Chalcogenide Glass Photonics in 2025: Transforming Infrared Technologies and Powering the Next Wave of Photonic Devices. Explore How This Specialty Glass is Shaping the Future of Sensing, Communications, and Beyond.
- Executive Summary and Key Findings
- Market Size, Growth Rate, and 2025–2029 Forecasts
- Core Applications: Infrared Sensing, Imaging, and Communications
- Emerging Technologies: Integrated Photonics and Nonlinear Optics
- Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies and Strategic Initiatives
- Material Science Advances: Composition, Fabrication, and Performance
- Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Scalability Challenges
- Regulatory, Environmental, and Industry Standards
- Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World
- Future Outlook: Disruptive Trends and Long-Term Opportunities
- Sources & References
Executive Summary and Key Findings
Chalcogenide glass photonics is poised for significant advancements in 2025 and the coming years, driven by the unique optical properties of chalcogenide materials—primarily their broad infrared (IR) transparency, high refractive indices, and strong nonlinearities. These characteristics make chalcogenide glasses essential for applications in infrared sensing, telecommunications, and emerging quantum photonics. The sector is witnessing increased investment and collaboration among material suppliers, photonic device manufacturers, and end-users in defense, medical, and industrial markets.
Key industry players such as SCHOTT AG and Amorphous Materials Inc. continue to expand their chalcogenide glass portfolios, focusing on materials optimized for mid-IR transmission and laser power handling. SCHOTT AG has reported ongoing development of new chalcogenide compositions tailored for high-performance IR optics, while Amorphous Materials Inc. supplies a wide range of chalcogenide glasses for both commercial and research applications. These companies are responding to growing demand from sectors such as thermal imaging, environmental monitoring, and chemical sensing.
On the photonic integration front, LioniX International and Leonardo S.p.A. are notable for their work in integrating chalcogenide materials into photonic circuits and IR systems. LioniX International is advancing planar photonic platforms that leverage chalcogenide glasses for nonlinear and mid-IR applications, while Leonardo S.p.A. is incorporating these materials into advanced defense and security systems.
Recent years have seen a surge in research and pilot production of chalcogenide-based photonic devices, including waveguides, fibers, and microresonators. The push towards scalable manufacturing is supported by organizations such as Corning Incorporated, which is exploring chalcogenide glass fiber production for specialty applications. The industry is also closely monitoring environmental and supply chain factors, as the availability of raw chalcogen elements (such as selenium and tellurium) can impact production costs and timelines.
Looking ahead, the outlook for chalcogenide glass photonics is robust. The convergence of photonic integration, expanding IR applications, and the need for advanced sensing solutions is expected to drive double-digit growth in the sector through the late 2020s. Strategic partnerships between material suppliers, device manufacturers, and system integrators will be crucial for scaling up production and meeting the technical demands of next-generation photonic systems.
Market Size, Growth Rate, and 2025–2029 Forecasts
The chalcogenide glass photonics sector is poised for robust growth from 2025 through 2029, driven by expanding applications in infrared (IR) optics, fiber lasers, and next-generation sensing technologies. Chalcogenide glasses, composed primarily of sulfur, selenium, or tellurium, offer unique optical properties such as broad IR transparency and high nonlinearity, making them indispensable in fields like defense, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.
Key industry players such as SCHOTT AG, a global leader in specialty glass, and Amorphous Materials Inc., a major supplier of chalcogenide glass blanks and components, are expanding their product portfolios to meet rising demand for IR optics in thermal imaging and spectroscopy. LumiSpot Tech in China and IRmaterials in the United States are also scaling up production of chalcogenide glass fibers and lenses, targeting both commercial and defense markets.
The market size for chalcogenide glass photonics is expected to surpass several hundred million USD by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) estimated in the high single digits to low double digits through 2029. This growth is underpinned by increasing adoption of IR imaging systems in automotive advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), as well as the proliferation of fiber-based mid-IR lasers for industrial and medical applications. Companies such as Leonardo are integrating chalcogenide-based optics into their thermal imaging and surveillance systems, while Thorlabs continues to expand its catalog of chalcogenide glass components for research and OEM customers.
Geographically, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to see the fastest growth, fueled by investments in photonics manufacturing and government-backed R&D initiatives. Europe and North America remain strongholds for high-value, precision chalcogenide optics, with established supply chains and end-user industries in aerospace, defense, and healthcare.
Looking ahead to 2029, the chalcogenide glass photonics market is expected to benefit from ongoing advances in glass fabrication, such as 3D printing and precision molding, which are lowering production costs and enabling new device architectures. The sector’s outlook remains positive, with continued innovation from leading manufacturers and a steady influx of new applications in quantum photonics, environmental sensing, and beyond.
Core Applications: Infrared Sensing, Imaging, and Communications
Chalcogenide glass photonics is poised for significant advancements in core applications such as infrared (IR) sensing, imaging, and communications in 2025 and the coming years. Chalcogenide glasses, composed primarily of sulfur, selenium, or tellurium, are uniquely suited for these applications due to their broad infrared transparency, high refractive indices, and nonlinear optical properties. These characteristics enable the development of components that operate efficiently in the mid-infrared (MIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral regions, which are critical for a range of industrial, defense, medical, and environmental monitoring applications.
In IR sensing and imaging, chalcogenide glass fibers and lenses are increasingly being adopted for thermal imaging systems, gas sensing, and spectroscopy. Companies such as SCHOTT AG and Amorphous Materials Inc. are recognized suppliers of chalcogenide glass materials and components, supporting the production of IR optics for both commercial and defense markets. SCHOTT AG has expanded its portfolio of IR-transmitting chalcogenide glasses, which are used in thermal cameras and night vision devices, while Amorphous Materials Inc. specializes in custom chalcogenide glass blanks and finished optics for spectroscopy and sensing.
In the field of IR communications, chalcogenide glass fibers are gaining traction for their ability to transmit signals in the MIR region, where traditional silica fibers are opaque. This opens new possibilities for secure, high-bandwidth data transmission and chemical sensing via fiber-based systems. Corning Incorporated and Leonardo S.p.A. are among the organizations developing specialty fibers and photonic devices leveraging chalcogenide materials. Corning Incorporated has a history of innovation in specialty glass and fiber, and is actively exploring chalcogenide-based solutions for next-generation photonic applications.
Looking ahead, the outlook for chalcogenide glass photonics is robust, with ongoing research focused on improving glass stability, manufacturability, and integration with silicon photonics platforms. The demand for advanced IR imaging and sensing in autonomous vehicles, industrial process monitoring, and environmental analysis is expected to drive further adoption. Additionally, the development of new chalcogenide compositions and fabrication techniques is anticipated to enhance performance and reduce costs, making these materials more accessible for widespread deployment in IR photonics over the next several years.
Emerging Technologies: Integrated Photonics and Nonlinear Optics
Chalcogenide glass photonics is rapidly advancing as a key enabler for next-generation integrated photonic and nonlinear optical devices. Chalcogenide glasses, composed of elements such as sulfur, selenium, and tellurium, are prized for their wide infrared transparency, high refractive indices, and strong nonlinear optical properties. These characteristics make them highly suitable for applications in mid-infrared (mid-IR) photonics, supercontinuum generation, and all-optical signal processing.
In 2025, the sector is witnessing significant momentum in both research and commercialization. Companies such as Corning Incorporated and SCHOTT AG are recognized for their expertise in specialty glass, including chalcogenide compositions, and are actively developing materials tailored for photonic integration. Corning Incorporated has a longstanding history in glass innovation and continues to expand its chalcogenide glass portfolio for infrared optics and photonic circuits. SCHOTT AG similarly offers chalcogenide glasses for IR applications, supporting the growing demand for advanced photonic components.
On the device manufacturing front, Amorphous Materials, Inc. specializes in chalcogenide glass blanks and components, supplying materials for infrared sensors, fiber optics, and planar waveguides. Their products are integral to the fabrication of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and nonlinear optical devices, which are increasingly being adopted in telecommunications, environmental sensing, and medical diagnostics.
A notable trend in 2025 is the integration of chalcogenide glass with silicon photonics platforms, aiming to combine the mature fabrication infrastructure of silicon with the superior nonlinear and infrared properties of chalcogenides. This hybrid approach is being explored by both established companies and startups, with the goal of enabling compact, energy-efficient devices for frequency comb generation, mid-IR spectroscopy, and quantum photonics.
Looking ahead, the outlook for chalcogenide glass photonics is robust. The continued miniaturization of photonic devices, coupled with the need for broadband and high-speed optical processing, is expected to drive further adoption. Industry leaders such as Corning Incorporated and SCHOTT AG are likely to expand their product lines, while new entrants focus on specialized integrated photonic solutions. The next few years will likely see increased collaboration between material suppliers, device manufacturers, and system integrators, accelerating the deployment of chalcogenide-based photonic technologies across diverse sectors.
Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies and Strategic Initiatives
The competitive landscape of chalcogenide glass photonics in 2025 is characterized by a blend of established specialty glass manufacturers, innovative startups, and vertically integrated photonics companies. These players are leveraging the unique properties of chalcogenide glasses—such as broad infrared transparency, high refractive indices, and nonlinear optical characteristics—to address growing demands in sensing, imaging, telecommunications, and mid-infrared (mid-IR) photonics.
Among the global leaders, SCHOTT AG continues to be a dominant force, offering a comprehensive portfolio of chalcogenide glasses for infrared optics and photonics. SCHOTT’s IRG series is widely used in thermal imaging, spectroscopy, and defense applications. The company has recently expanded its production capabilities and is investing in process automation to meet increasing demand for high-purity, low-loss chalcogenide materials.
Another key player, Amorphous Materials Inc., specializes in the development and manufacturing of chalcogenide glass blanks, rods, and custom components. The company supplies materials for both research and commercial applications, with a focus on mid-IR transmission and laser optics. Amorphous Materials is actively collaborating with photonics integrators to develop next-generation IR sensors and waveguides.
In the Asia-Pacific region, OHARA Inc. is notable for its advanced glass engineering and its expansion into chalcogenide-based products. OHARA’s R&D efforts are directed toward improving the environmental stability and manufacturability of chalcogenide glasses, aiming to support the scaling of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for sensing and communication.
Emerging companies are also shaping the sector. IRradiance Glass (a subsidiary of IRradiance) is commercializing novel chalcogenide glass compositions for flexible IR fiber optics and planar photonic devices. Their recent partnerships with defense and medical device manufacturers signal a push toward broader adoption in non-traditional markets.
Strategic initiatives across the industry include investments in scalable manufacturing, eco-friendly glass formulations, and integration with silicon photonics platforms. Companies are also forming consortia with research institutes to accelerate the development of chalcogenide-based PICs and mid-IR laser sources. The outlook for 2025 and beyond suggests intensified competition, with a focus on supply chain resilience, cost reduction, and the development of application-specific chalcogenide photonic components.
Material Science Advances: Composition, Fabrication, and Performance
Chalcogenide glass photonics is experiencing significant advancements in material science, particularly in the areas of composition engineering, fabrication techniques, and performance optimization. Chalcogenide glasses, primarily composed of sulfur, selenium, or tellurium combined with elements like arsenic or germanium, are valued for their broad infrared (IR) transparency, high refractive indices, and strong nonlinear optical properties. These characteristics make them essential for applications in mid-infrared (mid-IR) photonics, sensing, and integrated optics.
In 2025, research and industrial efforts are focused on refining glass compositions to enhance thermal stability, reduce optical losses, and improve environmental durability. For instance, the incorporation of elements such as gallium and iodine is being explored to suppress crystallization and moisture sensitivity, which are traditional challenges for chalcogenide glasses. Companies like SCHOTT AG and Amorphous Materials Inc. are at the forefront, offering a range of chalcogenide glass materials tailored for fiber optics, planar waveguides, and bulk optics. These companies are also investing in scalable manufacturing processes, such as precision casting and extrusion, to meet the growing demand for high-quality chalcogenide components.
Fabrication techniques are evolving rapidly, with laser-assisted processing, ultrafast laser inscription, and advanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods enabling the production of low-loss waveguides and microstructured fibers. Corning Incorporated and Leonardo S.p.A. are notable for their work in developing chalcogenide fiber technologies for IR transmission and sensing. These advances are critical for applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and defense, where robust and efficient IR photonic devices are required.
Performance improvements are being realized through the integration of chalcogenide glasses with silicon photonics platforms, enabling hybrid devices that leverage the nonlinear and IR-transparent properties of chalcogenides with the scalability of silicon. This integration is expected to accelerate in the next few years, driven by collaborative efforts between material suppliers and photonic device manufacturers. Additionally, the development of new glass compositions with reduced toxicity—such as arsenic-free chalcogenides—addresses regulatory and environmental concerns, broadening the adoption of these materials in commercial and research settings.
Looking ahead, the outlook for chalcogenide glass photonics is robust, with ongoing investments in material innovation, process automation, and device integration. As the demand for mid-IR photonic solutions grows across sectors like telecommunications, spectroscopy, and security, the role of leading manufacturers and material science advances will be pivotal in shaping the next generation of high-performance photonic devices.
Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Scalability Challenges
Chalcogenide glass photonics is poised for significant growth in 2025 and the coming years, driven by its unique properties for infrared (IR) optics, nonlinear photonics, and integrated photonic circuits. However, the sector faces persistent supply chain, manufacturing, and scalability challenges that could impact its trajectory.
A primary challenge is the reliable sourcing and purification of chalcogen elements—sulfur, selenium, and tellurium—used in glass formulations. These elements are often byproducts of metal refining, leading to supply fluctuations and price volatility. For example, tellurium, critical for high-performance mid-IR glasses, is primarily sourced as a byproduct of copper mining, with global supply concentrated in a few countries. This creates potential bottlenecks and geopolitical risks for manufacturers.
On the manufacturing front, chalcogenide glasses are more sensitive to impurities and require specialized melting and casting processes under controlled atmospheres to prevent oxidation and contamination. Leading suppliers such as SCHOTT AG and Amorphous Materials Inc. have developed proprietary purification and glass-forming techniques to address these issues, but scaling up production while maintaining optical quality remains a technical hurdle. Batch-to-batch consistency, especially for large-volume or high-precision applications, is a persistent concern.
Another scalability challenge is the integration of chalcogenide glasses with established photonic manufacturing platforms, such as silicon photonics. The thermal and chemical incompatibility between chalcogenide glasses and silicon-based processes complicates wafer-scale integration. Companies like IRphotonics and LumiSpot Tech are actively developing hybrid integration techniques and thin-film deposition methods to enable scalable device fabrication, but widespread adoption is still in its early stages.
In terms of supply chain resilience, the industry is increasingly focused on vertical integration and regional diversification. SCHOTT AG, for instance, has invested in expanding its chalcogenide glass production capacity in Europe to reduce dependence on external suppliers and mitigate geopolitical risks. Meanwhile, collaborations between material suppliers and photonic device manufacturers are intensifying to ensure end-to-end quality control and supply security.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the outlook for chalcogenide glass photonics will depend on continued advances in raw material purification, scalable glass processing, and integration technologies. Industry leaders are expected to invest in automation, process monitoring, and recycling of chalcogen elements to enhance sustainability and cost-effectiveness. However, overcoming the inherent supply chain and manufacturing complexities will remain a central challenge as demand for IR photonics and integrated devices accelerates.
Regulatory, Environmental, and Industry Standards
The regulatory, environmental, and industry standards landscape for chalcogenide glass photonics is evolving rapidly as the technology matures and finds broader adoption in sectors such as telecommunications, infrared sensing, and defense. In 2025, regulatory attention is increasingly focused on the environmental impact of chalcogenide materials, particularly those containing elements like arsenic and selenium, which are subject to stringent handling and disposal regulations in many jurisdictions.
The European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation continue to shape the use of chalcogenide glasses in photonic devices. Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products comply with limits on hazardous substances, prompting ongoing research into alternative glass compositions with reduced toxicity. Companies such as SCHOTT AG and Amorphous Materials Inc. are actively developing arsenic-free and environmentally friendlier chalcogenide glasses to meet these regulatory demands.
Industry standards for chalcogenide glass photonics are being developed and refined by organizations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These standards address aspects such as optical transmission properties, mechanical durability, and environmental stability, which are critical for applications in harsh environments. In 2025, the photonics industry is seeing increased collaboration between manufacturers and standards bodies to ensure that new chalcogenide-based components meet the rigorous requirements of sectors like aerospace and defense.
Environmental stewardship is also a growing priority. Companies are investing in closed-loop manufacturing processes and recycling initiatives to minimize waste and reduce the environmental footprint of chalcogenide glass production. For example, Corning Incorporated is known for its commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices, which extends to its specialty glass operations, including chalcogenide materials.
Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to bring further harmonization of global standards and increased regulatory scrutiny, especially as chalcogenide glass photonics expands into consumer and medical markets. Industry leaders are proactively engaging with regulatory agencies and standards organizations to shape policies that balance innovation with safety and environmental responsibility. As a result, the sector is poised for sustainable growth, underpinned by robust compliance frameworks and a commitment to responsible material stewardship.
Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World
The global landscape for chalcogenide glass photonics is rapidly evolving, with distinct regional dynamics shaping the market and research directions in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. As of 2025, these regions are leveraging their unique strengths in materials science, photonic integration, and end-use applications to drive innovation and commercialization.
North America remains a leader in chalcogenide glass photonics, propelled by robust investments in defense, telecommunications, and sensing technologies. The United States, in particular, benefits from a strong ecosystem of research institutions and companies specializing in specialty glass and photonic components. Corning Incorporated continues to be a key player, leveraging its expertise in specialty glass to develop advanced infrared (IR) optics and fiber solutions. The region is also witnessing increased collaboration between academia and industry, with a focus on mid-infrared (mid-IR) photonics for environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics.
Europe is characterized by a strong emphasis on research and development, supported by EU-funded initiatives targeting photonic integration and quantum technologies. Companies such as SCHOTT AG in Germany are at the forefront, offering a range of chalcogenide glasses for IR applications, including thermal imaging and spectroscopy. The region’s focus on sustainability and energy efficiency is driving demand for chalcogenide-based sensors and waveguides in industrial and automotive sectors. Collaborative projects across France, the UK, and Germany are expected to accelerate the commercialization of integrated photonic circuits using chalcogenide materials through 2025 and beyond.
Asia-Pacific is emerging as a dynamic growth center, fueled by expanding manufacturing capabilities and increasing investments in photonics infrastructure. Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are ramping up production of chalcogenide glass fibers and components for telecommunications, consumer electronics, and security applications. Sumitomo Chemical in Japan is notable for its development of specialty chalcogenide materials, while Chinese manufacturers are scaling up to meet domestic and export demand. The region’s rapid adoption of 5G and IoT technologies is expected to further boost the market for chalcogenide-based photonic devices.
Rest of the World encompasses emerging markets in the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, where adoption is currently limited but growing. These regions are primarily importing chalcogenide glass components for niche applications in defense, oil and gas, and environmental monitoring. As local research capabilities expand and infrastructure investments increase, gradual uptake of chalcogenide photonics is anticipated, particularly in security and industrial sensing.
Looking ahead, regional collaboration and supply chain resilience will be critical as demand for chalcogenide glass photonics accelerates globally. The interplay between established players like Corning Incorporated, SCHOTT AG, and Sumitomo Chemical and emerging manufacturers in Asia-Pacific will shape the competitive landscape through 2025 and into the next decade.
Future Outlook: Disruptive Trends and Long-Term Opportunities
Chalcogenide glass photonics is poised for significant advancements in 2025 and the coming years, driven by the unique optical properties of chalcogenide materials—such as high refractive indices, broad infrared transparency, and strong nonlinearities. These characteristics are enabling disruptive trends across telecommunications, sensing, and quantum technologies.
A major trend is the integration of chalcogenide glasses into photonic integrated circuits (PICs), particularly for mid-infrared (mid-IR) applications. The mid-IR region is critical for environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and defense, as many molecular fingerprints lie in this spectral range. Companies like Corning Incorporated and SCHOTT AG are actively developing chalcogenide glass compositions and components, leveraging their expertise in specialty glass manufacturing to address growing demand for mid-IR photonics.
Another disruptive trend is the use of chalcogenide glasses in nonlinear optics and all-optical signal processing. Their high nonlinear coefficients make them ideal for applications such as supercontinuum generation, frequency combs, and ultrafast switching. Amorphous Materials Inc. is a notable supplier of chalcogenide glasses for research and industrial use, supporting the development of next-generation nonlinear photonic devices.
In the field of quantum photonics, chalcogenide glasses are being explored for their potential in single-photon sources and quantum memory, due to their low phonon energy and broad transparency. This is attracting interest from both established players and startups aiming to commercialize quantum technologies in the next few years.
Manufacturing scalability and integration with silicon photonics remain key challenges and opportunities. Efforts are underway to develop CMOS-compatible fabrication processes, which would enable mass production of chalcogenide-based photonic devices. Lumentum Holdings Inc., a leader in photonic solutions, is among the companies exploring advanced materials integration for high-performance optical components.
Looking ahead, the market for chalcogenide glass photonics is expected to expand as demand for high-performance infrared optics, compact sensors, and quantum devices grows. Strategic partnerships between material suppliers, device manufacturers, and system integrators will be crucial to accelerate commercialization. As research transitions to scalable production, chalcogenide glass photonics is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of optical technologies through 2025 and beyond.
Sources & References
- SCHOTT AG
- Amorphous Materials Inc.
- LioniX International
- Leonardo S.p.A.
- LumiSpot Tech
- Thorlabs
- OHARA Inc.
- IRradiance
- Sumitomo Chemical
- Lumentum Holdings Inc.
