Product Description
Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) Rectangular Optical Window – 2.125″ x 7″ x 9mm Thick with Aluminum Mount
This precision Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) optical window is a versatile component for infrared (IR) optics, featuring a large rectangular aperture of approximately 2.125″ by 7″ and a substantial 9mm thickness. It’s securely housed in a black anodized aluminum mount for straightforward installation in lab, industrial, or research environments. Weighing in at around 1.5-2 lbs (including mount), this window’s heft reflects the dense, high-quality polycrystalline ZnSe material.
ZnSe is a material of choice for demanding IR applications due to its broad transmission range and low absorption coefficient. It is a soft, yellowish material often used in high-power CO₂ laser systems because of its high resistance to thermal shock . Its characteristic yellow-orange color comes from selective absorption of shorter visible wavelengths, making it an effective natural filter for blue/violet light while efficiently passing yellow-red and IR radiation.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) – Polycrystalline, CVD-grown |
| Geometry | Rectangular Window, Plano-Plano (Flat-Flat) |
| Aperture Dimensions | ~2.125″ x 7″ (approx. 54mm x 178mm) |
| Thickness | 9 mm |
| Clear Aperture | >90% of central area (estimated) |
| Spectral Range | 0.6 µm – 21 µm (Visible Red to Far-IR) |
| Refractive Index | ~2.4028 @ 10.6 µm |
| Absorption Coefficient | 0.0005 cm⁻¹ @ 10.6 µm |
| Surface Quality | Excellent – no visible scratches or chips (inspected) |
| Coatings | Uncoated (no visible AR or protective coatings) |
| Mount | Black anodized aluminum frame, designed for secure fixturing |
| Total Weight | ~1.5-2 lbs (including mount) |
| Condition | Excellent used surplus – clean surfaces, optically sound |
Material & Optical Properties
Zinc Selenide offers a unique combination of properties that make it ideal for high-power and broadband IR applications:
Spectral Performance :
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Broad Transmission: 0.6 – 21 µm, covering visible (red end), near-IR, MWIR, and LWIR bands
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Low Absorption: Extremely low absorption coefficient (0.0005 cm⁻¹ at 10.6 µm) minimizes signal loss in high-power systems
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Low Dispersion: Maintains signal fidelity across broad wavelength ranges
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Natural Tint: Yellow-orange appearance from selective absorption of shorter wavelengths
Physical Characteristics :
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Density: 5.27 g/cm³ – substantial heft indicates high-quality material
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Thermal Conductivity: 18 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ – excellent for heat dissipation
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Thermal Expansion: 7.1 x 10⁻⁶ /°C – good thermal shock resistance
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Hardness: Knoop 120 – relatively soft; requires careful handling
Uncoated Advantage:
This window is uncoated, offering flexibility for the user to apply custom coatings optimized for specific wavelength bands (e.g., 3-5 µm, 8-12 µm, or broadband AR) . Uncoated ZnSe has a reflection loss of ~29% at 10.6 µm (two surfaces), which can be dramatically reduced with appropriate AR coatings .
Integrated Mount Advantage
The black anodized aluminum mount provides:
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Secure, repeatable positioning in optical setups
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Protection for the window edges during handling
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Easy integration into existing systems without custom fixturing
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Rigid support for the large aperture window
Applications
CO₂ Laser Systems (10.6 µm) :
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Protective windows for laser cutting, engraving, and medical systems
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Beam splitters and output couplers
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Its low absorption and high thermal shock resistance make it ideal for high-power CW and pulsed lasers
Thermal Imaging and FLIR :
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Windows for thermal cameras operating in the 8-14 µm LWIR band
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Protective covers for forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems in security, military, and industrial monitoring
Infrared Spectroscopy :
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Windows for gas analysis cells and sample chambers
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ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance) prism applications
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FTIR spectroscopy accessories
Medical and Diagnostic Equipment :
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Non-contact thermometry and thermal imaging systems
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Laser medical devices operating at IR wavelengths
General IR Research :
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High-temperature process monitoring
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Remote sensing and astronomy
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Laser beam delivery and analysis
Material Notes & Handling Precautions
Important Safety Information:
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Soft Material: ZnSe is relatively soft (Knoop hardness 120) and scratches easily . Handle with extreme care.
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Toxicity: Zinc Selenide is a toxic material. Always wear rubber or plastic gloves when handling to avoid contamination and health risks . Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
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Cleaning: Use optical-grade materials and techniques only. Never apply pressure. Consult professional optics cleaning resources.
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Storage: Store in a clean, dry, protective case when not in use. Avoid stacking or contact with hard surfaces.
Safety Note: Due to its toxicity, proper disposal of ZnSe is required. Do not discard in regular waste.
Condition
EXCELLENT SURPLUS CONDITION
SURFACES: Clean, no visible scratches, chips, or defects
MOUNT: Black anodized aluminum, no damage, ready for use
OPTICAL INTEGRITY: Excellent – no degradation observed
READY FOR IMMEDIATE INTEGRATION
⚠ CRITICAL HANDLING NOTE: This is a soft, toxic material. Always wear gloves when handling. Never touch optical surfaces. Handle only by edges or mount.



