MKS Launches Ophir® MWIR Folded Zoom Lens with Disruptive Range and SWaP Capabilities for Drone and Small Gimbal Applications

Innovative LightIR 16-180mm f/3.6 folded zoom lens addresses market shift toward smaller size, weight, and power (SWaP) 10µm VGA FPA detectors

April 13, 2021 – Andover, MA – MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, has announced the Ophir® LightIR 16-180mm MWIR f/3.6 continuous zoom lens, the newest addition to the LightIR family of lightweight, long-range, motorized continuous zoom lenses. The LightIR 16-180mm f/3.6 is a compact, thermal imaging lens optimized for smaller size 10µm pitch VGA FPA (focal plane array) detectors. It features a folded optics design that significantly reduces the length of the lens and, therefore, the overall size and weight of the optical system in which it is incorporated. The lens is 65% smaller than existing MWIR (medium wave infrared) 10µm VGA lenses. This makes it ideal for the demanding requirements of reduced size, weight, and power (SWaP) and small gimbal thermal imaging applications, including drones and tactical UAV IR cameras as well as micro-/mini-tactical payloads in the commercial, homeland security, and defense markets.

“The LightIR 16-180mm f/3.6 folded zoom lens addresses the new market shift toward smaller size detectors,” said Kobi Lasri, General Manager of Ophir Optics Group. “With its disruptive combination of SWaP capabilities, detection range over 13+km, and cost-effective pricing, the new zoom lens is an enabler for advanced drone, UAV, and small gimbal thermal imaging applications.”

According to Chris Johnson, President, Sierra-Olympic, “Once we recognized the market’s movement toward low-SWaP MWIR 10μm pitch VGA FPA optical systems, we began collaborating with Ophir’s R&D and Engineering teams to design an innovative and cost-effective zoom lens. Their low-SWaP 10μm pitch VGA zoom lens has allowed us to be first to market with our newest optical systems. We have worked in partnership with Ophir for years and are confident in their advanced optomechanical design and manufacturing capabilities. The end result of this partnership is that Sierra-Olympic continues to maintain its market leadership, while answering the demands for low-SWaP optical systems for long range observation, and securing significant integration opportunities in both military and commercial systems.”

With a focal length of 16-180mm and an f/stop of 3.6, the latest LightIR is a compact, high performance, motorized continuous zoom lens. The folded optics design enables long optical lengths, which produce a reduced sensitivity to tolerances in compact configurations that incorporate fewer optical elements. The innovative design also enables near diffraction-limit performance in harsh environments, and addresses such challenges as line-of-sight (LOS) stabilization and athermalization. At only 460gr, it is one of the lightest weight, continuous zoom lenses on the market. It maintains sharp focus over the entire zoom range. The mechanical and electrical interface assures easy integration into camera systems.

Availability
The LightIR 16-180mm f/3.6 folded zoom lens is available now. OEM prices available on request.
Product Data Sheet: https://www.ophiropt.com/infrared/lenses/supir-16-180mm-f-3-6/
Product Video: https://youtu.be/0PGGuo8F3t0
LightIR Product Family: https://www.ophiropt.com/infrared/lightweight-zoom-lenses/
Products for UAV Applications: https://www.ophiropt.com/infrared/defense-airborne/

About MKS Instruments
MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), is a global provider of instruments, systems, subsystems and process control solutions that measure, monitor, deliver, analyze, power and control critical parameters of advanced manufacturing processes to improve process performance and productivity for our customers. Our products are derived from our core competencies in pressure measurement and control, flow measurement and control, gas and vapor delivery, gas composition analysis, electronic control technology, reactive gas generation and delivery, power generation and delivery, vacuum technology, lasers, photonics, optics, precision motion control, vibration control and laser-based manufacturing systems solutions. We also provide services relating to the maintenance and repair of our products, installation services and training. Our primary served markets include semiconductor, industrial technologies, life and health sciences, research and defense. Additional information can be found at www.mksinst.com.

About the Ophir Brand
Ophir is a brand within the MKS Instruments Light & Motion division. The Ophir product portfolio consists of laser and LED measurement products, including laser power and energy meters, laser beam profilers measuring femto-watt to hundred-kilowatt lasers, high-performance IR and visible optical elements, IR thermal imaging lenses and zoom lenses for defense and commercial applications, OEM and replacement high-quality optics and sub-assemblies for CO2 and high-power fiber laser material processing applications. Ophir products enhance our customers’ capabilities and productivity in the semiconductor, industrial technologies, life and health sciences, research and defense markets. For more information, visit www.ophiropt.com.

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MKS Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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