Overview
ISO 11382:2022 - "Optics and photonics - Characterization of optical materials used in the infrared spectral range from 0,78 µm to 25 µm" - provides guidelines for preparing consistent, informative data sheets and for characterizing optical materials intended for passive infrared (IR) components. The standard defines nomenclature, symbols and units, required material descriptors and the optical and physical parameters to be measured or reported. It applies to materials transmitting in the IR (0.78–25 µm) and may also cover materials that transmit in other domains (visible, UV, microwaves). Active/optoelectronic material properties are excluded.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Nomenclature & identification: standardized sequence for naming materials (name, manufacturer reference, material structure, manufacturing process, ISO 11382:2022). Examples: “Germanium – Manufacturer A – Monocrystalline n type – Zone fusion – ISO 11382:2022”.
- Symbols & units: prescribes common symbols (d thickness in mm, α absorptance, δ scatter, λ wavelength in µm, ρ reflectance, τ transmittance).
- Optical properties to report:
- Transmittance (regular and total) and its temperature dependence
- Absorption coefficient
- Refractive index and dispersion across the IR band
- Refractive index variation and temperature dependence
- Optical homogeneity, birefringence (natural and stress-induced), photoelastic constants
- Transmittance uniformity, bubbles, inclusions, and local manufacturing variations
- Other material properties: specific gravity, molecular weight, thermal properties (conductivity, expansion, specific heat, melting/softening points), hardness, elastic modulus, maximum dimensions.
- Measurement practice: methods used to obtain data should be reported and traceable; uncertainty (standard and expanded) and measurement references must be included where applicable.
- Scope limitation: applies only to passive optical components; active/optoelectronic properties are out of scope.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 11382:2022 is useful for:
- Optical material manufacturers preparing standardized data sheets for IR-grade glasses, crystals, ceramics and plastics.
- Optical designers and systems engineers selecting materials for IR lenses, windows, prisms and coatings.
- Metrology and test laboratories defining measurement protocols and reporting uncertainties for IR optical properties.
- Procurement, quality and compliance teams seeking consistent material specifications for infrared imaging, spectroscopy, thermal sensing and surveillance systems.
Related standards
- ISO 10110-18 - drawings: stress birefringence, bubbles, inclusions, homogeneity
- ISO 12123:2018 - specification of raw optical glass
- ISO 15368 - measurement of reflectance and transmittance for plane surfaces
- ISO 80000-7 - quantities and units: light and radiation
Keywords: ISO 11382:2022, optical materials, infrared characterization, transmittance, refractive index, absorption coefficient, data sheet, passive optical components.