Thermal Imaging Lenses for Uncooled CamerasOptical Lens Supplier
Thermal Imaging Lenses for Uncooled CamerasOptical Lens Supplier
Thermal Imaging Lenses are ideal for focusing long-wave infrared (LWIR) sources onto detectors or image sensors. Uncooled LWIR cameras face challenges with lens performance in harsh environments. These issues can lead to poor imaging quality and missed opportunities. Choosing the right LWIR thermal imaging lens ensures optimal performance and reliability for applications in defense, surveillance, and industrial monitoring etc..
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LWIR lenses for uncooled cameras operate in the 8-14 μm infrared spectrum, designed to provide high-resolution imaging even in low visibility conditions. These lenses are indispensable for thermal imaging, offering durability, precision, and compatibility with various camera systems.
Understanding LWIR lens technology is essential for informed decisions. Discover the benefits and applications of these lenses below.
What is LWIR?
LWIR, or Long-Wave Infrared, refers to infrared wavelengths between 8 and 14 microns. These wavelengths are highly effective for detecting heat signatures without relying on visible light. This capability is crucial for applications like night surveillance, temperature monitoring, and environmental assessments. LWIR imaging is commonly used in security, defense, and industrial processes to identify heat differences in objects. For effective LWIR imaging, specialized lenses like germanium or chalcogenide are used, ensuring high transmission rates and accurate image rendering.
What is an IR Infrared Lens?
An infrared (IR) lens is an essential optical component that focuses infrared light, enabling thermal imaging devices to detect heat emissions. Unlike standard lenses, IR lenses are crafted from materials like germanium, zinc selenide, and sapphire, which are transparent to infrared wavelengths. Their precision design reduces optical aberrations and enhances image quality. These lenses are used in various applications, including medical diagnostics, industrial monitoring, and military surveillance, ensuring superior performance in both short-wave and long-wave infrared spectrums.
A Best-Selling Long-Wave Infrared Thermal Imaging Lens That Meets Market Demand.
Photos of Long Wave Infrared Lenses with focal length of 9.10mm
Property of 9.10mm LWIR lens
Optical Parameter Focal Length9.1mm(±3%)F No.1.02Adaptive Detector 640×512@12μmView of Angle 62.6°×48.3°×38.7°(±3%)Diagonal FOV: 62.2 ± 0.8 °Horizontal FOV: 48.3 ± 0.8 °
Vertical FOV: 38.7 ± 0.7 °Distortion≤10%Working Waveband8-12μmFocusing Range0.5m~infinityBFL6.8mmRelative lluminance≥80%CoatingHD/ARFocusing MethodOptical athermalization Mechanical ParameterPositioning surface Ø17.2 -0.02/-0.05 mmTTL18.8 mmMounting Interface M19*0.5-6gWeight≤8g EnvironmentalOperating Temperature -40℃~+80℃Storage Temperature -45℃~+85℃Protection LevelIP67
People Also Ask.
Is Thermal Imaging Better Than Night Vision?
The choice between thermal imaging and night vision depends on the application. Thermal imaging captures heat signatures, making it highly effective in complete darkness or obscured environments like fog or smoke. It excels in detecting objects with temperature differences, offering an advantage in scenarios such as wildlife observation or security monitoring. Night vision, on the other hand, amplifies ambient light and is better suited for identifying facial features or detailed structures under low-light conditions. For detecting threats in adverse environments, thermal imaging is the superior choice.
What is an Infrared Camera Lens, and How Does It Work?
Infrared camera lenses are specialized optics designed to focus thermal radiation onto a camera’s sensor. Made from IR-transparent materials such as germanium or chalcogenide, these lenses allow infrared radiation to pass through while minimizing optical distortion. They operate by channeling heat emissions from objects to a detector that converts these signals into detailed thermal images. Features like LWIR zoom lens assemblies provide flexibility, enabling users to adjust focus for specific targets. These lenses are essential in applications like medical imaging, industrial diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.
Where Can I Get a Cheap Night Vision/Thermal Camera?
Affordable thermal imaging and night vision cameras can be sourced from reputable manufacturers and distributors. Companies like VY Optics, a trusted LWIR lens wholesaler, provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Trade fairs and online marketplaces also offer a range of products tailored for security, industrial, or recreational use. When choosing a camera, ensure it features compatible LWIR lenses and meets your specific application requirements to maximize performance and reliability.
Choose LWIR lenses tailored for uncooled cameras to maximize imaging capabilities and reliability in diverse applications.
The Complete Guide to IR Lenses - Avantier Inc.
Infrared Lenses (IR Lenses)
Avantier designs and manufactures custom infrared (IR) lenses for advanced applications in
IRLENS Product Page
- Manufacturing
- Defense and security
- Scientific research
- Medical diagnostics
IR lenses operate beyond the visible light spectrum, capturing and focusing infrared radiation to enable high-precision thermal imaging and detection.
Key IR Lens Types
We offer optical systems across the full infrared spectrum, including:
- Near-Infrared (NIR)
- Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR)
- Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR)
- Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR)
Each lens type is optimized for its target wavelength range and application.
IR Lens MWIR Lens Germanium MWIR Lens SWIR Lens LWIR Lens Germanium LWIR Lenses NIR Lens Motorized MWIR LensFactory Standard (Manufacturing Capability)
SWIR lens MWIR lens LWIR lens NIR lens Wavelength 0.9 um-2.5 um 3 um-5 um 8 um-12 um 0.9 um-1.5 um Focal length 25 mm 50 mm 6 mm 25 mm F/# 2.5 0.94 1 2 Sensor 2/3″ 2/3″ 1″ 2/3″ FOV 25° 13° 128° 25°Custom IR Lens Options
Avantier specializes in fully customized IR lens systems, from prototyping to volume production.
- Custom Specifications: Tailored to meet your exact performance metrics, from resolution to spectral response.
- Lens Types
- Aspherical lenses
- Spherical lenses
- Cylindrical lenses
- Custom geometries and assemblies
- Precision Optical Design: Our engineers use advanced simulation software to optimize for:
- Thermal stability
- Low distortion
- Aberration correction
- High transmission efficiency
- Material Selection Guidance: Based on your target infrared band and operating environment, we select optimal substrates to ensure durability and performance.
- Custom Coatings: We offer anti-reflection (AR) coatings tailored to the target spectral range:
- Visible
- NIR
- SWIR
- MWIR
- LWIR
- Coatings improve optical transmission, minimize reflection losses, and provide environmental protection.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Using high-precision processes like diamond turning, CNC machining, and precision molding, we deliver IR optics with exceptional surface quality and dimensional accuracy.
Material Selection
Our IR lenses are fabricated using infrared-transparent materials, such as:- Germanium (Ge)
- Zinc Selenide (ZnSe)
- Chalcogenide glass
- Zinc Sulfide (ZnS)
- Silicon (Si)
- Sapphire (Al₂O₃)
- Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂)
- Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) – as needed for specialized applications
Technical Resources
How Does an Infrared Lens Work?
Unlike visible light, infrared light—also known as infrared radiation (IR)— is undetectable to the human eye and standard optical systems such as conventional cameras or the retina. Infrared lenses are engineered to overcome this limitation by:- Capturing infrared radiation emitted or reflected by objects in the environment
- Focusing this radiation onto a specialized IR sensor within the camera system
Key Functional Aspects:
- Material transparency: IR lenses are made from materials like germanium or zinc selenide, which are transparent to IR wavelengths but opaque to visible light.
- Wavelength range: Typical operating ranges begin at 700 nm (near-infrared) and extend into the long-wave IR (up to ~14 µm), depending on application.
- Design differences: Unlike standard optical lenses, IR lenses are optimized for minimized chromatic aberration, thermal stability, and high transmission in specific IR bands.
Structure of Lens
An infrared imaging lens, often referred to as an objective lens or machine vision lens, is composed of several functional parts:- Focus Adjustment Ring: Changes the focal distance (working distance) between the lens and the object.
- Iris/Aperture Ring: Adjusts the F-number (f/#) to control light intake and image quality.
- Thumbscrews: Lock settings in place to prevent accidental shifts.
- Lens Information: Printed on the barrel—includes focal length, minimum f/#, and model number.
- Working Distance Range: Indicates the focusing range of the lens.
- f/# Tick Marks: Help set the aperture precisely.
- Filter Thread: Mounting point for filters; adapters may be needed for wide-angle lenses.
- Camera Mount: Connects the lens to a camera (e.g., C-Mount, F-Mount, TFL-Mount).
- Rear Protrusion: Portion that extends into the camera—must avoid sensor or filter interference.
- First and Last Optical Surfaces: Define working distance and optical path.
- Lens Shoulder & Flange Distance: Ensure proper mounting alignment and sensor positioning.
- Image Plane: Where the lens focuses light—typically the camera sensor.
Cooled vs. Uncooled Infrared Detectors
Cooled IR Detectors
- Used in: MWIR and LWIR imaging
- Cooling Required: Yes (often liquid nitrogen)
- Advantages:
- High sensitivity and image resolution
- Long detection range
- Applications: Aerospace, defense, high-end scientific imaging
Uncooled IR Detectors
- Used in: Mostly LWIR imaging
- Cooling Required: No
- Advantages:
- Compact, cost-effective
- Operates at room temperature
- Disadvantages: Lower sensitivity and slower response
- Applications: Civilian use, building inspection, automotive systems
Types of Infrared Lenses (IR Lenses)
Infrared lenses are typically categorized by the wavelength range they are designed to capture. Each type is suited for different applications and detector technologies.Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Lenses
- Wavelength: 800– nm
- Key Features:
- Works with reflected IR light
- High-resolution imaging
- Performs well in low-visibility environments (e.g., smoke)
- Applications:
- Semiconductor inspection
- Anti-counterfeiting
- Medical diagnostics
- Quality control and machine vision
Medium-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Lenses
- Wavelength: – nm (3–5 μm)
- Key Features:
- Captures emitted thermal radiation from hot objects
- Requires cooled detectors
- Higher resolution than LWIR
- Applications:
- Fire detection
- Engine diagnostics
- Military target acquisition
- Long-distance surveillance
How to Select the Right Infrared Lens
Matching Wavelength Bands to Application Needs
The first and most critical step is to align the IR lens’s wavelength band with your application’s requirements. Each band offers distinct advantages:
- Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR, 0.9-1.7μm): Ideal when reflected light imaging is paramount. SWIR lenses excel in applications requiring strong penetration through smoke/fog, high contrast, and the ability to capture microstructures. Think semiconductor wafer defect detection, covert night vision, and biometric identification.
- Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR, 3-5μm): Best suited for high-temperature object thermal radiation detection. MWIR lenses offer high atmospheric transmittance and often provide superior sensitivity compared to long-wave IR. They are perfect for industrial equipment overheating warnings (e.g., kilns) and long-range target identification in border surveillance.
- Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR, 8-14μm): The go-to for perceiving thermal radiation from objects at room temperature without needing an active light source. LWIR lenses are highly resistant to environmental interference. Common uses include human body temperature measurement (e.g., medical screening), power equipment heat leakage detection, and general night security surveillance.
Core Technical Parameters for Optimal Performance
Once the wavelength band is determined, delve into these technical specifications to fine-tune your lens selection:
- Focal Length and Field of View (FOV):
- For large-area monitoring (e.g., ports, forest fire prevention), opt for wide-angle lenses (e.g., 45° FOV).
- For long-distance recognition and detailed inspection of remote targets, telephoto lenses (e.g., 75mm focal length) are essential.
- For dynamic scenes like UAV inspections, zoom lenses offer flexibility, allowing you to balance resolution with an appropriate F-number (typically 0.7-1.2).
- Infrared Resolution and Thermal Sensitivity:
- Resolution: While 640 x 480 pixels (LWIR) often suffices for most scenarios, x pixels (SWIR) is crucial for precision detection in applications like semiconductor inspection.
- Net Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD): A lower NETD indicates higher thermal sensitivity. An NETD of ≤ 40mK (LWIR) allows for the identification of a 0.05°C temperature difference, whereas below 30mK is necessary for sensitive tasks such as medical temperature measurement.
- Optical Materials and Coating Technology:
- SWIR lenses often incorporate chalcogenide glass or are designed to pair efficiently with InGaAs sensors, aiming for a photon detection efficiency above 70%.
- LWIR lenses are typically crafted from high-purity germanium glass and require anti-reflection coatings to minimize energy loss and maximize light transmission.
Simple IR lens Selection WorkFlow
StepKey ConsiderationsTypical Parameter Examples1. Fixed BandDetect target temperature/reflection characteristics20-℃ selects MWIR/LWIR2. Select Focal LengthDetection range and coverageWide Angle 45° vs. super telephoto 75mm3. Core PerformanceResolution, NETD, transmittance640 x 480 pixels + 30mK sensitivity4. Test CompatibilityInterface sealing, detector matchingFascia connection dustproof is better than threadApplications of Infrared Lenses
Infrared lenses are critical components in modern imaging systems, supporting diverse applications across multiple industries. From medical diagnostics to national defense, their ability to detect invisible infrared radiation makes them indispensable for thermal and spectral imaging.Medical Instrumentation
Infrared lenses are widely used in thermal imaging and non-invasive diagnostics. Equipped with MWIR or LWIR lenses, infrared thermal cameras can detect subtle surface temperature variations on the skin—useful in identifying:- Inflammation
- Circulatory issues
- Cancerous growths
- Endoscopic systems
Life Sciences
In life sciences and pharmaceutical research, infrared lenses enable precise NIR light focusing for:- Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy
- Chemical composition analysis
- Food quality inspection
Surveillance & Security
Infrared lenses play a pivotal role in night vision and thermal imaging surveillance.- SWIR lenses enhance visibility in low-light or obscured environments (smoke, fog, darkness).
- LWIR lenses are widely used in thermal cameras to detect intruders and monitor infrastructure in all weather conditions.
- Border security
- Critical infrastructure monitoring
- Law enforcement and crowd control
Aerospace & Defense
Defense systems rely heavily on MWIR and LWIR lenses for:- Long-range surveillance
- Target acquisition and tracking
- Navigation in low-visibility conditions
- SWIR imaging also supports target recognition and identification, especially in harsh or camouflaged environments.
Industry Use Cases at a Glance
Application Area
Typical Infrared Lens Types
Use Cases
Life Sciences
NIR, SWIR
Spectroscopy, chemical imaging
Security & Surveillance
SWIR, LWIR
Night vision, perimeter monitoring
Medical
MWIR, LWIR
Thermography, diagnostics, endoscopy
Aerospace & Defense
MWIR, LWIR, SWIR
Reconnaissance, threat detection
Future Trends and Technologies
As demand for infrared imaging continues to grow, several key trends are shaping the future of IR lens development:Enhanced Performance
Advances in optical materials and coatings will lead to:- Higher IR transmission efficiency
- Lower aberrations and distortion
- Improved resolution and clarity
Miniaturization
With increasing demand for compact devices, IR lenses are being designed for:- Wearable medical monitors
- Lightweight UAV and drone systems
- Portable inspection tools
Multi-Spectral Imaging
Next-gen IR lenses may combine multiple wavelength bands (e.g., SWIR + MWIR), enabling:- Simultaneous data capture across the IR spectrum
- Advanced imaging for agriculture, environment, and security
AI & Machine Learning Integration
When paired with AI-powered imaging systems, IR lenses can support:- Real-time threat recognition
- Automated quality control
- Predictive maintenance in industrial settings
Emerging Applications
As infrared imaging becomes more accessible, new use cases are emerging in:- Smart agriculture
- Energy efficiency and HVAC diagnostics
- Waste sorting and recycling
In Summary
Infrared lenses are advancing rapidly—enabling smarter, faster, and more accurate imaging across critical sectors. Whether it’s improving patient care, enhancing national security, or enabling better environmental analysis, IR lenses will remain at the forefront of innovation.
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