The Global IR Transmitting Glass Market was valued at USD 336 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 510 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This growth is being driven by the proliferation of infrared technology in sectors ranging from defense and security to automotive and healthcare, alongside advancements in material science that are expanding the capabilities of optical glass.

As the demand for thermal imaging, night vision, and advanced sensing systems accelerates, the role of specialized glass manufacturers becomes increasingly critical. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the IR Transmitting Glass Industry—a selection of established material science leaders and specialized innovators who are shaping the future of infrared optics.

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🔟 1. SCHOTT AG

Headquarters: Mainz, Germany
Key Offering: IRG® Glass Series (including Chalcogenide), Specialty Glass Solutions

SCHOTT AG is a global leader in specialty glass, with a long-standing reputation for innovation in optical materials. Their IR transmitting glass portfolio, particularly the IRG® series, is engineered for high-performance applications in the mid-wave and long-wave infrared spectrum. The company serves demanding markets such as military optics, industrial thermography, and scientific instrumentation.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of advanced chalcogenide glass compositions for improved transmission and durability

• Investment in precision molding technology for complex lens geometries

• Strategic focus on supplying integrated optical systems for defense and aerospace

Download FREE Sample Report: IR Transmitting Glass Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. AGC Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: IR-grade Fused Silica, Specialty Optical Glass

AGC Inc. is a major global manufacturer of glass, chemicals, and high-performance materials. Their involvement in the IR glass market includes producing high-purity fused silica and other specialty glasses with excellent transmission properties in the infrared range. AGC’s materials are critical components in semiconductor lithography, high-end surveillance systems, and automotive LiDAR.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Expansion of production capacity for high-end optical materials

• R&D into coatings that enhance the performance and durability of IR optics

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8️⃣ 3. Corning Incorporated

Headquarters: Corning, New York, USA
Key Offering: HPFS® Fused Silica, Specialty Glass Substrates

Corning Incorporated is renowned for its material science expertise, particularly in specialty glass and ceramics. While famous for Gorilla Glass, Corning also produces high-performance fused silica (HPFS®) that offers exceptional transmission in the ultraviolet to near-infrared spectrum. This material is vital for precision optics used in scientific research, defense, and telecommunications.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Continuous improvement of material purity and homogeneity for demanding optical applications

• Development of glass-ceramic composites for specialized infrared windows

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7️⃣ 4. Umicore

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Thin-film Coatings for IR Glass, Sputtering Targets

Umicore plays a critical role in the IR glass value chain as a leading provider of advanced thin-film coatings. While not a primary glass manufacturer, the company’s expertise in applying anti-reflective, durable, and broadband coatings is essential for maximizing the performance of IR transmitting substrates from other suppliers. Their coatings enhance transmission efficiency and protect delicate optical surfaces.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of next-generation coating materials for extreme environments

• Partnerships with glass manufacturers to offer integrated coated solutions

Download FREE Sample Report: IR Transmitting Glass Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. LightPath Technologies

Headquarters: Orlando, Florida, USA
Key Offering: Precision Molded Chalcogenide and Germanium Lenses

LightPath Technologies specializes in the design, manufacture, and distribution of proprietary optical components and assemblies. The company is a key player in infrared optics, particularly known for its precision molded chalcogenide glass lenses. This technology allows for cost-effective production of complex aspherical lenses used in thermal imaging cameras for commercial, industrial, and defense applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Patented process for molding chalcogenide glass into net-shape lenses

• Focus on expanding applications in automotive LiDAR and telecommunications

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5️⃣ 6. Ohara Corporation

Headquarters: Sagamihara, Japan
Key Offering: Optical Glass, Low Tg (Glass Transition Temperature) Glass for Molding

Ohara Corporation is a leading Japanese manufacturer of optical glass with a strong presence in the infrared segment. The company produces a wide range of glass types, including materials suitable for precision molding into infrared lenses and windows. Ohara’s materials are known for their high consistency and are used in high-end camera systems, medical devices, and industrial sensors.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of new glass formulations with tailored refractive index and dispersion properties

• Investment in environmentally friendly manufacturing processes

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4️⃣ 7. CDGM Glass Company

Headquarters: Chengdu, China
Key Offering: H-K9L Optical Glass, Germanium-based IR Materials

CDGM Glass Company is one of China’s largest and most prominent manufacturers of optical glass. The company produces a comprehensive range of glass types, including materials with good transmission in the infrared spectrum. CDGM serves a broad domestic and international market, supplying glass for applications in photovoltaics, precision instruments, and consumer electronics.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Expansion of production capabilities for high-value specialty glasses

• Focus on cost-competitive manufacturing to serve volume markets

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3️⃣ 8. SUMITA Optical Glass

Headquarters: Saitama, Japan
Key Offering: High-refractive-index Glass, IR Transmitting Glass

SUMITA Optical Glass is a specialized Japanese manufacturer known for its high-quality optical glass, including products designed for infrared transmission. The company excels in producing glass with unique properties, such as high refractive indices, which are valuable for compact optical designs in sensing and imaging systems.

Innovation Initiatives:

• R&D into glass-ceramic materials for improved thermal and mechanical performance

• Custom glass development for specific customer applications

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2️⃣ 9. Vital Optics Technology (VOT)

Headquarters: Wuhan, China
Key Offering: Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) Windows and Lenses, Chalcogenide Glass

Vital Optics Technology is a growing Chinese company specializing in infrared optical materials, particularly Zinc Selenide (ZnSe). ZnSe offers excellent transmission over a broad infrared range and is a key material for CO2 laser systems, thermal imaging, and spectroscopic instruments. VOT is becoming an increasingly important supplier in the global IR optics market.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Scaling up production of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) ZnSe

• Developing optical components for the burgeoning Chinese automotive and industrial automation sectors

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1️⃣ 10. Hubei New Huaguang

Headquarters: Hubei, China
Key Offering: Germanium Glass Substrates, IR Optical Components

Hubei New Huaguang is a significant Chinese manufacturer with expertise in germanium-based products. Germanium is a cornerstone material for long-wave infrared (LWIR) optics due to its high refractive index and excellent transmission in the 8-12 micron range. The company supplies germanium blanks and finished components for thermal cameras used in security, industrial, and military applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Vertical integration in germanium material processing

• Investment in diamond turning and polishing capabilities for high-precision optics

Download FREE Sample Report: IR Transmitting Glass Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of IR Transmitting Glass Is Smarter and More Integrated

The IR transmitting glass market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional materials like germanium remain vital, the industry is investing heavily in novel glass compositions, advanced manufacturing techniques, and integrated optical solutions to meet the demands of next-generation technologies.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rise of Chalcogenide Glass: Increased adoption due to its moldability and good performance in the MWIR and LWIR bands, enabling cost-effective lens production for mass markets.

• Automotive LiDAR and ADAS: Explosive growth in demand for durable, high-performance IR windows and lenses for autonomous driving systems.

• Multi-Spectral Systems: Development of glasses and coatings that perform well across visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared wavelengths for advanced sensing.

• Advanced Coatings: Innovation in anti-reflective, waterproof, and anti-fog coatings to enhance the reliability of IR optics in harsh environments.

Get Full Report Here: IR Transmitting Glass Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying critical materials—they are enabling the next wave of technological innovation across defense, automotive, and industrial sectors by making the invisible world of infrared accessible and actionable.