Optical Dome

Optical Dome

Custom Optical Dome Manufacturer

Hemispherical Optical Dome | Multi-Material Sensor Protective Dome

Felix Glass fabricates custom hemispherical optical domes for EO/IR payloads, underwater cameras, LiDAR, thermal imaging and aerospace sensor systems. We supply optical domes in sapphire, fused silica, CVD ZnS, each selected to match target wavelength, pressure rating and environmental exposure. AR, DLC and BBAR anti-reflection coatings are optional for optimized optical performance.

Felix Glass custom optical hemispherical dome for EO IR, subsea, aerospace, LiDAR and thermal sensor protection

Custom Optical Hemispherical Dome | Multi-Substrate
OEM Precision Machining | AR / DLC Coating | Sensor Protection

Material & Grade Overview

Optical dome is a hemispherical optical protective component designed to preserve imaging quality while shielding internal optics from pressure, dust, water and harsh atmosphere. We offer multiple substrate grades: sapphire for subsea & high temp, fused silica for UV & laser, CVD ZnS for 8–14μm LWIR thermal imaging. Material substrate does not equal final performance grade. Operating wavelength, depth/pressure, coating and optical tolerance must be defined for accurate quotation.

Key Specifications & Custom Options

Available Substrates Sapphire, Fused Silica, CVD ZnS
Shape Hemispherical dome, partial dome, plano-convex dome, custom radius & flange
Size Range Dia 10mm‑350mm, custom wall thickness, O-ring groove and flange profile
Surface Quality 20‑10 /40‑20 scratch‑dig, low scatter polishing for imaging
Working Wavelength Bands UV, Vis, NIR, 8–14μm LWIR (depends on substrate)
Coating Options Uncoated, AR, BBAR, DLC hard coating, wavelength matched anti-reflection coating
Custom Machining Flange, O-ring groove, stepped edge, chamfer, pressure optimized dome geometry
Inspection Interferometer, spectrophotometer, pressure test optional, material COA available

Manufacturing & Inspection Evidence

ZYGO interferometer inspection for optical dome

Interferometer Inspection

Precision polishing for hemispherical optical dome

Precision Polishing

Finished multi-material optical dome for sensor protection

Finished Optical Dome

All optical domes are inspected for surface figure, transmission and scratch-dig specification. Pressure and environmental testing can be arranged for subsea and aerospace programs.

Typical Application

  • Subsea ROV, underwater camera and marine LiDAR sensor housings
  • Aerospace, airborne gimbal, EO/IR multi-spectral payloads
  • LWIR thermal imaging systems, surveillance and industrial optical sensors
  • UV, visible and NIR optical observation instruments

Coating Selection Guide

Single-band AR and broadband BBAR coatings improve transmission for your working spectrum. DLC coating provides hard scratch and salt-spray protection for marine and field deployment. Coating must be matched to dome substrate and wavelength range. Learn more about optical coating technology.

Order & Quotation Requirements (Valid RFQ Checklist)

To generate an accurate quotation within 24 hours, please prepare below information:

  • 2D/3D engineering drawing (PDF / STEP / IGES preferred)
  • Substrate material selection and target working wavelength
  • Operating pressure / depth, dome radius, wall thickness, flange & O-ring specs
  • Coating requirement and surface quality grade
  • Quantity: prototype sample / pilot batch / mass‑production volume
Send Drawing For Quote

FAQ Snippets

How to choose optical dome material?

Sapphire for subsea & high temperature; Fused silica for UV/laser; CVD ZnS for 8–14μm LWIR thermal imaging. Wavelength and environment are the top selection criteria.

What is the difference between AR coating and DLC coating on optical dome?

AR improves light transmission; DLC is a hard protective coating for abrasion and salt spray resistance. They can be combined for subsea domes depending on design.

Can you customize dome radius and flange interface?

Yes. We design and machine hemispherical domes with custom radius, wall thickness, O-ring groove and flange to fit your sensor housing.

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