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An infrared objective lens is an objective lens suitable for the infrared wavelength. The infrared wavelength refers to the three wavelengths of 1-3um, 3-5um and 8-14um, also known as the three atmospheric windows. Infrared objective lens has been widely used in temperature measurement, medical diagnosis, security supervision, forest fire prevention, agricultural planting and military reconnaissance, tracking, guidance and other fields, is a very important lens type.
Because infrared light is much longer than visible light, the detector pixel size used is relatively large, and the infrared objective lens generally does not have high requirements for the line frequency, and the design of the infrared objective lens is relatively simple. However, infrared objective lenses also have some characteristics and difficulties in their own design, such as fewer options of materials, design for different types of sensor , stray light processing problems.
The biggest difference between the normal visible light objective and the infrared objective is that the material used is different. In general, the visible light wavelength uses normal optical glass and some crystal materials. Normal glass materials contain hydroxyl, which has a large absorption in the infrared wavelength, and can usually only be used in the near UV-visible light-near-infrared wavelength, which can not cover most of the infrared wavelength.
Let’s take a moment to review the anatomy of the lens here.
An imaging lens can also be referred to as a machine vision lens, objective lens or objective, or simply as a lens. For convenience, we will use “lens” in the subsequent sections to refer to the imaging lens.
Cooled and uncooled infrared detector
According to the different wavelengths used, the infrared objective lenses on the market are generally classified by wavelength, which can be divided into short-wave infrared lenses, medium-wave infrared lenses and long-wave infrared lenses. The objective lens of different wavelength is suitable for different atmospheric Windows, and the user should choose the objective lens according to his own application and use environment.
SWIR Lenses, LWIR Lenses, MWIR Lenses, and NIR Lenses
As one of the world’s foremost producers of high performance IR lenses, we carry a wide selection of SWIR lenses, LWIR lenses, MWIR lenses, and NIR lenses. These lenses are ideal for use in the infrared region, with applications including industry, medicine, scientific research, and defense.
The human eye, akin to an optical device, possesses a sensory component known as the retina. Similar to conventional cameras, the eye receives and converts radiation from the visible light spectrum into images.
However, both the retina and standard cameras lack the ability to detect infrared rays.
Fortunately, IR cameras serve as effective tools for detecting this form of light. Infrared cameras necessitate specialized components including a custom lens, infrared filters, and sensors to capture IR light.
Notably, the operation of infrared camera lenses differs from that of conventional camera lenses.
An infrared lens operates by capturing the infrared light present in the environment and redirects it towards the camera sensor. This process aids in the creation of clear thermal images. IR lenses designed for use in infrared cameras are capable of capturing imperceptible heat or IR radiation within extended wavelength ranges, typically spanning from 700 to 900 nm or beyond.
Refractive index | Transmission spectrum | |
CaF2 | 1.414@3.5um | 0.23-9.7um |
Ge | 4.033@3.5um | 2-15um |
CdTe | 2.677@8.0um | 6-22um |
Sapphire | 1.695@3.5um | 0.2-5.5um |
Si | 3.428@3.5um | 1.36-11um |
ZnSe | 2.417@8um | 0.55-18um |
ZnS | 2.223@8um | 0.42-18um |
SWIR lens | MWIR lens | LWIR lens | NIR lens | |
Wavelength | 0.9um-2.5um | 3um-5um | 8um-12um | 0.9um-1.5um |
Focal length | 25mm | 50mm | 6mm | 25 |
F/# | 2.5 | 0.94 | 1 | 2 |
Sensor | 2/3″ | 2/3″ | 1″ | 2/3″ |
FOV | 25° | 13° | 128° | 25° |
Infrared lenses find extensive applications across diverse industries, playing vital roles in areas such as:
Avantier’s capability in customizing IR lenses is characterized by a meticulous approach that encompasses material selection, lens design, coatings application, and advanced manufacturing processes. We excel in tailoring IR lenses to specific spectral ranges while ensuring high performance and reliability.
Our customized IR lenses stand as a testament to our commitment to excellence, offering cost effective and unparalleled performance tailored to your specific needs.
We offer a wide selection of in-stock IR Lenses to meet your needs, including SWIR, LWIR, MWIR, and NIR lenses. These in-stock IR lenses excel in the realm of infrared applications and are invaluable in various industries. Avantier offers in-stock IR Lenses for sale, and also specializes in designing and manufacturing custom IR Lenses.
To find more information on Stock – IR lenses, visit our “Stock – IR Lenses” page.
Based on the essential role of infrared lenses across industries and the ongoing evolution of technology, several future trends can be anticipated:
In summary, the future of infrared lenses is characterized by continuous advancements in performance, miniaturization, multi-spectral imaging capabilities, and expansion into new IR applications. These trends will further enhance our ability to harness the power of infrared radiation for a wide range of scientific, medical, industrial, and security purposes.
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