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