Shape Optics provides Infrared Lens Modules for LWIR and MWIR thermal imaging systems, supporting OEM thermal cameras, surveillance systems, industrial imaging, aerospace, defense, and other infrared applications.
Our IR lens solutions combine precision infrared lenses with opto-mechanical housings and, where required, focusing, zoom, motorized control, and system integration. We support both standard lens configurations and custom infrared module development according to detector and application requirements.
What Is an Infrared Lens Module?
An IR Lens Module is an integrated optical or opto-mechanical assembly designed to work with an infrared detector or thermal camera core.
Depending on the system design, an infrared module may include:
- Infrared lens assembly
- Mechanical housing
- Focus or zoom mechanism
- Motorized control components
- Control board or interface
- Integration with a compatible thermal detector or camera core
The lens and module must be matched to parameters such as wavelength, detector resolution, pixel pitch, focal length, F-number, field of view, mechanical interface, and operating environment.
Type of Infrared Lens Modules
8–12 µm
LWIR Infrared Lens Modules
LWIR infrared modules are commonly used with uncooled thermal imaging systems for surveillance, industrial monitoring, security, fire detection, UAV, and other thermal imaging applications.
Available optical configurations include athermalized, manual-focus, motorized-focus, continuous zoom, and dual field-of-view designs.
Optimized for thermal cameras and imaging systems- Common Uses: Thermal imaging, surveillance, security, industrial inspections, environmental monitoring
- Options: athermal, motorized focus, manual focus, continuous zoom , dual fov
Optimized for thermal cameras and imaging systems
Common Uses: Thermal imaging, surveillance, security, industrial inspections, environmental monitoring
Options: athermal, motorized focus, manual focus, continuous zoom , dual fov
3–5 µm
MWIR Infrared Lens Modules
MWIR infrared modules are typically developed for cooled thermal imaging systems requiring high sensitivity, long-range detection, or advanced imaging performance.
Available configurations include manual focus, motorized focus, athermalized, continuous zoom, and dual field-of-view optical systems.
- Designed for high-sensitivity and long-range detection
- Suitable for defense, aerospace, and advanced imaging
- Precision optical design for cooled detectors
Designed for high-sensitivity and long-range detection
Suitable for defense, aerospace, and advanced imaging
Precision optical design for cooled detectorsExplore MWIR Lenses
LWIR vs MWIR Infrared Modules
| Feature | LWIR | MWIR |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Spectral Range | 8–12 µm / 8–14 µm | 3–5 µm |
| Detector Type | Typically uncooled | Typically cooled |
| Typical Applications | Thermal imaging, surveillance, industrial monitoring | Long-range imaging, aerospace, defense |
| Focus Options | Fixed, athermalized, manual, motorized | Manual, motorized, athermalized |
| Variable FOV Options | Dual FOV / continuous zoom | Dual FOV / continuous zoom |
| Custom Development | Available | Available |
The appropriate IR Lens Module depends on the detector, required detection range, field of view, environmental conditions, optical performance, and system architecture.
Infrared Lens Module Integration
An IR Lens cannot be selected independently from the detector and camera system. Optical performance depends on matching the lens design to the detector format and overall system architecture.
For custom infrared module development, customers can provide available specifications such as:
- Detector or thermal core model
- Spectral range
- Detector resolution
- Pixel pitch
- Focal length or required field of view
- F-number
- Focus or zoom requirement
- Operating temperature
- Mechanical envelope and interface
Based on these requirements, Shape Optics can evaluate the optical and opto-mechanical configuration required for integration.
From Infrared Lens to Complete Module
Shape Optics supports infrared optical projects from design through production, including:
Optical Design → Lens Manufacturing → Infrared Coating → Housing Manufacturing → Assembly → Inspection → Delivery
For a detailed explanation of each stage, see our Infrared Lens Manufacturing Process.
Why Shape Optics for Infrared Lens Modules?
Optical Design + Manufacturing
Support from optical design and engineering through precision manufacturing and production.
Infrared Material Capability
Experience with Germanium, Chalcogenide Glass, Silicon, ZnSe, ZnS, and other infrared optical materials.
Infrared Coating Capability
AR, DLC, and custom infrared coating options for different system requirements.
OEM / ODM Customization
Infrared lens and module development based on detector, optical, mechanical, and environmental specifications.
Prototype to Production
Support for prototype evaluation, engineering development, and transition to volume production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an infrared lens and an infrared module?
An infrared lens is the optical assembly that focuses infrared radiation onto a detector. An infrared module may combine the lens with housing, focusing or zoom mechanisms, motors, control components, and other elements required for integration into a thermal imaging system.
Do you provide both LWIR and MWIR infrared modules?
Yes. Shape Optics supports LWIR systems typically operating at 8–12 µm or 8–14 µm and MWIR systems typically operating at 3–5 µm.
Can the infrared module be customized for our detector?
Yes. Optical and mechanical configurations can be evaluated according to detector resolution, pixel pitch, spectral range, sensor dimensions, F-number, field of view, and integration requirements.
Can Shape Optics support complete module development?
Shape Optics can support optical design, opto-mechanical design, lens manufacturing, infrared coatings, housing fabrication, assembly, testing, and related module integration requirements.
Discuss Your Infrared Module Requirement
Looking for an infrared module for a thermal imaging system? Send us your detector model, spectral range, resolution, pixel pitch, required focal length or field of view, F-number, focus requirement, and mechanical constraints.
