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publisher: Felix Glass

Issue Time: Sep 7,2026

Summary

Compare key optical dome materials including Sapphire, ZnSe and ZnS. Check transmission range, mechanical properties and application requirements for IR, LiDAR and underwater projects.

Recommended Optical Dome Materials Comparison

Select the optimal optical material based on transmission range, mechanical properties and application requirements.

Material	Transmission	Main Advantages	Typical Applications
Sapphire	UV – 5 μm	Extremely high hardness, scratch resistance, high temperature	High‑temperature windows, underwater, aerospace
ZnSe (Zinc Selenide)	0.6 – 14 μm	Excellent LWIR transmission, low absorption	Thermal imaging, IR cameras, CO₂ laser
ZnS (Zinc Sulfide)	0.4 – 14 μm	Wide spectral transmission, stronger mechanical properties	Military IR systems, thermal imaging
Germanium (Ge)	2 – 14 μm	High refractive index, excellent LWIR performance	Thermal cameras, infrared imaging systems
Silicon (Si)	1.2 – 15 μm	Lightweight, high thermal conductivity, good IR transmission	LWIR imaging, IR sensors, laser systems
BK7 / H‑K9L	350 – 2500 nm	Cost‑effective, excellent visible transmission, easy processing	Security cameras, LiDAR, optical sensors
Fused Silica	180 – 2500 nm	Very low thermal expansion, excellent UV transmission	UV optics, laser systems, LiDAR, scientific instruments
Borosilicate	350 – 2500 nm	Thermal shock resistance, economical	Industrial cameras, outdoor sensors
Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂)	0.2 – 8 μm	Excellent UV‑IR transmission, low dispersion	UV imaging, spectroscopy, IR windows
Magnesium Fluoride (MgF₂)	0.2 – 7 μm	Excellent UV performance, chemical resistance	UV optical systems, spectroscopy
Barium Fluoride (BaF₂)	0.2‑12 μm	Broad infrared transmission range	Thermal IR detectors, spectroscopy
Zirconium	0.3 – 7 μm	Good mid‑IR transmission	IR fiber systems, infrared sensors
Chalcogenide	1 – 12 μm	Moldable IR material, lightweight	Thermal imaging, compact IR optics
IRG206	1‑12 μm	Chalcogenide glass, precision moldable IR	Compact thermal imaging lenses
IRG26	2‑14 μm	High IR transmission, low transition temperature	Uncooled IR camera optics
YAG Crystal	0.3‑5 μm	High hardness, excellent thermal stability	Laser host, harsh‑environment windows
YVO₄ Yttrium Vanadate	0.4‑5 μm	High birefringence, good mechanical strength	Laser polarizers, beam splitters
LiNbO₃ Lithium Niobate	0.4‑5 μm	Superior electro‑optic & acousto‑optic properties	Optical modulators, nonlinear optics
GaAs Gallium Arsenide	1‑18 μm	Broad far‑IR transmission, high refractive index	Far‑IR optics, CO₂ laser components
Aluminum Oxynitride (AlON)	UV – 5 μm	Transparent armor grade, extreme hardness	Defense optical windows, protective domes
Multi‑spectral Spinel (MgAl₂O₄)	UV – 5 μm	High impact resistance, multi‑spectral capability	Aerospace, missile seeker domes, defense windows

Note: Felix Glass provides custom fabrication across all listed materials. Send your drawing or specification for a material selection recommendation and quotation.