ZnSe optical material for CO2 laser and infrared optics, with local refractive-index reference data for engineering and RFQ review.
Overview
ZnSe is one of the standard substrates reviewed for CO2 laser optics, infrared windows, and general IR optical assemblies. In practical engineering work, ZnSe is usually selected when the design needs a combination of broad infrared use, moderate mechanical robustness, and a refractive index higher than fluoride materials but lower than Germanium.
Key Material Reference
| Parameter | Reference |
|---|---|
| Practical Transmission Guidance | 0.5-20.0 µm |
| Local RII Dataset Range | 0.54-18.2 µm |
| Reference Dataset | Connolly formula 1, ZnSe reference, 23 °C |
| Refractive Index | 2.4028 at 10.6 µm |
| Density | 5.27 g/cm3 |
| Knoop Hardness | 105-120 kg/mm2 |
| Young's Modulus | 67.2 GPa |
| Thermal Expansion | 7.1 x 10^-6 /K @273 K; 7.8 x 10^-6 /K @373 K |
Selected Refractive Index Reference
The points below are practical references from the local RII dataset. Final optical modeling should still use the confirmed part grade, coating condition, and released wavelength band.
| Wavelength (µm) | Refractive Index |
|---|---|
| 0.633 | 2.5910 |
| 1.064 | 2.4823 |
| 3.390 | 2.4356 |
| 5.000 | 2.4295 |
| 10.600 | 2.4028 |
Typical Applications
CO2 laser lenses and windows
Infrared lenses and beam-control optics
Thermal imaging windows and assemblies
IR spectroscopy components
Engineering Notes
ZnSe is often the balanced choice between lower-index fluoride substrates and higher-index Germanium. Engineers should confirm coating stack, geometry, edge strength, and the real operating band before release. Compare alternative substrates through the materials index and review build options under products if the RFQ may become a finished optic instead of a raw substrate.
Procurement Checklist
State whether the request is for a window, a powered optic, or a substrate blank.
Include wavelength band, dimensions, quantity, and coating target in the RFQ.
Call out any laser-use, thermal-environment, or cleaning requirement that affects coating and inspection.
Confirm whether the drawing is frozen or whether a manufacturability review is still needed.
Request Engineering Review
Send wavelength band, dimensions, coating target, quantity, and application notes through the contact page for a practical ZnSe review.
Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | ZnSe (Standard) |
| Practical Transmission Guidance | 0.5-20.0 um |
| Local Dataset Range | 0.54-18.2 um |
| Reference Dataset | Connolly formula 1, local RII database |
| Reference Temperature | 23 C |
| Refractive Index | 2.4028 at 10.6 um |
| Density | 5.27 g/cm3 |
| Knoop Hardness | 105-120 kg/mm2 |
| Young's Modulus | 67.2 GPa |
| Thermal Expansion | 7.1 x 10^-6 /K @273 K; 7.8 x 10^-6 /K @373 K |
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Transmission Range | 0.5 - 20 um |
| Refractive Index | 2.4028 at 10.6 um |
| Density | 5.27 g/cm3 |
| Knoop Hardness | 105-120 kg/mm2 |
| Young's Modulus | 67.2 GPa |
| Thermal Expansion | 7.1 x 10^-6 /K @273 K; 7.8 x 10^-6 /K @373 K |
Applications
CO2 laser optics
Infrared windows
Infrared lenses
Beam-control optics
IR spectroscopy components
