ZnSe transmits across the infrared band that CO2 lasers work in, which is why zinc selenide windows and zinc selenide focus lenses are the consumable optics of cutting, engraving and marking machines. The documented headline listing is a ZnSe optical window with AR coating. ZnSe's refractive index is high, so each uncoated surface reflects a substantial share of the beam. The same catalogue groups ZnSe window plates with ZnS and calcium fluoride window plates in a combined CO2 laser lens line.
Documented ZnSe Listings
| Listing (storefront) | Documented detail | MOQ |
|---|---|---|
| ZnSe optical window with AR coating | AR-coated zinc selenide window | 10 pieces |
| ZnSe window plate / ZnS / CaF2 window plate | Combined listing for CO2 laser service | 10 pieces |
| ZnSe focus lens 20 mm, f = 50.8 mm | See the CO2 laser lenses page | 10 pieces |
Specifying a ZnSe Window
Diameter, thickness and the coating wavelength are the fields an enquiry should state first; for laser service, state the laser type and power so the window's duty is clear. ZnSe is softer and more delicate than glass, so handling and mounting belong in the conversation for larger apertures. If the choice is still open between ZnSe and germanium for an infrared instrument, the ZnSe vs germanium window guide compares transmission, environment and handling before you commit.
ZnSe windows are one material line inside the optical windows range, next to sapphire. Germanium is not a documented listing in this range — see the germanium window enquiry notes before treating it as available. The documented minimum is 10 pieces; pricing and lead time are confirmed in the written quotation for your diameter, thickness and coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the documented ZnSe window listing AR coated?
Yes — the documented headline listing is recorded with an AR coating. ZnSe has a high refractive index, so an uncoated surface reflects a large share of the beam — losing power and creating stray reflections.
What is the minimum order?
10 pieces on the documented ZnSe window listings.
Do you also supply the ZnSe focus lens?
Yes — a ZnSe focus lens (20 mm diameter, 50.8 mm focal length) is a documented listing, covered on the CO2 laser lenses page.
Handling and Care: Keeping a ZnSe Window in Service
ZnSe windows repay careful handling with long service and punish casual handling quickly, so the care rules belong in the purchasing conversation. The material is softer than glass and its coated faces should be touched only at the edges, cleaned with the gentle methods used for coated infrared optics, and kept in a dry, padded mount rather than loose in a parts tray. In a laser head, the window's enemy is contamination: fume and spatter deposits absorb the beam, heat the coating and start the failure that ends with a cracked or burned window, which is why extraction and air assist are optical maintenance as much as process equipment. Ordering practice follows from this: ZnSe windows are consumable-adjacent parts in production laser service, and spares can be held at the documented 10-piece minimum, so a replacement window is ordered at the same listed minimum as the original.
Request a Quotation
Tell us the component, material, dimensions and coating you need. Pricing and lead time for your specification are confirmed in the written quotation.