Infrared Optics
An optical dome is a special optical window consisting of two parallel and curved planes. Optical domes act as protective covers in optical systems to shield sensitive components, such as lenses or sensors, from environmental factors like dust, moisture, and physical damage while allowing light to pass through with minimum distortion. In comparison to conventional flat windows, the strong curvature of IR domes impart them with a wider reception range of angles of entering light, and the potential to minimize side effects such as optical aberrations and parasitic reflections. The dome shape might also be more advantageous in terms of Aerodynamic concerns. IR domes transmit the IR radiations and are often used in applications that encounter extreme environments such as aviation, and missiles for navigation, targeting, and surveillance purposes, Infrared domes serve as critical components to protect IR sensors and cameras while allowing them to capture images or data in low-light or nighttime conditions. The design of infrared domes needs to consider factors such as material selection, shape optimization to minimize distortion, and coatings for durability or specific optical properties. Infrared domes must also be able to withstand environmental conditions without affecting their IR transmission characteristics.
Shalom EO offers infrared domes made of various substrate materials: sapphire, hot-pressed MgF2, CVD and Multispectral ZnS, ZnSe, and Germanium. While sapphire domes offer unrivaled hardness and good transmission in the MWIR region, hot-pressed MgF2 domes are excellent for the MWIR band with the additional benefit of thermal stability and decent mechanical hardness, and ZnSe domes and Germanium domes are good choices for 3μm to 12μm covering the MWIR and LWIR region. CVD and Multispectral ZnS domes provide superior thermo-mechanical properties and fracture strength, contributing to high endurance in hostile environments. The dimensions of the domes also come in a rich selection. The domes could be furnished with anti-reflection coatings or DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coatings.
