Edmund Optics has introduced Techspec germanium plano-convex (PCX) lenses. These versatile lenses feature precision diamond turned surfaces, making them an ideal choice for a wide variety of infrared (IR) applications, including thermal imaging, IR spectroscopy and remote sensing.
The lenses are manufactured from germanium, which is a rugged, durable material with a broad transmission range and a high index of refraction. Germanium has a transmission range of 2-16μm and is opaque in the visible part of the spectrum, making it ideal for IR laser applications. The material is inert to air, water, alkalis and all acids, with the exception of nitric acid. With a density of 5.33g/cm3 and a Knoop Hardness of 780, nearly twice that of magnesium fluoride, germanium is an ideal material for making rugged, durable IR optics.
The lenses are available in 25mm and 50mm diameters. These uncoated lenses feature a positive focal length, ranging from 25mm to 250mm, and have one flat and one convex surface. They are ideal for collimation and focusing applications using monochromatic illumination in a wide variety of defence, security and thermal imaging applications.
