ZnSe Plano-Convex Lenses

Overview

ZnSe plano-convex lenses are positive infrared lenses with one flat surface and one convex surface. They are manufactured from laser-grade CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) zinc selenide and feature anti-reflective coatings on both surfaces to reduce optical loss when specified.

Key Material Characteristics

• High Transmittance: ZnSe exhibits high transmittance in both visible and infrared wavelengths, with a broad transmission range covering wavelengths from 0.5 µm to 22 µm, making it suitable for a wide range of optical applications.
• Low Absorption Coefficient: ZnSe material has a low absorption coefficient and minimal optical transmission loss, making it suitable for high-power laser systems and ZnSe laser lens applications.
• High Thermal Resistance: ZnSe has a high thermal expansion coefficient, allowing it to maintain stability in high-temperature environments.
• Uniform Refractive Index: ZnSe offers excellent uniformity and consistency in its refractive index, making it ideal for applications requiring high-precision optical components.

Why ZnSe for Plano-Convex Lenses

Zinc selenide offers high infrared transmission and low absorption, making it suitable for 10.6 µm CO2 laser systems when the correct AR coating is specified. The plano-convex form is commonly used when a collimated beam must be focused with controlled spherical aberration.

Orientation Guidance

For optimal focusing performance, a plano-convex ZnSe lens should be installed with its convex side facing the incoming laser beam and the flat side facing the workpiece, ensuring efficient energy delivery in laser processing. Confirm against your specific optical layout and application requirements.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Commercial	High Precision
Dimension	5–350 mm
Dimension Tolerance	±0.1 mm	±0.05 mm
Focal Length Tolerance	±2%	±1%
Surface Quality	60/40	40/20
Centration	<3 arc min	<1 arc min
Surface Figure	3λ	2λ
Surface Irregularity	1/4λ	1/10λ
Clear Aperture	>85% of diameter	>90% of diameter
Bevel	<0.2 mm × 45°	<0.1 mm × 45°
Coating	AR/AR 7–12 µm, 10.6 µm, 2–13 µm

Typical Applications

• High-Power CO2 Laser Systems: Used as focusing elements and beam shaping components in high-power laser systems.
• Thermal Imaging Systems: Employed as protective windows and optical elements in forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermal imaging systems.
• Medical Field: Utilized in biomedical applications, such as beam calibration and thermal radiation measurement instruments.
• Industrial Applications: Serves as windows and lenses in infrared spectrometers and thermal radiation measurement instruments.
• Beam Alignment and Calibration: Used for beam alignment and calibration in optical setups due to stable transmission characteristics.
• Defense-Related Optical Systems: Applied in defense and aerospace-related infrared optical systems.

Customization and Engineering Support

OPTOstokes-IROptical can review custom diameter, focal length, surface quality, and coating requirements against your drawing or optical layout. Provide your wavelength, diameter, focal length, coating target, and quantity for a focused review.

Request a Quote

Send your specifications, drawings, or optical layout through the contact form for a quotation. Include your wavelength range, diameter, focal length, coating requirements, and application details.