Chalcogenide Optics
Chalcogenide glass (ChG) is a key enabling technology for high-volume thermal imaging. Its amorphous structure allows it to soften before melting, making it moldable unlike competing materials that abruptly change phases. (Germanium for example)
At Hexagon Optics, we mold chalcogenide glass alongside traditional oxide glasses, leveraging our expertise in precision glass molding to produce high-quality optical components.
Chalcogenide glass is available in several different formulations from many different companies. There are also several ’boutique’ grades available but they have low material readiness levels.
Chalcogenide Optics
Reliable chalcogenide optics enable higher performing, more cost effective infrared systems when material and manufacturing challenges are properly controlled. Hexagon Optics combines deep chalcogenide materials expertise with precision melting, diamond turning, and molding capabilities to deliver consistent optical performance in demanding environments.
From material selection through full scale production, Hexagon Optics supports customers with design guidance, prototyping, and scalable manufacturing. By optimizing both the material and the manufacturing process, Hexagon Optics helps reduce cost, improve system performance, and shorten time to market.
Comprehensive quality control, including inspection, environmental testing, and metrology, ensures every optic meets stringent requirements for transmission, surface quality, and long term stability. This supports next generation infrared systems across defense, medical, industrial, and scientific applications.
Germanium-Free Chalcogenide Advantage
Most chalcogenide glasses contain germanium, germanium is very beneficial in ChG, it increases the overall thermal stability, increases maximum use temperature, increases hardness, rigidity and elastic modulus. It also expands the infrared transmission window towards shorter wavelengths and improves resistance to photo-darkening.
The main issues with germanium containing chalcogenide glasses are cost and limited availability due to the current geo-political environment. Hence the main use of chalcogenides is with germanium-free grades.
At Hexagon Optics, we focus on As40Se60 for its lower cost, scale of manufacture and well rounded properties. We can mold materials from a variety of suppliers.
Chalcogenide Ball Preforms
Chalcogenide glass ball preforms are used in the precision glass molding process. These precision balls are the raw material used prior to forming the lens.
Other preform types such as discs, rods and near-net shapes are also used depending on the geometry of the final optical component.
Let’s discuss your chalcogenide needs