Edmund germanium lenses target IR applications

-- Test & Measurement World, 5/23/2011 7:00:00 AM

TechSpec plano-convex lenses from Edmund Optics feature precision diamond-turned surfaces, making them suitable for a variety of infrared applications, including thermal imaging, IR spectroscopy, and remote sensing. Each lens is manufactured from germanium, a rugged, durable material with a broad transmission range and a high index of refraction.

Germanium has a transmission range of 2 µm to 16 µm and is opaque in the visible part of the spectrum. The material is inert to air, water, alkalis, and all acids, with the exception of nitric acid. It provides a density of 5.33 g/cm³ and a Knoop hardness of 780, nearly twice that of magnesium fluoride.

Comprising 12 different models, the germanium plano-convex lenses are available in diameters of 25 mm and 50 mm. These uncoated lenses provide a positive focal length ranging from 25 mm to 250 mm and have one flat and one convex surface. They should be oriented with the plano (flat) surface toward the desired focal plane. The lenses are suitable for collimation and focusing applications using monochromatic illumination.

TechSpec germanium plano-convex lenses cost $125. Complete specifications for all 12 models can be found at www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productid=3361.

Edmund Optics, www.edmundoptics.com.