Infrared Window

Description

1.  Features

• High Transmission: These infrared windows are designed for maximum light transmission, allowing precise data collection and measurements.
• High Precision: Manufactured to strict tolerances, these windows offer exceptional surface accuracy, essential for high-precision applications.
• Versatile Materials: Available in a wide range of materials including Silicon, Germanium, Zinc Selenide (ZnSe), Zinc Sulfide (ZnS), Sapphire, Calcium Fluoride (CaF2), and Barium Fluoride (BaF2), suitable for various infrared applications.
• Wide Size Range: Custom size options are available, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.
• Durable Coatings: The filters are equipped with durable coatings that protect the material and ensure longevity, even in demanding environments.

2. General Description

Infrared windows are essential optical components that allow for the passage of infrared radiation while protecting the underlying system or detector. These windows are designed to be transparent to infrared wavelengths and are made from various materials, including Silicon, Germanium, Zinc Selenide (ZnSe), Zinc Sulfide (ZnS), Sapphire, Calcium Fluoride (CaF2), and Barium Fluoride (BaF2). Shape Optics Technologies (SOT) manufactures high-quality infrared windows for applications such as thermography, IR detection, automotive night vision systems, and CO2 laser systems.

These windows are engineered with high precision to ensure optimal performance in a range of conditions. They feature high transmission rates, ensuring clear and accurate data capture. The window materials are selected based on the specific infrared wavelength range they must transmit, with different materials offering benefits in different wavelength regions.

SOT offers infrared windows in a variety of sizes and materials to cater to the unique needs of each application. The windows are manufactured to high tolerances with surface accuracy and parallelism to ensure their reliability in precision optical systems.

3. Spectrum Transmission Curves

The infrared windows offer tailored transmission profiles depending on the material and the specific wavelength of interest. SOT can provide customized solutions to meet specific wavelength transmission needs, with the option to adjust coatings and material properties. Custom window shapes and sizes are available on request to meet the exact needs of the application.

4. Coating Quality

SOT’s infrared windows are manufactured using the highest quality coatings to ensure exceptional performance in demanding applications.

• Adhesion Test: Compliant with MIL-C-675C military standards, the adhesion test involved applying tape meeting LT-90 specifications to the lens. The tape was removed three times without blistering or peeling.
• Temperature Test: SOT infrared windows pass a rigorous temperature test in line with MIL-C-675C standards, ensuring no film detachment after exposure to temperatures ranging from -62±1°C to 71±1°C.
• Abrasion Resistance: The windows meet MIL-C-675C and CCC-C-440 standards, and are subjected to abrasion testing with no damage after 25 tests.
• Humidity Test: Exposed to 95-100% humidity at 49±2°C for 24 hours, the windows passed with no signs of damage.
• Solvent and Cleaning: No peeling or scratching is observed after acetone and alcohol testing, ensuring durability in cleaning procedures.
• Salt Spray Test: After 100 hours in a saltwater solution at 35°C, the window coating remains intact.

5. Standard Specifications

6. General Applications and Examples

Infrared windows are integral components in systems where infrared radiation must be transmitted while protecting internal components. These applications include:

• Thermography: Infrared windows are essential in thermography systems used for temperature detection and thermal analysis.
• IR Detection: Used in infrared detectors for various monitoring systems, including environmental and security surveillance.
• Automobile Night Vision Systems: Infrared windows are used in automotive infrared vision systems to enhance driving safety in low-light conditions.
• CO2 Laser Systems: Employed in CO2 laser systems to isolate the infrared laser wavelengths and protect the system from damage.

SOT provides customized infrared windows to meet the specific requirements of each application, ensuring optimal performance in diverse environments.

7. SOT Strengths and Capabilities

Shape Optics Technologies (SOT) is renowned for its expertise in producing high-precision optical components. SOT’s commitment to quality ensures that each infrared window is manufactured to exacting standards, with a focus on durability, transmission efficiency, and material compatibility. With advanced manufacturing capabilities and a dedicated engineering team, SOT is well-equipped to provide customized solutions for diverse optical systems.

SOT’s strengths lie in its ability to produce infrared windows tailored to the exact needs of its customers, whether for scientific research, industrial use, or advanced security applications. Their focus on innovation and quality control guarantees products that perform reliably in even the most demanding environments.

8. Standard Products