POC-OC-122476-ZnS Crystal

Material General Description

Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) crystal is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material that exhibits superior optical transmission across the infrared spectrum (0.37–14 µm). Manufactured using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), ZnS crystals are chemically stable, insoluble in water, and provide moderate density with ease of processing. Their low absorption and high optical uniformity make them the preferred choice for applications requiring advanced IR transparency, such as CO₂ laser optics, thermal imaging systems, and IR windows. The CVD ZnS is further processed with heat treatment to enhance its optical and mechanical properties, ensuring compatibility with high-precision optical systems.

General Applications

Zinc Sulfide crystals are widely utilized across numerous industries due to their excellent optical and mechanical properties. Some notable applications include:

1. High-Power CO₂ Laser Systems: ZnS is commonly used for CO₂ laser optics, including lenses, beam splitters, and output windows, owing to its exceptional transmission in the IR range and resistance to thermal stress.
2. Thermal Imaging and Infrared Sensors: ZnS serves as a core material for IR windows and thermal imaging systems, particularly in forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology. Its broad transmittance range allows the detection of far-infrared wavelengths for high-resolution imaging.
3. Military and Aerospace Applications: Due to its rugged optical performance, ZnS crystals are employed in laser guidance systems, infrared surveillance, and missile guidance technologies.
4. Medical Science: ZnS optics are integrated into infrared diagnostic systems for non-invasive thermal imaging and medical sensors.
5. Astronomy and Night Vision Systems: ZnS contributes to high-performance night vision equipment and infrared telescopes for astronomical observations.