Thermal Imaging Infrared Lens 8-12um LWIR Camera Optics 50mm Focal Length
This thermal imaging infrared lens is a 50mm focal length optic engineered for 8-12um LWIR cameras, the band used by the majority of uncooled thermal imaging systems on the market. The lens is manufactured from germanium with a broadband LWIR anti-reflective coating, delivering transmission above 95 percent and the thermal sensitivity that cameras need to resolve small temperature differences at distance. As a complete thermal imaging infrared lens, it is designed for direct integration into camera modules with standard mounting interfaces.
The optical design uses an athermalized configuration that maintains focus across the operating temperature range of the camera, so image sharpness does not drift when the housing warms up or the ambient temperature changes. Each lens is centered and aligned on the optical axis during assembly, and the finished thermal imaging lens is tested for modulation transfer function at the design wavelength. Custom focal lengths from 13mm to 100mm, F-number options, and manual or motorized focus versions are available for surveillance, industrial, and scientific thermal camera programs.
Technical Specifications
| Product Name |
Thermal Imaging Infrared Lens |
| Focal Length |
50mm |
| Spectral Range |
8-12um LWIR |
| Material |
Germanium with LWIR AR Coating |
| Transmission |
>95% Coated 8-12um |
| Aperture |
F/1.0 - F/1.4 Options |
| Focus |
Athermalized, Manual or Motorized |
| Mount |
Standard Camera Mount Interface |
| Application |
Thermal Camera and Thermography |
| Certificate |
RoHS Compliant, ISO 9001:2015 |
Applications
- Uncooled thermal imaging cameras
- Industrial thermography and condition monitoring
- Building inspection and energy auditing
- Electrical substation hot spot detection
- Firefighting thermal cameras
- Search and rescue operations
- Research and laboratory thermal measurement
- Perimeter security thermal surveillance
Selecting the right thermal imaging infrared lens determines the detection range and field of view of the complete camera, because the lens forms the image that the detector converts into a thermal picture. This 50mm LWIR lens balances angular resolution and field coverage for mid-range surveillance and inspection tasks, and the athermalized housing removes the maintenance burden of seasonal refocusing. The lens assembly is cleaned and sealed in a controlled environment before shipment, and each unit is supplied with a protective cap for storage. For volume programs, the same optical design is available in fixed-focus and motorized-focus variants, allowing one camera platform to serve multiple product tiers.
Product Q&A
Q: Why is 8-12um the most common thermal imaging band?
The 8-12um LWIR band matches the peak of thermal radiation emitted by objects near room temperature, and uncooled microbolometer detectors are most sensitive in this range. This makes LWIR optics the practical choice for the majority of commercial thermal cameras, from handheld thermography to fixed surveillance.
Q: What does athermalized focus mean for this lens?
An athermalized design compensates for the expansion and refractive index change of germanium with temperature, so the image stays in focus from roughly minus 20 to plus 60 degrees Celsius without manual refocusing. This is important for outdoor cameras exposed to daily temperature swings.
Q: Can the focal length be customized for our camera?
Yes. The optical design scales to focal lengths from 13mm for wide field surveillance to 100mm for long range detection. We match the F-number and back focal length to your detector size and housing, and provide a mechanical drawing for integration.
Q: What testing data is provided with the lens?
Each thermal imaging infrared lens ships with an MTF test report, measured transmission data, and dimensional certificates. The documentation supports incoming inspection and system-level performance verification.