For more information contact:
Vered Aizenshtat, Marcom Manager, Optics Division, Ophir, vered.aizenshtat@mksinst.com
Shari Worthington, PR Counsel, Telesian Technology, sharilee@telesian.com

MKS Announces Ophir® Low-SWaP, Long-Range MWIR Lens for Drone and Small Gimbal Applications

Innovative lens addresses market shift toward smaller 10µm SXGA/HD and 15µm VGA FPA detectors

EDITORS: The following images are available for download: Hi-res

June 13, 2022 – Paris, France – MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, has announced the Ophir® LightIR 18-225mm MWIR f/4 continuous zoom lens, the newest addition to the LightIR family of low SWaP, high-performance, motorized continuous zoom lenses. Introduced at Eurosatory 2022, this compact, thermal imaging lens is optimized for smaller size 10µm SXGA/HD FPA (focal plane array) and 15µm VGA FPA detectors.

The LightIR 18-225mm MWIR f/4 lens features a compact design with reduced optical elements that significantly decreases the length and weight of the lens and, therefore, the overall size and weight of the optical system in which it is incorporated. The lens weighs only 326g, making it 20% smaller than similar lenses. This makes it ideal for the demanding requirements of reduced size, weight, and power (SWaP) and small gimbal thermal imaging applications, such as drones and tactical UAV IR cameras, as well as micro/mini-tactical payloads in the commercial, homeland security, and defense markets.

“The LightIR 18-225mm f/4 zoom lens addresses the new market shift toward smaller pizel size detectors,” said Dr. Kobi Lasri, General Manager, Ophir Optics Group. “The new zoom lens combines low-SWaP capabilities, a detection range over 16+km, and cost-effective pricing. This makes it an enabler for advanced drone, UAV, and small gimbal thermal imaging applications.”

The innovative design of the Ophir LightIR 18-225mm f/4 lens enables near diffraction-limit performance in harsh environments. It also addresses such challenges as line-of-sight (LOS) stabilization, athermalization, maintaining focus throughout the entire zoom range, and high imaging performance. The mechanical and electrical interface of the lens assures easy integration into camera systems.

Availability
The LightIR 18-225mm MWIR f/4 lens is available now. OEM prices available on request.

Data Sheet: https://www.ophiropt.com/infrared/lenses/lightir-18-225mm-f-4/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJpuIXKhCQ0

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 Photonics Solutions 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, advanced electronics and specialty industrial markets. For more information, visit www.ophiropt.com.

Sales Inquiries, mktg@mksinst.com

© 2022. MKS Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.