Umicore is launching a new 35mm 17µm VGA lens, a significant innovation that will soon be integrated into our product lineup. Building upon our legacy of high-performance optics, this new 35mm lens boasts enhanced features and superior performance, meticulously engineered to exceed the demanding standards of our customers. But the true innovation lies within its core: this lens utilizes our new GASIR chalcogenide glass formulation. This state-of-the-art material has a higher refractive index and can replace Germanium lens elements, paving the way for unparalleled imaging capabilities in a Ge-free design.
Breaking free from Ge volatility: Stable pricing and secure supply
This new 35mm 17µm VGA lens replaces advantageously our previous best-seller design with similar compacity and better performance while adopting an all GASIR architecture. We recognize the challenges associated with the unpredictable price fluctuations of Ge, and this innovation directly addresses this concern. By leveraging our expertise in GASIR chalcogenide glass, we can offer a product with a stable and predictable cost structure, ensuring long-term cost-effectiveness and providing our customers with the security of a reliable supply chain, shielded from market volatility.
Versatility across key applications, including the expanding UAV market
The innovative design and performance characteristics of our new 35mm lens make it exceptionally versatile across a range of critical applications. We anticipate a significant impact in the rapidly growing security and surveillance (S&S) sector, particularly within Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) applications. The compact and lightweight design makes this lens an ideal choice for weight-sensitive UAV platforms, catering to the increasing demand for high-performance, low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) solutions in both commercial and defense markets. Furthermore, this advanced lens will also find application in Personal Vision Systems (PVS), highlighting its adaptability to diverse imaging needs.
The future is Ge-free: Superior performance through GASIR innovation
Our upcoming 35mm 17µm VGA lens isn't just about replacing a material, it's about ushering in a new era of high-performance, all GASIR optics. By harnessing the unique properties of our innovative GASIR chalcogenide glass, we are delivering a lens that replaces favorably germanium based designs. This upcoming release underscores Umicore's unwavering commitment to innovation and our dedication to providing our customers with the most advanced and reliable imaging technologies available.
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