II‐VI Incorporated (Nasdaq:IIVI), a leading provider of micro-optics today announced the introduction of its zinc sulfide (ZnS) micro lenses for automotive thermal imaging applications.
The growing utility of thermal imagers in cars, including for improved visibility, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles, is spurring the demand for micro-optics in miniature infrared cameras that can be integrated inconspicuously in a wide variety of car body designs. II-VI’s aspheric micro lenses, based on durable ZnS materials with ultra-precision diamond turned surface finish, are now available as small as two millimeters in diameter enabling ultra-compact infrared cameras.
“Thermal stability, material durability and low insertion loss make zinc sulfide one of the best choices of materials for high performance and rugged infrared optical systems to begin with,” said Stacey Armagost, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, II-VI Laser Solutions. “In addition, our ability to achieve diamond turned surface quality on such small lenses in high volume production using process automation represents a technology breakthrough that enables optimal performance in miniature infrared cameras.”
