Dome Lenses

How Dome Lenses Withstand Pressurized Environments

Dome lenses are optical windows with a concentric, dual-sphere (meniscus) shape that seals a camera or sensor inside a pressure- and impact-resistant enclosure without distorting the image. Unlike a flat window, Ross Optical dome lenses introduce no added optical power or aberration at the center of curvature. This makes them a go-to component for harsh, high-pressure applications including:

• Underwater and deep-sea camera housings

• ROVs and underwater robotics

• Ruggedized outdoor and marine surveillance cameras

• Drone- or vehicle-mounted imaging domes

Ross Optical manufactures domes in optical glass (e.g., CDGM H-K9L) for high clarity and cost efficiency, fused silica for superior UV transmission and thermal stability, and sapphire for extreme hardness and scratch resistance in abrasive environments, in diameters from 25 mm to 100 mm, with custom sizes and materials available on request.

Materials like optical glass, fused silica, and sapphire are chosen for specific reasons:
Optical Glass like CDGM H-K9L: Known for its high clarity, it's often used when visibility and cost efficiency are priorities.
Fused Silica: Offers superior UV transmission and thermal stability, making it ideal for conditions where temperature changes are a concern.
Sapphire: Extremely hard and scratch-resistant, sapphire is well-suited for rugged environments where the dome may encounter abrasive particles or rough handling.

*Other Materials, Dimensions and tolerances available on Request - Contact us for Quote