Optical Glass Domes

Optical Glass Domes are hemispheric windows which provide a protective boundary while allowing a clear field of view between two environments. They are typically made of two parallel surfaces. RZ Optics manufactures Optical Glass Domes in a wide variety of substrates, suitable for visible, IR, or UV light.

Optical Domes are one of the most important components of the optical system, because the accuracy of the optical system depends on the quality of the optical dome. The combination of optical components and optical domes can be used in a variety of applications. Also known as hemispherical windows, optical domes provide a broad range of coverage, delivering high-quality imaging results across the visible, infrared and ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. This optical dome material is usually made of high-grade optical or plastic components, being precision manufactured to be optically correct across the visible, infrared and UV spectrum.

Optical domes cover the top of the housing and therefore protect imaging components such as lenses against contamination and other environmental damage. In addition, the Hemispherical shape of the dome further serves to increase the field of view and enables near total hemispherical coverage. For this reason, the dome is often used in applications where a wide range of coverage is preferred over the traditional rigid window designs.

Typically, optical domes reduce stray light and reduce the amount of light impinging on the lens. This, in turn, reduces any optics induced ghost image and, as a result, optical dome material helps ensure high transmission efficiency of the lens. These optical domes can also be used for imaging in places and applications where it is not possible to reach with plain lenses and windows.

Due to its unique shape, optical domes are highly customizable, and the materials used in their fabrication can be chosen in accordance to the wavelengths needed. Different optically clear materials such as BK7, fused silica and optical acrylic are available, and all of them are designed to operate across the full spectrum of visible, infrared and UV light. In addition, some optical domes also feature anti-reflective (AR) coatings, which can reduce the reflection of unwanted light.

When designing an optical dome, it is important to consider the application’s constraints, including its weight, size, and environment. In addition, different types of optical domes such as open-end, closed-end or leveled can contribute in the overall optical design process. Closed-end domes, in comparison to open-end domes, allow for a higher level of sealing and greater protection from environmental damage. Leveled optical domes provide a precise positioning of the optical dome and a reduction in the angle of incidence for light entering the dome.

Manufacturing optical domes requires a high level of expertise and specialization, as optical dome production involves both the design and construction of the optical components, and efficient assembly skills and techniques. At ABC Company, we ensure that each optical dome is completely customized according to customer requirements, and the fabrication of each will be carried out with utmost precision and care. We are committed to quality assurance and go through a variety of tests to ensure successful performance with each optical dome before they are delivered to the customer.

For inquiries and orders, please feel free to contact us with your requirements and we will be more than happy to assist you. We look forward to doing business with you!