Zinc selenide (ZnSe)

ZnSe (zinc selenide) for high-power CO2 applications

Zinc selenide lenses in practice

Our zinc selenide lenses for laser cutting and laser marking are made from high-quality material with the lowest absorption values. In combination with an anti-reflective coating, PLEIGER optics enable a high-power CO2 laser to be focussed with excellent precision. For the highest laser powers above 4 kW, we offer a low-absorption AR/AR coating that minimises thermal lensing.

Thermography, IR spectroscopy, night vision devices

PLEIGER lenses and windows made of silicon, germanium, ZnSe and ZnS are used in thermography, IR spectroscopy, night vision devices and target tracking. Our product range includes windows, spherical and aspherical ZnSe lenses as well as windows for broadband applications from NIR to FIR.

Customised ZnSe lenses

We manufacture our ZnSe lenses according to individual customer specifications. Typical products are meniscus lenses, plano-convex lenses and Brewster windows. At your request, we can supply lenses including an AR/AR coating for a specific laser wavelength or for a broadband application.

Quality differences in ZnSe lenses

A distinction is typically made between two grades of ZnSe. For high-power applications and systems such as laser cutting and laser marking, only the lowest-absorption ZnSe grade is used. This is because only this grade hardly heats up during use and enables consistent cutting and marking results.

From laser quality to high absorption

Absorption is not decisive for thermography. ZnSe material can be used here, which is more favourable than the laser quality.

Proper handling for a long service life

ZnSe can develop toxic substances if used improperly. Do not process ZnSe mechanically, do not generate dust and do not allow it to come into contact with strong acids. Observe the local regulations for disposal or contact our team if you have any questions. Our AR/AR coatings are thorium-free. We only use coating materials such as fluorides, sulphides or semiconductors.