Advancing IR Optical Design with Chalcogenide Materials: Performance, Manufacturability, and Supply Considerations

The demand for infrared optical materials has undergone significant shifts in recent years, driven by rapid changes in supply chain dynamics, manufacturing requirements, and market growth.

While germanium has historically been the dominant material for many IR optical systems, supply constraints and price volatility have prompted optical designers and manufacturers to evaluate alternative material solutions and expand capabilities beyond traditional approaches. Among these alternatives, chalcogenide materials are now playing an increasingly critical role in the infrared optics industry.

As adoption grows across a wider range of applications, demand has increased substantially in both scale and diversity. This presentation will examine the advantages and trade-offs of chalcogenide materials in IR systems, including optical performance, manufacturability, and supply chain considerations. It will also provide an overview of SCHOTT's chalcogenide glass portfolio and highlight recent material developments aimed at addressing evolving industry requirements and supporting the next generation of infrared optical designs.

About the presenter
Ian Schwartz received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Temple University and earned a master’s degree in physics instrumentation from Stony Brook University. He has been a part of the optics industry for nearly six years and joined SCHOTT in 2024 as the product manager for infrared and laser glass. He also acts as SCHOTT Advanced Optics’ strategist for the U.S. defense market.