Infrared Crystals - Zinc Sulfide Glass
Infrared Crystals - Zinc Sulfide Glass - Image 2

Infrared Crystals – Zinc Sulfide Glass

High-performance Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) infrared crystals for IR windows, domes and precision lenses — delivering broad mid- and long-wave IR transmission (typ. ~0.45–12 μm), low bulk absorption at CO₂-laser bands, high refractive index for compact optical designs, good environmental durability, and excellent machinability for diamond-turning or precision polishing.

Category:

Description

CVD zinc sulfide (ZnS-CVD) infrared transmission bandwidth is large, low absorption, low scattering, high chemical stability and thermal stability, in the thermal band of 8um~13um, to achieve the maximum transmittance and minimum absorption, is widely used as medium and long wave infrared observation window material and infrared lens group material.

Key benefits

  • Broad IR transmission — excellent transmission through the MWIR/LWIR bands used for thermal imaging and CO₂ lasers.

  • High refractive index — provides compact optical designs and greater optical power per element compared with low-index materials.

  • Good mechanical and environmental stability — durable for rugged windows and airborne/field applications.

  • Machinable and polishable — supports precision diamond turning and optical polishing to tight surface-figure tolerances.

  • Coating & processing options — AR coatings for target bands, custom thickness tolerances, edgework and special packaging.

Why choose ZnS for IR optics

ZnS combines wide infrared throughput with manufacturability and mechanical robustness, making it a first-choice material for mid-IR imaging systems, laser delivery windows, and multispectral instrument optics. Its relatively high index enables compact lens assemblies, while available grades (Cleartran vs multispectral) allow optimization for visible transparency or extended IR performance depending on the application.

Typical technical specifications

Density (g/cm3) 4.09
Melting point (°C) 1830
Chemical Purity (%) 99.9996
Knoop hardness(kg/mm3) 160
Young’s modulus (GPa) 74.5
Modulus of fracture (MPa) 60
Transmission Range (um) 1-13

Applications & industries

  • Thermal / MWIR imaging systems and camera windows

  • CO₂ laser optics and beam delivery windows (10.6 μm)

  • Missile/airborne IR domes and ruggedized sensor windows

  • Gas sensing and spectroscopy in the mid-IR

  • Night-vision and multispectral imaging instruments

  • Research labs, OEM IR instruments and industrial process monitoring

Downloads

Zinc Sulfide Glass— Datasheet (PDF):ZINC SULFIDE GLASS Datasheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related products