Zinc Sulfide

Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) is a high purity chemically polycrystalline inert optical material that often used in infrared applications. The material is made by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process and hot isostatic pressing techniques to achieve high transmittance in the 1 to 14 μm range. According to customer specifications, Alfa Chemistry can custom-manufacture optical components in almost any shape or size using ZnS material. Please get in touch with us if you require assistance.

Advantages and Uses of Zinc Sulfide Materials

Alfa Chemistry offers two ZnS materials: Multispectral ZnS, a transparent zinc sulfide produced using hot isostatic pressing methods, and Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) grade ZnS, which is produced via chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

FLIR ZnS is harder than multispectral ZnS. Because FLIR ZnS has a higher resistance to the hard circumstances of the wire bundle and excellent light transmission in the 8 ~ 12 LWIR range, it is frequently utilized in the fabrication of front lenses for infrared windows and thermal imaging cameras. Multispectral ZnS can be employed in multi-wavelength applications due to its low stiffness and strong transmission in the visible, MWIR, and LWIR wavelength ranges.

ZnS materials have a microcrystalline structural makeup, and grain size is regulated to create the highest level of strength. Then, to enhance mid-infrared transmission and create a form that is easily visible, the multispectral grades are hot isostatically pressed (HIP). At 300 ℃, ZnS begins to severely oxidize; at 500 ℃, plastic deformation occurs; and at 700 ℃, dissociation occurs. ZnS windows shouldn't be utilized in typical atmospheres above 250 ℃ for safety reasons.

Properties of Zinc Sulfide Materials

About refractive index parameters.
"N_o" means ordinary light.