Silicon Plano-Convex (PCX) Lenses

Our TECHSPEC® Silicon Plano-Convex (PCX) Lenses feature precision polished surfaces, making them ideal for a variety of infrared applications, including Near-Infrared (NIR) imaging, and infrared spectroscopy. Available in a variety of focal lengths from F/1 thru F/10, the lenses are offered uncoated. For custom infrared coating requirements, please contact our Sales Department.

Silicon is popular in the 1.2 - 7μm spectral region because of its low cost and low density as compared to other infrared materials. Silicon features a density of 2.329 g/cm³ and index of refraction of 3.422. With a density of less than half that of Germanium or Zinc Selenide, Silicon is ideally suited to weight sensitive applications, especially those in the 3 - 5μm region. Silicon reacts with halogens and dilute alkalis, but is inert to most acids. Silicon’s Knoop Hardness is 1150, making it harder and less brittle than Germanium.

Plano-Convex (PCX) lenses feature a positive focal length and have one flat and one convex surface. They should be oriented with the plano (flat) surface towards the desired focal plane. They are ideal for collimation and focusing applications utilizing monochromatic illumination.