MKS Ophir has introduced the Ophir® LightIR 15-75 mm f/1.2 Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) motorized continuous zoom lens at Eurosatory 2026, addressing growing industry concerns surrounding germanium material availability, supply-chain stability, and long-term program risk.
Designed for VGA 10-12 µm uncooled LWIR detectors, the new lens delivers high-performance thermal imaging across a wide range of defense, homeland security, surveillance, and industrial applications while significantly reducing dependence on germanium-based optical materials.
Dr. Kobi Lasri, General Manager of Ophir Optics Products, stated, “Germanium has long been a foundational infrared optical material, but increasing global demand, limited raw material availability, export sensitivities, and pricing volatility are creating growing challenges for thermal imaging system manufacturers and long-term defense programs.
“MKS’ re-engineered optical architecture was developed to mitigate these risks while preserving the high-performance imaging capabilities required for mission-critical applications. The new Ophir low-germanium optical lenses help customers lower supply-chain and lifecycle risk while maintaining the high optical performance expected from Ophir infrared imaging products.”
The lens provides a 29.9° WFOV down to a 5.8° NFOV Horizontal Field of View (H-FOV) for 640×480 VGA 12 µm detectors, enabling wide-area situational awareness and long-range target observation. Weighing 349 g and measuring Ø75 × 75.6 mm, this compact Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) lens is optimized for airborne, ground, handheld, perimeter security, and unmanned thermal imaging platforms where size, weight, performance continuity, and long-term availability are critical considerations.
In addition to the unique optical design, the lens features advanced hard-coatings based on hard carbon and Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings. These layers enhance durability and environmental robustness for demanding defense and security applications, ensuring reliable long-term performance in germanium-reduced optical systems.
To support a smooth transition from legacy full-germanium designs, the global technology provider offers dedicated lens-to-detector adapter options that address the updated Back Working Distance (BWD) and mechanical interface adjustments. These adapter options minimize integration impact for existing customers while supporting new system designs focused on long-term availability and supply-chain resilience.
This rollout marks the first release in a broader low-germanium LWIR optics portfolio currently under expansion. Future additions will include fixed-focus (1-FOV) lenses covering wide (86˚) to narrow (6˚) field-of-view configurations for complete VGA 12 µm detector horizontal field of view coverage.
The Ophir LightIR 15-75 mm f/1.2 low-germanium LWIR zoom lens is available now, with OEM pricing available upon request.
MKS is showcasing this new low-germanium product at the Eurosatory Expo, June 15-19, 2026, in Hall 6, Booth G254.
