Lens assembly provides athermalization for life-science applications

The BlackDiamond athermalized Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) lens assembly with 10.65-mm focal length from LightPath Technologies (Orlando, FL) was developed for uncooled infrared sensors using 8 – 12 µm infrared signatures. The lens assembly integrates LightPath's Black Diamond molded chalcogenide infrared lenses that serve as a substitute for high-volume diamond-turned Germanium and Zinc Selenide optics. The opto-mechanical design combined with the unique material properties of Black Diamond glasses provide athermalization for temperature stability from -40 to 85°C. The lens with 14.9-mm focal length gives a 60-degree field-of-view when paired with a 15-mm sensor with a 25-µm pixel pitch.