G&H Showcases Germanium-Free MWIR Lens Assemblies & U.S.-Based TFLN Manufacturing at SPIE Defense + Security 2026
April 2026 - Keene U.S.
G&H (LON: GHH), a global leader in advanced photonics and optical solutions, will exhibit at SPIE Defense + Security 2026, taking place April 28–30 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, USA.
Visitors are invited to Booth #613 to explore G&H’s latest innovations in infrared imaging and optical communications, including the debut of its Garnet™ MWIR lens series and advancements in U.S.-based Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) manufacturing.
Introducing Garnet™: Germanium-Free MWIR Lens Assemblies for Supply-Resilient Imaging Systems
At DCS 2026, G&H will introduce the Garnet™ MWIR lens assembly series, developed by G&H | StingRay.
Built on the proven Ruby™ platform, Garnet eliminates the use of Germanium - an increasingly constrained infrared material - while maintaining the high-performance imaging required for defense and surveillance applications. No Chalcogenide materials are used in this lens series, making them supplier-agnostic, further strengthening supply chain resilience.
Designed for operation across the 3–5 µm wavelength range, Garnet enables system designers to preserve optical performance while improving long-term supply chain resilience.
Key features include:
- Germanium-free optical design
- Achromatic performance across 3–5 µm
- Compatibility with f/2.3, f/2.5, and f/4.0 systems
- Support for up to 21 mm image formats
- Manual focus with lock and standard IR bayonet mount
The Garnet series is optimized for mission-critical applications, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), border security, and target detection systems - where both performance and material availability are non-negotiable.
Advancing U.S. Photonics Capability with Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN)
G&H will also highlight its expanding role in establishing a secure, U.S.-based supply chain for Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN), a foundational material for next-generation photonic systems.
Through collaboration with Raytheon and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, G&H is supporting the transition of TFLN from process development into scalable domestic production at its Cleveland, Ohio facility.
TFLN is increasingly critical for high-speed, low-loss optical systems used in:
- Secure communications
- Advanced sensing and signal processing
- Photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
- Next-generation data and defense infrastructure
“Establishing U.S.-based production of thin-film lithium niobate is a strategic step toward strengthening domestic photonics capability,” said Dr. Stratos Kehayas, President of the Photonics Division at G&H. “G&H’s vertically integrated crystal growth, wafer processing, and manufacturing expertise enables the reliable transition of advanced photonic materials from laboratory development into scalable, production-ready supply - supporting both national security and commercial innovation.”
Initial production is expected in early 2026, with planned capacity expansion to meet growing demand across defense, aerospace, and communications markets.
From Materials to Systems: Enabling Next-Generation Defense Technologies
G&H’s showcase reflects its vertically integrated approach - from crystal growth and wafer processing to optical components and fully assembled systems - supporting high-reliability applications across aerospace and defense.
By combining supply-chain-resilient materials, advanced optical design, and U.S.-based manufacturing, G&H enables customers to deploy next-generation sensing and communication technologies with confidence.
Thermosense Vendor Session Presentation
G&H will also participate in the Thermosense Vendor Session, offering early insight into its latest infrared imaging capabilities:
Through the Lens: Unlocking G&H | StingRay’s Optical Power
Presenter: Zachary French, Application Engineer, G&H
27 April 2026 | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT, National Harbor 12, Maryland, US
This session provides attendees with a preview of G&H’s latest MWIR and SWIR innovations, helping them prioritize technologies and exhibitors ahead of the show floor opening.
Visit G&H at Booth #613
Meet the team at SPIE Defense + Security 2026 to explore how G&H is advancing infrared imaging, optical communications, and photonic materials for defense and high-reliability applications.