Optical domes function as hemispherical windows that provide a protective shield while allowing an unobstructed view between two spaces.
Optical domes are hemispherical windows that create a protective barrier while allowing a clear and unobstructed view between two different environments. Typically designed with two parallel surfaces, these domes are essential components in a variety of applications. At CLZ Optics, we specialize in manufacturing optical domes from a wide range of materials tailored to transmit visible, infrared (IR), or ultraviolet (UV) light. Our products range in size from small domes as little as 5 mm in diameter to large ones exceeding 200 mm, with custom sizes available upon request.
For applications requiring transmission of only visible light, BK7 and fused silica are the preferred materials. BK7 glass is known for its excellent chemical resistance and high light transmission across wavelengths from 300 nm to 2 µm, making it ideal for use in camera sensors, meteorological instruments, and similar devices.
Custom optical domes are used in a wide range of demanding environments, including aerospace and defense, underwater imaging, and remote sensing. These domes protect sensitive instruments in harsh conditions and are found on devices such as Mars rovers, solar radiation sensors, and underwater observation portals. They shield delicate equipment from water, wind, radiation, debris, toxic gases, and extreme pressure.
An optical dome is typically made from a transparent material featuring a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces are precisely engineered to be parallel and evenly spaced, forming a monocentric shell with uniform thickness between the inner and outer radii.
This precise design requires careful optical engineering. Although the dome’s material is selected for its ideal refractive index for the application, it will differ from that of air. By maintaining parallel surfaces, the dome minimizes optical aberrations, effectively creating an almost invisible protective barrier.
Durable, high-performance optical domes can be manufactured from various substrates, including zinc sulfide, zinc selenide, germanium, UV fused silica, glass, and sapphire. Sapphire is especially valued for infrared sensor applications in defense due to its exceptional hardness, mechanical stability, and scratch resistance. UV fused silica is an excellent choice for transmitting or detecting ultraviolet light and is commonly used to protect UV radiometers.
Both optical domes and flat windows are made from transparent materials, but in many cases, optical domes offer distinct advantages. These include:
A wider field of view, enabling sensors to capture radiation from multiple directions.
Reduced chromatic aberration near the edges of the field of view compared to flat windows.
Improved visual clarity in underwater environments, as dome-shaped windows minimize distortion better than thicker flat windows.
Superior pressure resistance, since the dome’s shape distributes pressure evenly. This allows the dome to be much thinner than a flat window with equivalent strength, while also reducing optical distortions.
In summary, optical domes are vital components in a wide range of advanced technologies, offering unmatched protection and superior optical performance. Their unique shape and carefully engineered materials enable clear vision, durability, and reliable operation in some of the most challenging environments—from deep underwater to outer space. As innovation continues to drive new applications and demands, optical domes will remain indispensable in ensuring that sensitive equipment stays safe and performs at its best.
Comments
0