Chemically vapor deposited zinc selenide (CVD ZnSe) is the material of choice for use as optical components in high powered CO2 lasers due to its low bulk absorption at 10.6 microns. Its index of refraction homogeneity and uniformity offers excellent optical performance for use as protective windows or optical elements in high resolution forward looking infrared (FLIR) thermal imaging equipment. This material has also been used as small windows and lenses in medical and industrial applications, such as thermometry and spectroscopy. It has extremely low bulk losses due to absorption and scatter, has a high resistance to thermal shock and is stable in virtually all environments.
      Zinc selenide is a relatively soft material and scratches rather easily. It requires an antireflection coating due to its high refractive index if high transmission is required. ZnSe has a rather low dispersion across its useful transmission range. For high power applications, it is critical that the material bulk absorption and internal defect structure be carefully controlled, that minimum-damage polishing technology be employed, and the highest quality optical thin film coatings are used.

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