How to choose materials for IR longpass filters?
|
Material
|
Transparent Range(um)
|
Refractive Index
|
Advantage
|
Disadvantage
|
Applicable Scene
|
Ge
|
2-16
|
~4.0
|
High refractive index, corrosion resistance
|
High price and temperature sensitivity (performance degradation >100°C)
|
Military infrared, laser systems
|
ZnSe
|
0.5-20
|
~2.4
|
Wide band transmission, low absorption
|
Softer and easier to scratch
|
CO₂ laser, thermal imaging
|
ZnS
|
0.4-12
|
~2.2
|
Wear resistance and high mechanical strength
|
Absorption peaks in some bands
|
Harsh environment applications
|
Si
|
1.2-7
|
~3.4
|
Low cost and easy to process
|
Opaque in the 8-14 μm band
|
SWIR
|
CaF2
|
0.15-9
|
~1.4
|
Low refractive index, resistant to laser damage
|
Easy to moisture, need to be coated with protective coating
|
Spectrometer, UV-IR broadband
|