Detection Range 26km+

MKS Instruments has announced release of the Ophir SWIR/NIR 25-250mm f/5.5 (NFOV) and f/4.0 (WFOV) continuous zoom lens.

Launched at SPIE Defence and Commercial Sensing 2023, this is the industry’s first compact, rugged, low SWaP lens for the newly-introduced 5µm and 10µm SXGA, as well as the 15µm VGA SWIR detectors. An innovative opto-mechanical design delivers a lens that is approximately 60% lighter than similar SWIR lenses – with a weight of only 860g and length of 224mm – while enabling a high-quality image with a 26km+ detection range. It also features a unique coating, able to withstand harsh environments, making it a disruptive enabler of advanced drones, coastal SAR and tactical UAS IR cameras, as well as micro/mini tactical payloads in the commercial, homeland security, and defence markets.

“The Ophir SWIR zoom lens redefines the market for industry’s newly introduced small pixel detectors […] With its highly compelling combination of extended wavelength, reduced SWaP, high reliability, and attractive cost, the Ophir SWIR lens enables new applications and major advances in long-range day observation, with laser spot detection in poor visibility and harsh environmental conditions,” explained Dr Kobi Lasri, General Manager, Ophir Optics Group.

The Ophir SWIR & NIR 25-250mm lens is chromatically corrected to support a broader shortwave IR range, from 700 to 1,700nm, covering both NIR and SWIR bands, and to operate with minimal distortion, with an optional configuration for a narrow wavelength from 1,100nm to 1,700 nm. The lens also provides a 10X zoom ratio; a 25-250mm EFL range; an F/5.5 to support both 5µm and10µm pixel pitch detectors, including SXGA format; a low SWaP athermal design; and high MTF performance over both the zoom range and a wide temperature range.