Recent advances in optical materials now provide a common technology path to produce mid and long-wavelength infrared (MWIR & LWIR) aspheres by compression molding. LightPath’s Black Diamond™ technology enables high performance, cost-effective infrared aspheric lenses that do not rely on traditional diamond turning or lengthy polishing methods.

Black Diamond™ moldable glass has several advantages over Germanium, which is traditionally used for aspheric infrared optics. The dn/dT and CTE of Black Diamond™ glass result in a smaller change in focal length as a function of temperature. Using Black Diamond glass enables athermalization to occur using just a single lens or with a minimum of athermalization mechanics. Black Diamond™ infrared aspheric lenses can be used in environments up to 130°C, enabling a range of applications that were not previously possible with Germanium.

Black Diamond™ Mid to Long Wavelength Infrared Aspheres

• Wavelength range 1 μm - 14 μm
• Aspheric lenses reduce number of lenses in a system
• Molded optics allow low cost high volume production
• Available with diffractive elements (DOE) for enhanced performance
• Smaller focal shifts due to temperature variations
• Improved transmission at elevated temperatures
• Custom designs & catalog lenses available

LightPath’s Black Diamond™ infrared aspheres are currently available as catalog lenses or on a custom basis. LightPath offers custom lens solutions for high volume manufacturing at prices equal to that of a standard off-the-shelf lens. If you need a custom infrared lens to fit your particular application, we will be happy to design one for you!

MWIR & LWIR Collimating Lenses

• High numerical aperture for maximum collection efficiency
• Compact, single lens design
• Diffraction limited performance
• Molded Black Diamond™ Infrared Lens
• RoHS Compliant
• Datasheet: Lens Codes 390036 & 390037
• Datasheet: Lens Codes 390017

Black Diamond™ Thermal Imaging Lens Assemblies

LightPath’s Infrared Lens Assemblies are specifically designed to be a lower cost replacement for standard infrared optical lens assemblies. These infrared lens assemblies integrate our Black Diamond™ molded lenses into a complete ready-to-use package. Molded infrared lenses are a lower cost substitute for traditional high volume diamond-turned optics. LightPath's catalog of Infrared Lens Assemblies is constantly expanding.

Our in-house engineering staff can design custom assemblies, including complex imaging systems for thermal imaging camera systems, to your exact specifications. Additional services include thermal analysis and athermalization for better performance across a large temperature range.

Athermalized 19 mm f/1.1 Lens Assembly

• Molded lenses using Black Diamond™ chalcogenide glass
• Wavelength range 8 μm - 14 μm
• Passive athermalization for -40°C to +85°C
• High volume, cost effective manufacturing
• Designed for uncooled IR sensors
• Datasheet: Athermalized 19 mm f/1.1 Lens