laser compatibility
General Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Ge, Si, ZnS, ZnSe |
| Diameter Range | 20 mm – 200 mm |
| OD Tolerance | ±0.02 mm – ±0.1 mm |
| Center Thickness Tolerance | ±0.03 mm – ±0.1 mm |
| Total Height Tolerance | ±0.02 mm – ±0.05 mm |
| Concave Sag | ±0.02 mm – ±0.05 mm |
| Surface Quality | 80/50, 60/40, 40/20 |
| Surface Roughness | Ra ≤ 0.04 μm |
| Surface Accuracy | PV λ/2, λ/4 |
| ETV | ≤ 5′ |
| Transmittance | AR ≥97% / DLC+AR ≥90% |
Shapeoptics IR Dome Capabilities
Shape Optics Technologies manufactures high-quality Infrared (IR) domes using state-of-the-art fabrication equipment and precision polishing techniques, supporting both prototype and volume production.
With over 20 years of optical manufacturing expertise, Shape Optics delivers reliable, high-performance IR dome solutions for mission-critical applications.