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Axsys Technologies is a leader in the manufacture and testing of infrared lenses for defense, space and commercial applications.
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Material
Axsys IR Systems has particular expertise in manufacturing precision infrared lenses using materials optimized for maximum performance in the infrared in the infrared spectrum. These materials appear opaque to the human eye, however offer high transmittance of infrared energy. Here is a brief list of the more commonly used materials:
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- Germanium (Ge)
- Silicon (Si)
- Zinc Selenide (ZnSe)
- Zinc Sulfide (ZnS)
- Cleartran
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- AMTIR
- Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
- Indium Antimonide (InSb)
- Most Glass Types
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Shaping, Grinding & Polishing
The manufacturing of infrared lenses has evolved through the years, although
the principles remain the same. A lens is roughed
into shape using diamond impregnated tools. This is followed
by the grinding process which hones in on the required radius
while smoothing the surface in preparation of polishing. The
polishing process finishes the optical surface to the specified
accuracy (wavefront) and quality (scratch/dig).
Axsys uses the advances in CNC technology, which allows for both standard and unusual shapes to be produced efficiently with a high level of precision and consistency.
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Diamond Turning
Axsys provides state-of-the art diamond turning services built upon 20 years of experience in our climate-controlled diamond turning production facility. Axsys engineers have devised a way to maximize the efficiency of the diamond turning equipment. Axsys has one of the largest and most efficient lens manufacturing facilities in the world, so we can provide unsurpassed quality at competitive pricing.
Axsys can diamond turn most infrared crystals and certain metals. In addition to high rate spherical optics, diamond turning can produce aspheric and diffractive surfaces, which are common in today's infrared optical designs.
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Thin Film Coating
With over thirty years of experience in the optical coating services industry, Axsys offers proprietary thin film services such as the application of IR anti-reflection and reflective coatings, diamond-like/hard-carbon coating, surface metalization for solderable windows, wide band and narrow bandpass filters, and custom design of beamsplitter and other IR coatings.
Coating Specifications
Bandpass Filters
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Assembly
Axsys has facilities to support large production programs, as well as the most intricate development projects. Many optical systems produced at Axsys include athermal capability (both passive and active), as well as electronic controls for focusing, zooming, and filter wheel selection.
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Testing
Axsys' metrology lab is equipped with state-of-the-art automated modulation transfer function (MTF) stations, infrared and visible
interferometers, along with a long list of equipment available for testing optical components and systems. We are also equipped
to perform most environmental stress screening (ESS) in house.
Engineering
Our optical systems are highly engineered, vertically integrated, and designed to meet the most stringent requirements of military
and aerospace customers. Axsys provides its customers with the efficiency and effectiveness of single source integrated imaging
systems. Working together with our customers, our engineers explore the manufacturing tradeoffs in order to maximize manufacturability
while maintaining product specifications and quality. Our design engineers understand our manufacturing strengths, and can offer a system
with the best performance and best value.
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