Tech Briefs Magazine - November 2023 - PIT-5

tems are also seeing size, weight, and
performance (SWaP) advantages for
drones and head/weapon mounted
systems where the weight of optical systems
is critical to solider performance
and survivability. The thermal signatures
of veins in the body, inflamed
regions, and body temperature can
give medical personnel additional information
about their patient(s). They
are also used for chemical sensing in
the domain of multispectral imaging,
hyperspectral imaging, and spectroscopy.
The chalcogenide materials shine
by offering exceptional optical performance.
They provide transmission windows
in the shortwave and midwave-infrared
regions, allowing for precise and
sensitive measurements in chemical
analysis and material characterization.
This is indispensable in various fields,
including gas detection, medical research,
agriculture, pharmaceuticals,
where high-quality optical performance
is non-negotiable.
IR Laser systems, utilizing bulk optics
or fiber optics, are an area of interest
for those utilizing chalcogenide
materials in infrared systems used for
range finding, fire control, munitions
guidance, and communication which
necessitate low-loss materials with minimal
dispersion. Chalcogenide optical
fibers fit these criteria perfectly, making
them the ideal choice for precision
infrared laser systems. Their low midwave
and longwave-infrared attenuation
ensures signals can travel longer
distances while maintaining top-notch
optical performance.
Conclusion
Chalcogenide materials have swiftly
become a strategic choice for the optics
industry, offering immediate supply
chain benefits by mitigating the impact
of germanium export constraints and,
more importantly, enhancing optical
performance. Optical manufacturers
and designers are increasingly turning to
Chalcogenides to maintain production
continuity, reduce exposure to supply
chain disruptions, and meet the exacting
demands of customers who demand
superior optical performance.
Rochester Precision Optics recently
announced it would be scaling production
manufacturing of the CLASSIC
Series™ of chalcogenide optical materials,
the optics industry's highest-quality
alternative substrate to germanium and
gallium crystalline materials for use in
Photonics & Imaging Technology, November 2023
Custom optical assemblies and standard eyepiece designs are among the capabilities featured at the
Rochester Precision Optics facility.
InfraRed (IR) imaging optics. As the
People's Republic of China tightens export
restrictions on critical materials,
RPO is has a domestically developed
solution which ensures the security, reliability,
and performance leading manufacturers
demand.
Recognizing the potential for restrictions
by the People's Republic of
China on the export of critical optical
imaging substrates and the likelihood
of significant market disruption, RPO
invested heavily in the manufacturing
of chalcogenide glass at its Rochester,
NY area facility. CLASSIC-1™ and
CLASSIC-6™ moldable chalcogenide
glass provides germanium-free material
solutions with U.S. Country of
Origin. CLASSIC-2™ through CLASSIC-5™
offer moldable glass types with
significantly reduced germanium content,
critical for the future cost environment
wrought by export controls
from China. RPO also designs and
manufactures custom IR glass material
formulations in prototype and production-rate
quantities to meet unique
program requirements.
One of the most critical advantages
of CLASSIC Series glass is the ability
to reduce dependence on scarce resources
constrained by China, mitigating
the risks associated with a volatile
global supply chain. By utilizing CLASSIC
glass, manufacturers can shift away
from adversarial supply sources and
embrace domestic manufacturing capabilities,
aligning with the vision of a stable
and reliable supply chain enabled
by U.S. glass production under a U.S.owned
entity.
In conclusion, Chalcogenide materials
have emerged as a disruptive force in
the optics industry, significantly enhancing
optical performance in response to
germanium export constraints. Their
exceptional optical properties, adaptability,
and precision engineering capabilities
position them as invaluable
assets for achieving top-notch optical
performance in a wide array of applications.
As the optics industry navigates
these challenges, Chalcogenide materials
offer a brighter, more robust future,
ensuring its continued growth and relevance
by setting new standards for optical
performance. As the optics industry
continues to evolve, Chalcogenide
glasses offer viable solutions for maintaining
high-performance standards in
optical systems while minimizing supply
chain risks associated with geopolitical
uncertainties.
This article was written by Peter Wachtel,
Senior Research Scientist, Rochester
Precision Optics. For more information,
please visit www.rpoptics.com.
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http://www.rpoptics.com

Tech Briefs Magazine - November 2023

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