Zinc Sulphide (Regular)
Durable ZnS optimized for infrared transmission
Infrared Optical Material
Regular Zinc Sulphide is an infrared-transmitting material primarily used in thermal imaging and sensing applications. It offers improved mechanical strength compared to ZnSe and is commonly supplied for IR windows and protective optics. ZnS is selected when durability is required alongside IR transmission.
Is this material right for your application?
Use When:
Avoid When:
Consider Alternatives:
Infrared transmission is required with improved durability over ZnSe
Protective IR windows are needed
Thermal imaging systems operate in harsh conditions
Mechanical strength is more important than maximum bandwidth
Outdoor or exposed optics are involved
Visible transmission is required
Maximum spectral bandwidth is needed
Optical homogeneity requirements are extremely high
ZnSe – higher optical clarity for thermal imaging
Germanium (Ge) – compact lens designs
Multispectral ZnS – visible-to-LWIR transmission
Key Properties
Optical
Infrared transmission
Opaque in the visible spectrum
Mechanical
Higher hardness than ZnSe
Good impact resistance
Environmental
Suitable for exposed IR windows
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Frequently asked questions about Barium Fluoride specifications and use-cases
FAQ
Q1. What wavelength range does regular ZnS support?
Visible to mid-infrared.
Q2. Is regular ZnS suitable for harsh environments?
Limited compared to multispectral grade.
Q3. Is ZnS mechanically robust?
Moderate.
Q4. What are alternatives to regular ZnS?
Multispectral ZnS and ZnSe.
Lower cost than multispectral ZnS
Good IR transmission
Protective coatings recommended