Chalcogenides Lens Customization

Description

Chalcogenide glass materials are composed of elements such as sulfur (S), selenium (Se), and tellurium (Te). These materials have unique properties that make them invaluable in various applications, especially in optics. Shape Optics offers advanced customization services for chalcogenide lenses, providing tailored solutions for various industries.

Properties and Uses in Infrared Optics

Chalcogenide lenses are ideal for mid-IR optics due to their wide transmission range (0.5 μm to 25 μm), low refractive index temperature coefficient (dN/dT), and low dispersion. These properties make them suitable for applications such as thermal imaging, IR spectroscopy, and laser systems. Compared to other IR materials like Germanium (Ge) and Zinc Selenide (ZnSe), chalcogenides offer higher production efficiency and lower costs, conserving scarce resources like Ge.

General Specifications

• Composition: Varies by grade (e.g., Ge33_{33}33​As12_{12}12​Se55_{55}55​, Ge22_{22}22​As20_{20}20​Se58_{58}58​)
• Density: 3.2 to 4.84 g/cm³
• Diameter: 1-25 mm
• Diameter Tolerance: Standard ±0.015 mm, Precision ±0.005 mm
• Thickness Tolerance: Standard 0.03 mm, Precision 0.005 mm
• Irregularity (P-V): Standard <1 μm, Precision <0.6 μm
• Irregularity (RMS): Standard 0.3 μm, Precision 0.08 – 0.15 μm
• Centering Error: 1′
• Surface Quality: Standard 60-40, Precision 20-10

Physical Properties

Chalcogenide glasses have higher densities compared to traditional optical glasses, enhancing their robustness. Their moderate thermal expansion coefficients ensure compatibility with various substrates and reduce thermal stress. These materials’ high transition temperatures indicate good thermal stability, making them suitable for high-temperature applications.

Mechanical Properties

Chalcogenide glasses have moderate hardness, making them easier to process and mold compared to harder materials like Ge and ZnSe. Precision molding technology enables the formation of flat, spherical, and aspherical lenses, enhancing their versatility. However, they are more prone to scratching, necessitating careful handling.

Chemical Properties

Chalcogenide glasses are chemically stable and resistant to water and most acids, ensuring durability in harsh environments. Their unique composition minimizes reactions with environmental elements, enhancing longevity. These properties make them suitable for applications where exposure to harsh chemicals is expected.

Optical Properties

Chalcogenide lenses exhibit excellent IR transmission, covering wavelengths from 0.5 μm to 25 μm. Their low dispersion and high refractive indices make them ideal for designing high-performance IR optics. These properties are advantageous for applications requiring precise light control, such as IR spectroscopy and thermal imaging.

Transmission Wavelength

The broad transmission range of chalcogenide lenses ensures their suitability for various IR applications. Their ability to transmit wavelengths from 0.5 μm to 25 μm allows them to be used in diverse fields such as defense, medical imaging, and environmental monitoring. This extensive range provides versatility in designing optical systems for a wide array of applications.

Rephrased Table of Chalcogenide Compositions

Grade	Composition	Density (g/cm³)
WIRG01	Ge33_{33}33​As12_{12}12​Se55_{55}55​	4.42
WIRG02	Ge22_{22}22​As20_{20}20​Se58_{58}58​	4.41
WIRG03	Ge20_{20}20​Sb15_{15}15​Se65_{65}65​	4.71
WIRG04	As30_{30}30​Sb4_{4}4​Se63_{63}63​Sn3_{3}3​	4.72
WIRG05	Ge28_{28}28​Sb12_{12}12​Se60_{60}60​	4.68
WIRG06	As40_{40}40​Se60_{60}60​	4.63
WIRG07	Ge10_{10}10​As40_{40}40​Se50_{50}50​	4.49
WIRG08	As40_{40}40​Se60_{60}60​	3.2
WIRG09	Ge30_{30}30​As13_{13}13​Se32_{32}32​Te25_{25}25​	4.84

Specifications for Chalcogenide Lens Manufacturing

Specifications	Standard	Precision
Diameter	1-25 mm	1-25 mm
Diameter Tolerance	±0.015 mm	±0.005 mm
Thickness Tolerance	0.03 mm	0.005 mm
Irregularity (P-V)	<1 μm	<0.6 μm
Irregularity (RMS)	0.3 μm	0.08 – 0.15 μm
Centering Error	1′	1′
Surface Quality	60-40	20-10

Shape Optics’ chalcogenide lenses offer superior performance for infrared optical systems. Their unique properties, including a wide transmission range, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, make them ideal for advanced IR applications. By leveraging the benefits of chalcogenide materials, Shape Optics provides customized solutions that meet the demanding requirements of modern infrared technology.