Germanium Meniscus Lenses

Germanium (Ge) Lenses are ideal for use in Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) applications, including thermal imaging, spectroscopy, or FLIR. Additionally, Germanium’s Knoop Hardness of 780 is well suited for rugged environments. Due to thermal runaway, or the decrease in transmission as temperature increases, Germanium (Ge) Lenses should be used at temperatures below 100°C. Germanium’s high density (5.33 g/cm³) should be considered when designing for weight-sensitive systems.

Meniscus lenses are convex-concave lenses. They have one outward curved face and one inward-curved face. If the outward curve is sharper than the inward curve, the lens has a positive focal length and acts as a magnifier.