Infrared Optical Material
Silicon (Si)
Custom silicon windows, lenses and prisms for infrared optical systems
Silicon is used for infrared windows, lenses and prisms. Supply the operating band, thickness, coating and drawing so the appropriate optical silicon requirement can be reviewed. Float-zone and high-resistivity float-zone silicon have their own material page and must be specified separately.
Is this material right for your application?
Use When:
Avoid When:
Consider Alternatives:
- Your infrared design specifies optical silicon.
- The selected material and thickness meet the transmission requirement.
- The coating band and inspection requirements are defined.
- Visible-light transmission is required.
- The design assumes all silicon grades are interchangeable.
- LWIR or THz performance has not been checked for the selected grade and thickness.
Germanium (Ge) – LWIR performance
ZnSe – broader IR transmission
Fused Silica – visible and UV optics
Explore Related Optical Materials
Float Zone Silicon (FZ-Si)
Germanium (Ge)
Chalcogenide Glass
Material specifications and frequently asked questions
FAQ
What is silicon used for?
Infrared windows, lenses and prisms.
Does silicon transmit visible light?
It is not suitable for visible transmission optics.
Is generic silicon stock float-zone?
No. Float-zone growth must be confirmed separately.
What do I need to quote?
Drawing, operating band, thickness, coating, quantity and inspection requirements.
Material substitution requires review of the complete specification, including growth method, resistivity and transmission at the finished thickness.