Infrared optical components in a precision photonics laboratory

700 nm – 14 µm

Infrared Precision Optical Components

High-performance IR optics engineered for thermal imaging, spectroscopy, sensing, and defence applications from 700 nm to 14 µm.

Infrared Optics Expertise

iC Optronics supplies a comprehensive range of precision infrared optical components, carefully sourced from leading manufacturers to meet the exacting requirements of thermal imaging systems, FTIR spectrometers, gas sensing instruments, defence electro-optics, and industrial process monitoring.

Our IR optics portfolio spans the near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral regions. Substrate options include germanium, zinc selenide, zinc sulphide, silicon, calcium fluoride, barium fluoride, and chalcogenide glass — each selected to deliver maximum transmission, minimal absorption, and long-term environmental stability.

IR Component Types

A broad portfolio of precision infrared optical elements

IR Lenses

Plano-convex, plano-concave, meniscus, and aspheric lenses in germanium, ZnSe, ZnS, and silicon. Available with BBAR, DLC, and hard carbon coatings for MWIR and LWIR bands.

IR Windows & Substrates

Precision-polished flat windows for thermal cameras, vacuum chambers, and process monitoring ports. Supplied in Ge, ZnSe, ZnS, Si, CaF₂, BaF₂, and sapphire to customer specification.

IR Mirrors

Gold, protected gold, and dielectric IR mirrors for beam steering, off-axis parabolic focusing, and cavity design across NIR to LWIR. Custom radii, substrates, and coatings available.

IR Beamsplitters

Plate and cube beamsplitters for SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR laser lines including 1064 nm, 2 µm, CO laser (5 µm), and CO₂ laser (10.6 µm). Polarising and non-polarising variants.

IR Prisms

Dispersing and reflecting prisms in ZnSe, germanium, and silicon for FTIR instruments, spectroscopy systems, and IR beam manipulation applications.

IR Filters

Bandpass, longpass, shortpass, and notch filters for IR wavelength selection, laser line isolation, and detector protection. Custom centre wavelengths and bandwidths to order.

IR Diffraction Gratings

Ruled and holographic gratings optimised for NIR, MWIR, and LWIR spectral regions. Used in FTIR spectrometers, gas analysers, and wavelength-selective instruments.

Aspheric & Freeform IR Optics

Single-point diamond-turned aspheric and freeform elements in germanium, ZnSe, and chalcogenide glass for compact thermal imaging and sensing systems.

Substrate Materials

Germanium (Ge)2 – 14 µmThe most widely used MWIR/LWIR substrate. High refractive index (n≈4), excellent thermal imaging performance. Requires AR coating for high transmission.
Zinc Selenide (ZnSe)0.6 – 16 µmBroadband IR transmission from visible to LWIR. Low absorption at CO₂ laser wavelengths (10.6 µm). Preferred for high-power laser optics and FTIR beam paths.
Zinc Sulphide (ZnS)0.4 – 12 µmMultispectral grade ZnS transmits from visible to LWIR. Harder and more durable than ZnSe. Used in dual-band and multispectral imaging systems.
Silicon (Si)1.2 – 7 µmLightweight, hard, and chemically resistant. Excellent for MWIR windows and substrates. Low density makes it ideal for weight-sensitive airborne systems.
Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂)0.13 – 10 µmBroadband transmission from deep-UV to mid-IR. Low refractive index and low dispersion. Used in FTIR spectrometers and broadband instruments.
Barium Fluoride (BaF₂)0.15 – 12 µmExcellent mid-IR transmission to 12 µm. Used in FTIR detector windows, cryogenic applications, and high-energy laser systems.

IR Optics Applications

Thermal Imaging & Defence

MWIR and LWIR camera lenses, windows, and filters for thermal sights, missile seekers, UAV payloads, and situational awareness systems.

FTIR & Gas Spectroscopy

Beamsplitters, windows, lenses, and gratings for Fourier-transform infrared spectrometers and gas concentration analysers.

Industrial Process Monitoring

IR windows and sensors for non-contact temperature measurement, flame detection, and process gas analysis in industrial environments.

Medical & Life Sciences

Mid-IR optics for breath analysis, tissue diagnostics, pharmaceutical QC, and non-invasive glucose monitoring instruments.

Astronomy & Space

Cryogenic IR windows, filters, and lenses for ground-based and space-borne infrared telescopes and Earth observation instruments.

Subsea & Environment

Robust IR windows and housings for subsea ROV cameras, environmental gas monitoring, and remote sensing payloads.

Need IR Optics for Your Application?

Our infrared optics specialists can help you select the right substrates, coatings, and components for your SWIR, MWIR, or LWIR system.