Academy of Optics

Advancing infrared technology: SCHOTT’s latest chalcogenide developments and custom options

April 8^th, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET
Speakers: James Marro and Ian Schwartz

The infrared optics industry has long relied on a limited set of materials to achieve strong optical performance, and historically germanium has dominated the market. More recently, geopolitical constraints and raw material restrictions have increased supply pressure and created challenges for manufacturers and end-users alike.

Chalcogenide glasses are growing as a novel, reliable, and cost-effective alternative. While many of SCHOTT’s infrared glasses (IRG) formulations still incorporate germanium, they do so at significantly lower concentrations, reducing costs and supply fluctuations while delivering thermal, optical, and processing advantages. As adoption grows, our team is rapidly innovating to support the industry’s shift.

Join us for this webinar to explore:

• New developments in chalcogenide compositions to reduce reliance on germanium

• Innovations in material utilization and process efficiency

• The future outlook for chalcogenide materials in infrared optic

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how SCHOTT is shaping the next generation of infrared solutions.