Custom Infrared Window Fabrication

Infrared windows are used in camera turrets for aircraft, marine and ground based surveillance systems, sensing applications, IR imaging and other electro optical payloads. IR windows in FLIR instruments, FTIR spectroscopy, and mineral and gas detection systems serve a range of markets including military & defense, medical, industrial, and commercial applications.

Sydor Optics is one of the leading firms polishing flat IR materials. Whether your infrared application is in the NIR (0.75µm – 1µm), the SWIR (1µm – 2.7µm), the MWIR (3µm – 5µm) or the LWIR (8µm – 12µm) spectrum, we are able to shape and polish infrared materials best suited to imaging requirements. Sydor Optics has experience producing IR components in silicon, germanium, sapphire, silica, and zinc sulfide / zinc selenide. We have manufacturing processes and metrology tools to produce and accurately measure coated or uncoated components.

Demonstrating Transmitted Wavefront with an IR Interferometer

Our IR Interferometer allows Sydor to ensure that the IR windows we produce will perform as designed at specified transmitted wavefront. The IR Interferometer allows us to test and measure the window’s performance at 3.39μm and calculate the transmitted wavefront for other IR wavelengths, allowing us to precisely qualify the IR window.

Our IR Interferometer can measure windows up to 14”, ~350mm, which allows us to ensure we meet specification on even the largest IR window requests.

IR interferometer
Custom infrared window fabrication

Our capabilities include:

  • styled list bullet Double-sided polishing for exceptional transmitted wavefront and parallelism.
  • styled list bullet Metrology to measure transmitted wavefront of IR windows, as the parts are used, and taking into account the two surfaces and material homogeneity.
  • styled list bullet Ability to measure windows up to 14”, ~350mm.
  • styled list bullet High-volume production of IR products.

Available Material Types

Based upon customer demand, Sydor Optics offers Optical Windows made from the following optical substrate materials. Of course, if you don’t see a material you need, please contact a Sales Engineer, who will gladly discuss additional options that may be available.

Optical Window Manufacturing Limits

SpecificationsMeasurements
Diameter≤ 600mm
Length / Width≤ 450mm x 450mm
Thickness≤ 100mm
Thickness Tolerance± 0.010mm [Precision]
± 0.10mm [Standard]
Cosmetics (MIL-PRF-13830B)Down to 10-5 [Precision]
60-40 [Standard]
Surface Roughness≥ 3 Ǻ rms
Parallelism≥ 1 arc second
Reflected Wavefront Error (RWE) – before coating≤ 1/20 wave over clear aperture [Precision]
≤ 1 wave [Standard]
Transmitted Wavefront Error (TWE) – before coating *Interferometric Scale Factor (ISF) of 0.5 – Single-Pass≥ 1/20 wave over clear aperture
Clear Aperture≤ 95%

IR Material Applications

Defense

For handheld, ground-based vehicles and aircraft & marine-mounted vehicles:

  • Thermal imaging
  • Night vision
  • Targeting sights
  • Camera turrets for VIS & IR imaging
  • EO/IR surveillance systems
  • Threat warning instruments
IR materials for defense
IR materials for law enforcement

Law Enforcement

For handheld, ground-based vehicles and aircraft & marine-mounted vehicles:

  • Thermal imaging
  • Night vision

Search & Rescue

For handheld, ground-based vehicles and aircraft & marine-mounted vehicles:

  • Thermal imaging for firefighting
  • Night vision
IR materials for search & rescue
Commercial/industrial IR materials

Commercial/Industrial

  • Power line maintenance
  • Process control
  • Mineral & gas detection
  • Agriculture
Infrared windows

Benefits of Double-Sided Grinding and Polishing Infrared Windows at Sydor Optics

Production Volume – Quickly

Sydor uses batch-type processing that facilitates economy of scale. This enables us to produce IR windows in the quantity you need, in the most efficient way possible, saving time and money.

Excellent Transmitted Wavefront

Paired with our IR Interferometer, our double-sided grinding and polishing process achieves excellent transmitted wavefront, creating IR windows that meet or exceed specification.

Engineering Value Into Your Precision Flat Optics

We work with optical engineers at the inception of programs to ensure the optics are designed for manufacturability and optical performance in the application’s environment.

Infrared (IR) Windows

Infrared windows are often used in FLIR, FTIR spectroscopy, medical systems, thermal imaging, or other optics applications within the infrared light spectrum. IR windows can help protect your employees and equipment. Sydor Optics can custom manufacture IR windows in a variety of shapes, sizes, substrates, and coatings for various infrared applications. AR coating is available for one or both surfaces.

Window Shapes

Sydor Optics can manufacture custom optical windows — with various shapes and sizes — using CNC Glass Machining or Laser Machining capabilities to meet your specific needs

Some of the standard optical window shapes that Sydor Optics customers frequently order include:

  • Circular Windows
  • Square Windows
  • Rectangular Windows
  • Elliptical Windows
  • Custom Window Shapes

Infrared Window Applications

  • Thermal Imaging Windows
  • Sensor/EO Windows
  • Mineral & Gas Detection Windows
  • Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR)
  • Gimbal Windows
  • Camera Turrets for VIS & IR Imaging
  • Night Vision
  • Optical Gas Imaging
  • Instrument Windows
  • Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) Windows
  • Threat Warning Instruments
IR windows

If you are starting a new program or need assistance, please contact us.

Memberships & Affiliations