Knight Optical’s Custom-Made Germanium and Silicon Optics Meet the Spec for High-Tech Surveillance Systems

As a leading supplier of custom-made, high-quality components, Knight Optical strives to keep abreast of recent technological innovations within the Security and Defence sectors to meet the ever-evolving requirements of the industry. Having listened to the sector’s needs, the leading optical component supplier has increased its custom capabilities for its sought-after Germanium and Silicon optics. 

Customisable Components 

Especially useful amongst specifiers working on facial recognition camera-based technology within both the surveillance and defence industries, our premium-quality custom-made Germanium and Silicon Optics are much in demand amongst discerning specifiers. And now with even greater customisation opportunities, Knight Optical’s Germanium and Silicon components are set to meet even more requirements than ever.

It is thanks to their ability to allow infrared (IR) to reach sensors and, therefore, create the perfect thermal image that our Germanium and Silicon components are a firm favourite for facial recognition systems.

Commonly specified within the Security and Defence sectors are: 

• Custom-made Germanium and Silicon Windows for use in mid-wave IR and long-wave IR. These windows are available from 5mm to 300mm diameters and up to 200mm squares in either uncoated or AR/AR coated options for increased transmission up to 85% average across 3-14µm. What’s more, high-quality rugged diamond-like coatings are also available.

• Stock Germanium and Silicon Windows (uncoated, AR/AR and AR/DLC coated for rugged applications) from 10mm to 100mm in diameter. Furthermore, our Stock Germanium and Silicon Windows can also be edged to your specific size at short notice.

Specified by You 

Our custom-made offering enables you to choose the exact optics your application demands. For example, as well as selecting thicknesses and dimensions for millimetre-perfect integration, Knight Optical’s tailored service also comprises optical coatings to protect your device or enhance transmission, if required. Our custom optical coatings range includes (but is not limited to):

• Broadband Anti-Reflective (AR) Coatings

• Mirror Coatings

• Hydrophobic Coatings

• Oleophobic Coatings

• Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings to assist devices operating in harsh environments.

Please note, component transmission is verified by our range of state-of-the-art spectrophotometers. Flatness and form error of surfaces are tested using our Zygo XPZ Interferometer; while angles are verified using our Trioptics Prism Master, and Scratch/Dig quality is assured using our Bryson scratch/dig masters.

First-Class Service 

To discuss your project-specific Germanium or Silicon requirements with a knowledgeable member of our team or to find out more about our custom-made optical offerings, please get in touch today. Alternatively, please visit our website, www.knightoptical.com to view our full custom component portfolio.

ABOUT KNIGHT OPTICAL LTD

Since 1991, Knight Optical has been supplying premium optical components to a diverse range of industries such as the Defence, Security & Aerospace, Engineering & Manufacturing, Medical as well as Oil & Gas sectors – plus many more. As a brand built on excellence, Knight Optical prides itself on its high level of unparalleled quality and undertakes thorough inspection and testing of its optical components to guarantee compliance with the most complex of optical specifications. Offering exceptional service, Knight Optical conducts a full inspection of your optics from our ISO 9001:2015-certified, state-of-the-art Metrology Laboratory, followed by a meticulous visual examination by our dedicated QA department.

For more information or to place a direct order with one of our Technical Sales Advisers, please contact Knight Optical via email on [email protected] (UK) or [email protected] (USA). Alternatively, call direct on +44 1622 859 444 (UK, EUR, RoW) or +1 401 583 7846 (USA & Canada).