ZnSe Optical Glass | CVD Zinc Selenide IR Optical Substrate - Felix Glass
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- Felix Glass Co., Limited
- Issue Time
- Oct 21,2026
Summary
ZnSe optical glass (CVD zinc selenide) features ultra-low absorption at 10.6μm CO₂ laser wavelength, wide 0.6–21μm IR transmission. Felix Glass supplies custom ZnSe windows, laser lenses, prisms with AR & DLC coating for CO₂ laser cutting and thermal imaging systems.
ZnSe Optical Glass
Overview
ZnSe optical glass, also known as CVD zinc selenide, is one of the most popular infrared optical substrate materials. It is produced by chemical vapor deposition with excellent optical homogeneity. ZnSe delivers broad transmission from visible red light to far infrared, and is famous for extremely low bulk absorption at the 10.6 μm CO₂ laser wavelength.
Compared with other IR materials, ZnSe can be aligned by low-power He-Ne red laser, which brings huge convenience for laser system calibration. Its disadvantage is relatively low Knoop hardness, so DLC protective coating is strongly recommended for anti-scratch use. ZnSe remains the industry standard material for CO₂ laser optics and mid-long wave thermal imaging.
Key Optical & Physical Properties
| Transmission Range | 0.6 μm – 21 μm |
|---|---|
| Refractive Index (@10.6μm) | 2.4028 |
| Hardness (Knoop) | 120 Knoop |
| Density | 5.27 g/cm³ |
| Absorption Coefficient @10.6μm | 0.0005 cm⁻¹ |
| Temperature Coefficient of Refractive Index | +61 ×10⁻⁶ /K |
Common Optical Components We Fabricate
- ZnSe CO₂ laser focusing lenses, plano-convex lenses
- Znse optical protective windows, output couplers
- Znse prisms, beam splitters and wedges
- Custom ZnSe blanks and special-shaped infrared substrates
Coating Options
We provide laser-grade coatings optimized for ZnSe infrared optics:
- AR Anti-Reflection coating for 10.6μm CO₂ laser
- Broadband IR AR coating for thermal imaging
- DLC Diamond-Like Carbon hard protective coating
- High laser damage threshold coating for high-power laser
Typical Applications
- CO₂ laser cutting, engraving and marking machine optics
- Thermal imaging, FLIR and infrared detection systems
- FTIR spectroscopy and infrared analytical instruments
- Medical laser surgery optical assemblies
- Infrared optical testing and calibration equipment
Machining Capability
Felix Glass processes CVD laser-grade ZnSe blanks into finished infrared optics. Surface quality up to 40/20 scratch/dig; flatness up to λ/8 @632.8nm. We control tight tolerance on diameter, thickness, wedge and surface figure for high-power laser systems. Large diameter ZnSe substrates are available upon request.
Datasheet & Custom Inquiry
Download our ZnSe material datasheet for full transmission curve and optical design parameters. Send your drawing, wavelength requirement and coating specification for quotation.
Request Datasheet & Custom Quote