IR Optical Dome | Infrared Optical Fairing for Thermal Imaging

Model: FG-IR Optical Dome

Item specifics

Product Name: IR Optical Dome / Infrared Optical Fairing

Brand: Felix Glass

Material Options: Sapphire, CVD ZnS, Multispectral ZnS

Available Shape: Hemispherical, Spherical Cap, Ellipsoidal, Ogival (Pointed Arch)

Working Wavelength: MWIR 3–5μm, LWIR 8–14μm, Multi-spectral (Visible + IR)

Coating Options: AR, BBAR, DLC hard protective coating

Surface Quality: Custom per drawing (60-40 / 40-20 / 20-10)

Wall Thickness: Customized

Outer Diameter: Custom large & small diameter

Feature: Hollow curved IR shell, optimized for infrared transmission; airborne version for aerodynamic requir

Application: Airborne EO/IR pod, thermal imaging, UAV IR sensor, deep underwater optical imaging

Inquiry Info Required: Wavelength, drawing, optical specs, environment condition, coating requirement

Service: Custom fabrication, optical performance verification, OEM & ODM

Review

Description

CVD ZnS hemispherical infrared dome for thermal imaging and IR sensor protection — ZnS Hemispherical IR Dome

Custom multispectral ZnS infrared dome for dual-band thermal & visible imaging — Multispectral ZnS IR Dome

Ogival sapphire IR fairing, conformal sapphire infrared dome for missile seeker, custom aerodynamic sapphire optical fairing from Felix Glass — Ogival Sapphire IR Fairing

Ogival sapphire IR fairing with BBAR / DLC coating, custom conformal sapphire infrared dome for aerospace seeker, Felix Glass — Coated IR Dome — BBAR / DLC Options

Illustrative product images. Actual appearance depends on the substrate, material grade, thickness and coating design.

What Is an IR Optical Dome?

An IR optical dome is a hollow curved optical window designed to transmit a specified infrared wavelength band while protecting the camera, lens or detector behind it. It is a specialized type of optical dome.

For airborne installations, an infrared optical fairing also forms part of the equipment’s aerodynamic contour. The term “IR dome” describes the optical component; “infrared optical fairing” emphasizes its aerodynamic role.

Visible clarity does not establish IR suitability. A visibly transparent material may absorb thermal infrared radiation, while a material that appears opaque may transmit the detector’s operating band.

Three Core Functions

Infrared Transmission

Transmit the required IR band while controlling absorption, reflection and optical distortion.
Environmental Protection

Help protect internal optics from rain, dust and moisture. Sealing and erosion resistance depend on the complete material, coating and mounting design.
Aerodynamic Integration

Integrate with an airborne sensor housing or pod while balancing external contour, field of view and imaging performance.

Material and Coating Selection

Start with the detector’s working wavelength band, then evaluate optical performance, environmental exposure and manufacturing requirements.

Substrate Options

Sapphire: A hard, scratch-resistant material for visible, near-infrared and selected MWIR applications. Performance near its long-wavelength transmission edge requires evaluation. Not suitable for conventional 8–14 µm LWIR imaging.
CVD Zinc Sulfide (ZnS): An established infrared dome material combining IR transmission with mechanical durability. Specify the required material grade and operating band.
Multispectral ZnS: Suitable for systems requiring visible and infrared transmission, including LWIR applications. Confirm performance across each required band.

Coating Options for Evaluation

AR: Anti-reflection coatings optimized for a specified wavelength or operating band.
BBAR: Broadband anti-reflection coatings designed for a defined spectral range and incidence-angle range.
DLC: Diamond-like carbon coatings for compatible IR substrates where abrasion resistance and environmental durability are required.

BBAR and DLC are not interchangeable specifications. Coating availability and performance require evaluation of substrate compatibility, adhesion, spectral transmission, dome geometry and operating conditions.

Transmission depends on material grade, wall thickness, temperature, coating and angle of incidence. Performance targets are defined during drawing and specification review.

Dome Shapes and Optical Integration

Hemispherical, spherical-cap, ellipsoidal and ogival geometries can be evaluated for custom projects. Shape selection balances field of view, aerodynamic requirements, mounting constraints and manufacturability.

A dome is a protective window, but it is not optically neutral. Inner and outer surface profiles, wall-thickness variation, alignment and thermal or mechanical deformation can affect image quality. Evaluate the dome together with the lens and detector in the complete optical system.

Request a Custom IR Dome

Send your drawing and operating requirements to help us assess material, geometry and coating feasibility.

Working band: Exact wavelength range, such as 3–5 µm, 8–14 µm, or specified visible and IR bands.
Geometry: Outside diameter, height, inner and outer profiles, wall thickness, clear aperture and mounting edge.
Optical performance: Minimum or average transmission, incidence-angle range, surface quality and transmitted wavefront or imaging requirements.
Operating environment: Temperature range, thermal cycling, rain erosion, sand exposure, humidity and pressure conditions.
Coating specification: Required coated surfaces, spectral targets and durability criteria.
Project details: Prototype quantity, production quantity and requested inspection documentation.