What are the advantages of germanium step windows compared to regular plano germanium windows?
Mechanical Positioning: steps provide a mounting reference to simplify alignment of the laser or detector.
Sealing: adaptable seals for use in vacuum, high pressure or inert gas environments.
Vibration Resistance: steps are rigidly attached to the metal mirror mount to minimise deflection of the infrared system during movement (e.g. unmanned airborne thermal imaging cameras).
Thermal Management: steps can be designed with heat sinks to alleviate the limitations of germanium's low thermal conductivity.
Stray Light Control: the edges of the steps can be blackened or chamfered to reduce scattered noise in the mid-infrared wavelength.