Molding Technology for Low-Cost Infrared (IR) Chalcogenide Glass Optical Components

The market for dual use IR systems is expected to nearly double by 2009 [1]. However, rapid growth is being hindered by the high cost of needed optical components. Therefore, there is a significant need for lower cost processes for making these components. To that end, LightPath Technologies, Inc. has recently initiated development of a replication process to manufacture lower-cost and consistently producible molded chalcogenide glass lenses for both Federal and Commercial applications. In the Phase II Program proposed here, LightPath Technologies’ goal is to demonstrate an innovative, lower-cost production process for molding chalcogenide glass optical components by applying LightPath’s intellectual property and know-how already used for volume production in visible glasses by including our processes, tooling, and equipment identified and used in the Phase I effort.