Midwest Optical Systems: Protective Windows Silwir
Midopt Silwir is a series of high-performance protective windows for thermal imaging systems in the long-wave infrared range (LWIR, 8–12 µm).
Made from high-purity silicon and refined with a diamond-like carbon coating (DLC) and anti-reflective coatings (AR) on both sides, Silwir offers more than twice the mechanical strength of germanium (proven in ball drop tests) – making it the ideal choice for applications with the highest demands on durability and reliability.
Its high thermal conductivity and scratch resistance, as well as optical transmission of over 80 percent even at temperatures up to 200 °C, make Silwir ideal for applications in defense, surveillance, medical imaging, and industrial process control. Silwir is available in diameters up to 8 inches, meets the stringent military standards MIL-F-48616 and MIL-C-48497C, and is a cost-effective alternative to germanium and chalcogenide glass.
Whether in harsh field conditions or in precise laboratory environments, Silwir protective windows offer a balance of performance, cost-effectiveness, and availability, backed by the reliable manufacturing standards that the silicon industry has developed over decades.
