Precision glass molding has a well-documented effect of a decrease in the index of refraction of the glass during the molding process. This index drop has such significant value that optical designs for molded lenses must take into account the index drop to accurately determine the optical performance of the final lens. Widespread adoption of chalcogenide glasses for molded infrared optics has raised a series of questions as to the behavior of these glasses under molding conditions. This paper will investigate the index of refraction changes in two different chalcogenide glasses and determine if these changes are significant enough for optical designers to consider in their designs.

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The growing demand for lower cost infrared sensors and cameras has focused attention on the need for low cost optics for the long wave and mid-wave infrared region. The thermal properties of chalcogenides provide benefits for optical and optomechanical designers for the athermalization of lens assemblies as compared to Germanium, Zinc Selenide and other more common infrared materials. This investigation reviews typical infrared materials' thermal performance and the effects of temperature on the optical performance of lens systems manufactured from various optical materials.

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