AZURE-3514SWIR C-Mount Short-Wave Infrared Lens (900–1700 nm)
| Brand | Microphotons |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35 mm (typical for AZURE-3514SWIR series) |
| Spectral Range | 900–1700 nm |
| Mount Type | C-Mount |
| Design Optimized For | InGaAs Sensor Arrays |
| Transmission Efficiency | >85% (avg. across band) |
| Working Distance | Fixed Focus (Standard Configuration) |
| Environmental Rating | Industrial Grade, Non-Sealed (Indoor Use) |
Overview
The AZURE-3514SWIR is a precision-engineered short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging lens designed specifically for high-fidelity optical performance in the 900–1700 nm spectral window. Built upon diffraction-limited optical design principles and fabricated using low-absorption, broadband antireflection-coated CaF₂, Fused Silica, and Ge-based lens elements, this C-mount lens delivers consistent modulation transfer function (MTF) ≥60% at Nyquist frequency when paired with 5 µm-pitch InGaAs focal plane arrays (FPAs). Its mechanical interface conforms strictly to ANSI/ISO C-mount standard (1″–32 UN-2A thread, 17.526 mm flange focal distance), ensuring repeatable integration with industrial SWIR cameras from FLIR, Xenics, Hamamatsu, and Sensors Unlimited. Unlike visible-light lenses, the AZURE-3514SWIR compensates for chromatic focal shift across the SWIR band via hybrid refractive-diffractive element placement—enabling sharp focus without manual refocusing when tuning wavelength-specific illumination sources (e.g., 1064 nm laser line vs. 1550 nm telecom band).
Key Features
- Optimized broadband transmission: ≥85% average transmittance from 900 nm to 1700 nm, validated per ISO 9050:2003 with spectrophotometric traceability to NIST SRM 2065
- C-mount mechanical compliance: Fully compatible with ISO 10110-10 and JIS B 7141-10 dimensional tolerances; includes torque-specification marking (5.5–6.5 N·m max tightening torque)
- Thermal stability: <0.05% focal length drift over –10 °C to +60 °C ambient range, verified under MIL-STD-810G thermal cycling (Method 501.6)
- Surface quality: λ/4 RMS wavefront error @ 1064 nm; scratch-dig per MIL-PRF-13830B 40-20
- No internal moving parts: Fixed-focus architecture eliminates backlash, hysteresis, or repeatability loss associated with motorized focus mechanisms
- Mounting compatibility: Accepts standard C-mount camera adapters, including those with integrated ND filters or bandpass filter wheels (e.g., Semrock FF01 series)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AZURE-3514SWIR is validated for use with monochrome InGaAs sensors having pixel pitches between 5 µm and 15 µm and active area diagonals up to 12.5 mm (e.g., Sensors Unlimited SU320MSX, Xenics Bobcat-320, FLIR Tau2 640). It supports both snapshot and line-scan configurations in reflectance, transmittance, and active illumination modalities. The lens complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. Optical materials are certified free of restricted substances per IEC 62321-3-2:2013. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous locations, it meets IEC 60529 IP20 classification for non-dust-protected indoor laboratory and factory-floor deployment.
Software & Data Management
As a passive optical component, the AZURE-3514SWIR requires no firmware, drivers, or embedded software. However, its performance integrates seamlessly into metrology-grade imaging workflows governed by ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratories. When used within FDA-regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical tablet coating analysis or food moisture mapping), the lens contributes to system-level traceability when documented alongside camera calibration reports (per EMVA 1288), lens distortion maps (generated via Zhang’s method), and radiometric correction matrices. Audit trails—including lens serial number, calibration date, and installation log—are maintained within LIMS or ELN platforms compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
Applications
- Industrial sorting: Identification of polymer types (e.g., PE vs. PP), silicon wafer defect inspection, and battery electrode homogeneity assessment
- Agricultural phenotyping: Quantitative leaf water content mapping via 1450 nm absorption band ratioing
- Defense & security: Covert surveillance under nightglow illumination; laser spot tracking at 1550 nm eye-safe wavelengths
- Scientific research: Time-resolved pump-probe microscopy where temporal resolution depends on optical throughput stability
- Pharmaceutical QA: Real-time monitoring of film-coating thickness uniformity on rotating drum coaters using 1064 nm reflectance contrast
FAQ
Is the AZURE-3514SWIR suitable for vacuum or high-humidity environments?
No. This lens is rated for ambient indoor operation only (IP20); prolonged exposure to RH >85% or vacuum conditions may compromise cemented element integrity and AR coating adhesion.
Can it be used with visible-light cameras?
Not recommended. Its optical design introduces significant spherical aberration and low transmission below 900 nm; MTF drops below 10% at 700 nm.
Does Microphotons provide MTF or distortion data for custom sensor formats?
Yes—upon request and subject to NDA, full Zemax-based performance simulations (including field curvature, lateral color, and chief ray angle) are supplied for integration validation.
What is the maximum permissible back focal distance tolerance for camera integration?
±0.02 mm relative to nominal 17.526 mm C-mount flange distance; deviations beyond this require mechanical shimming or custom adapter design.
Is there a version with motorized focus or iris control?
No. The AZURE-3514SWIR is a fixed-parameter optical assembly; Microphotons offers separate SWIR-compatible motorized lens mounts (e.g., M-Lens-IR series) for systems requiring autofocus or aperture modulation.
