Lenses exposed to high levels of radiation are susceptible to colour changes which can cause a loss of transmission
Radiation-resistant lenses are used in nuclear power stations for visual inspection and surveillance in areas with higher ambient radiation levels, in waste processing plants in camera or sensor systems to monitor radioactive processes, in spaceborne applications such as key imaging optics in micro satellites and planetary landers, as well as in medical research and fixed focus applications
These lenses, used for critical roles, are exposed to high levels of radiation, which could degrade their performance, making it essential that the lenses used in these environments are radiation-resistant.
Standard lenses exposed to Gamma or X-ray radiation are susceptible to changing colour, usually a dark brown, leading to a loss of transmission. Although optical materials like fused silica and quartz are naturally non-browning, they are not abundant enough to provide what is needed for a decent lens.
Fortunately, by adding cerium to the composition, standard optical glass can be stabilised against the transmittance loss caused by ionising radiation. Adding cerium to the glass changes its intrinsic colour from white to a yellowish tint. Optimising the cerium content can achieve improved stability against radiation while keeping the tint colouring to a minimum.
Resolve Optics, designers and manufacturers of specialist radiation-resistant lenses and optical products, offers a standard range of fixed focus or zoom radiation-resistant lenses that are non-browning and made using cerium oxide-doped glass or synthetic silica, allowing them to withstand radiation doses of up to 100,000,000 rads and temperatures up to 55°C without discolouration or degradation of performance. All Resolve Optics radiation-resistant lenses provide high image resolution and minimum geometric distortion from 400 to 750nm.
Models in Resolve Optics 2025 range includes:
- 357-000: f/1.8 non-browning zoom lens
- 346-000: 23mm f/2 non-browning motorized fixed focus lens
- 214-000: 6mm f/2 non-browning fixed focus lens
- 313-000: 25mm f/1.4 non-browning fixed focus lens
- 286-000: 9mm f/2 non-browning fixed focus lens
- 200-000: 8-24mm f/2.8 3:1 non-browning zoom lens
- 200-001: 8-24mm f/2.8 3:1 motorized non-browning zoom lens
- 192-000: 12-72mm f/1.8 6:1 non-browning zoom lens
- 192-001: 24-144mm f/3.6 6:1 range extended non-browning zoom Llens
- Motorized radiation-resistant zoom lens (290)
