GW61 ZnS (Zinc Sulfide) Optical Window
| Origin | Beijing |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic |
| Model | GW61 |
| Price Range | USD 72–143 |
| Component Category | Optical Element |
| Diameter Options | 3, 12.5, 12.7, 25.0, 25.4, 40.0, 50.0 mm |
| Thickness Options | 2.0 or 3.0 mm |
| Coating Options | Uncoated or Broadband AR (Ravg < 1% @ 8–12 µm) |
Overview
The GW61 ZnS (Zinc Sulfide) Optical Window is a precision-engineered infrared-transmitting optical component designed for demanding mid-wave to long-wave infrared (MWIR–LWIR) applications, spanning the 8–12 µm atmospheric transmission window. Fabricated from chemically vapor-deposited (CVD) CLEARTRAN™ grade ZnS, this window exhibits exceptional bulk transmission (>70% typical uncoated across 8–12 µm), low scatter, high homogeneity, and superior resistance to thermal shock and environmental degradation compared to conventional ZnS grades. Unlike fused silica or BK7, ZnS possesses a high refractive index (~2.2 at 10 µm) and negligible absorption in the LWIR, making it indispensable for thermal imaging systems, FTIR spectrometer housings, laser beam delivery ports, and IR sensor protection interfaces where spectral fidelity and mechanical robustness are critical. The GW61 series is manufactured under controlled cleanroom conditions and undergoes rigorous surface quality inspection (per MIL-PRF-13830B, 40–20 scratch-dig) to ensure wavefront distortion remains within λ/4 @ 633 nm for uncoated variants.
Key Features
- CVD CLEARTRAN™ ZnS substrate with optimized stoichiometry for minimal absorption and high phase stability across -40°C to +200°C operating range
- Standard plano-plano geometry with parallelism ≤ 30 arcsec; surface flatness λ/4 @ 633 nm (uncoated)
- Two coating configurations: uncoated for maximum broadband transmission or broadband anti-reflection (AR) coating optimized specifically for the 8–12 µm band (Ravg < 1%, single-layer or multilayer design per customer specification)
- Multiple standardized diameters (3 mm to 50 mm) and thicknesses (2.0 mm and 3.0 mm) to accommodate compact sensor modules and high-pressure viewport assemblies
- Edge durability enhanced via precision diamond-lapped bevels (0.2–0.3 mm × 45°) to mitigate chipping during mounting
- Compliant with RoHS 2015/863/EU and REACH SVHC screening; documentation available for ISO 9001-certified traceability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The GW61 window is compatible with standard kinematic and compression-mount optical holders (e.g., Thorlabs SM-series, Newport KM-series). Its CVD ZnS composition ensures chemical inertness toward non-oxidizing gases and low outgassing rates (<1×10−9 Torr·L/s·cm²), meeting NASA ASTM E595 requirements for space-grade optics. All coated variants undergo adhesion testing per MIL-C-48497A and humidity resistance validation (95% RH, 40°C, 240 h). The product line supports full compliance documentation packages for defense (MIL-STD-810G thermal cycling, vibration profiles), medical device integration (ISO 13485-aligned QA records), and industrial process monitoring (ATEX Zone 2 compatibility when integrated into certified enclosures).
Software & Data Management
While the GW61 is a passive optical component, its performance specifications—including measured spectral transmittance curves (2–14 µm), interferometric surface maps, and coating reflectance spectra—are delivered digitally in CSV and PDF formats via secure customer portal access. Each unit is assigned a unique serial number linked to a QC database containing interferometric test reports, spectral scan metadata (PerkinElmer Spectrum Two FTIR, calibrated NIST-traceable detectors), and coating uniformity maps. Audit trails conform to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when deployed in regulated GMP environments (e.g., pharmaceutical IR process analyzers).
Applications
- Front-end protective windows for uncooled microbolometer arrays and cooled MCT detectors in thermal cameras
- Beam exit ports in CO₂ lasers (10.6 µm) and quantum cascade laser (QCL) systems requiring high-power handling (damage threshold > 500 MW/cm², 10 ns pulse, 10.6 µm)
- Sample compartment windows in benchtop and portable FTIR spectrometers (e.g., Agilent Cary 630, Thermo Nicolet iS50)
- Environmental monitoring housings for open-path gas analyzers (NH₃, CH₄, SF₆) operating in harsh outdoor or industrial settings
- Vacuum viewport windows for IR spectroscopy chambers (up to 10−6 Torr base pressure, bakeable to 150°C)
FAQ
What is the difference between CLEARTRAN™ ZnS and standard hot-pressed ZnS?
CLEARTRAN™ is a CVD-grown grade offering superior transmission homogeneity, lower scattering loss, and higher mechanical strength—particularly critical for imaging applications where wavefront error must remain below λ/8.
Can the GW61 window be used in vacuum environments?
Yes. All GW61 variants are vacuum-compatible up to 10−6 Torr; coated versions use ion-assisted deposition (IAD) processes to minimize residual stress and outgassing.
Is custom diameter or thickness available?
Yes. Non-standard dimensions (e.g., 18.0 mm Ø × 2.5 mm thick) and specialized coatings (e.g., dual-band AR for 3–5 µm + 8–12 µm) are available under NRE-supported engineering orders.
How is surface quality verified?
Each batch undergoes 100% visual inspection under 100× dark-field microscopy and quantitative scatter measurement using a TIS-1000 system per ISO 10110-7.
Do you provide spectral transmission data for specific lot numbers?
Yes. Full spectral scans (2–14 µm, 4 cm−1 resolution) are included with every shipped unit and archived for 10 years.
