Infrared Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) is a compound semiconductor widely recognized for its excellent infrared transmission, low absorption, and strong thermal stability. With high transparency across the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) regions, ZnSe is a preferred material for precision optical components, including lenses, windows, prisms, and laser optics.
ZnSe is extensively used in thermal imaging systems, infrared spectroscopy, and high-power laser applications, particularly CO₂ laser systems, where optical clarity and resistance to thermal shock are critical. Its reliable performance in demanding environments makes Zinc Selenide a cornerstone material in modern infrared optical engineering.
Key Advantages of Infrared Zinc Selenide (ZnSe)
- Broad Infrared Transmission: High transparency from visible to long-wave infrared wavelengths
- Low Absorption Coefficient: Suitable for high-power and laser-based applications
- Excellent Thermal Shock Resistance: Performs reliably in harsh and high-temperature environments
- Coating Compatibility: Supports AR and DLC coatings for improved transmission and durability
- Manufacturing Flexibility: Available in flat, spherical, and aspheric optical forms
Applications of Infrared Zinc Selenide (ZnSe)
- Infrared Optics: Used for lenses, windows, and prisms in thermal imaging systems, night vision devices, and infrared spectroscopy due to excellent MWIR and LWIR transmission.
- Laser Systems: Widely applied as lenses and windows in high-power laser systems, especially CO₂ lasers operating in the mid-infrared range.
- Medical Imaging & Diagnostics: Utilized in infrared spectroscopy and thermal imaging systems for medical diagnostics, research, and patient monitoring.
- Defense & Security Systems: Employed in surveillance optics, target acquisition, missile guidance, and military-grade infrared imaging systems.
- Environmental Monitoring: Used in sensors and optical instruments for atmospheric gas detection, pollutant monitoring, and remote sensing applications.
- Industrial Process Control: Applied in infrared spectroscopy systems for real-time chemical analysis, temperature monitoring, and quality control in manufacturing environments.
General Manufacturing Specifications – ZnSe Optical Components
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 Infrared ZnSe Capabilities
Shape Optics Technologies works with advanced manufacturing partners to deliver high-quality Infrared Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) optical components, produced using state-of-the-art equipment and precision fabrication techniques.
With more than 20 years of optical manufacturing expertise, Shapeoptics provides reliable, high-performance ZnSe optics tailored to demanding infrared applications.