Innovative Hybrid Lens System for Long Wave Infrared Imaging
PlanOpSim is excited to announce that its CEO Lieven Penninck will present an Invited Paper, co-authored with Thales Research and Technology’ Sébastien Héron, at the upcoming SPIE Photonics Europe 2026 conference, taking place in Strasbourg, France. The presentation is scheduled for 2026-04-16 and will highlight the benefits of the co-optimization of metaoptics and refractive optics in infrared optical design.
The Invited Paper, entitled “Hybrid Lens System for LWIR Combining Meta-Surfaces and Refractive Optics,” addresses the unique challenges faced in long wave infrared (LWIR) imaging systems. In this field, material selection is limited by the need for transparency in the infrared range, while low signal intensity demands large aperture optics and broad operating spectra. Reducing the size and weight of IR imaging systems remains a priority across many applications.
Metaoptics, which are inherently smaller and lighter than traditional refractive lenses, offer direct control over wavefront shaping, enabling the creation of aspheric and other complex optical functions. However, their diffractive nature introduces strong chromatic effects, complicating their use in wide-spectrum applications.
In the SPIE Photonics Europe 2026 presentation, PlanOpSim will describe a hybrid lens system for LWIR, combining the strengths of metaoptics when combined with refractive optics. Through co-optimization of these elements, the team has designed a compact optical system that satisfies strict performance requirements and achieves a closer reproduction of the target wavefront than traditional multi-level diffractive optical elements.
This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of PlanOpSim and Thales Research and Technology to innovation and excellence in photonics.
For media inquiries or to learn more about the upcoming presentation, please contact:
- PlanOpSim Media Contact: info@planopsim.com
About SPIE Photonics Europe: SPIE Photonics Europe is a leading international conference for photonics research, innovation, and technology, bringing together experts, researchers, and industry leaders from around the globe.
About PlanOpSim NV
PlanOpSim (www.planopsim.com) is a Belgian startup specializing in
computer-aided design (CAD) tools for metasurfaces and planar optics. Its
software enables engineers to move from nanoscale simulations to full system
integration, turning laboratory innovations into manufacturable technologies
for automotive, consumer electronics, and aerospace applications.
