Chalcogenide Glass Photonics in 2025: Transforming Infrared Applications and Powering the Next Wave of Photonic Devices. Explore the Market Forces, Breakthrough Technologies, and Strategic Outlook Shaping the Industry’s Future.

• Executive Summary: Key Trends and 2025 Market Snapshot
• Market Size, Growth Rate, and 2025–2030 Forecasts
• Core Applications: Infrared Sensing, Imaging, and Beyond
• Technology Innovations: Materials, Fabrication, and Integration
• Competitive Landscape: Leading Players and Strategic Moves
• Supply Chain and Manufacturing Developments
• Emerging Markets and Regional Opportunities
• Challenges: Material Limitations, Scalability, and Cost
• Regulatory, Standards, and Industry Initiatives
• Future Outlook: Disruptive Trends and Long-Term Projections
• Sources & References

Executive Summary: Key Trends and 2025 Market Snapshot

Chalcogenide glass photonics is poised for significant advancements in 2025, driven by the material’s unique infrared (IR) transparency, high refractive index, and nonlinear optical properties. These characteristics are increasingly leveraged in applications spanning telecommunications, sensing, defense, and emerging quantum technologies. The global market is witnessing a surge in demand for chalcogenide-based components, particularly in mid-infrared (mid-IR) photonics, where traditional silica-based materials fall short.

Key industry players such as SCHOTT AG and Amorphous Materials Inc. continue to expand their chalcogenide glass portfolios, supplying bulk materials, fibers, and precision optics for IR imaging, spectroscopy, and laser systems. SCHOTT AG has notably invested in scaling up production of IR-transmitting chalcogenide glasses, targeting both defense and industrial markets. Meanwhile, Amorphous Materials Inc. remains a key supplier of specialty chalcogenide glasses for custom optical components, supporting rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing for research and commercial clients.

In 2025, the integration of chalcogenide glasses into photonic integrated circuits (PICs) is accelerating, with companies like LioniX International and Leonardo S.p.A. exploring their use in next-generation sensors and on-chip light sources. These efforts are supported by ongoing collaborations with research institutes and government agencies, aiming to overcome fabrication challenges and improve device reliability. The adoption of chalcogenide glass fibers in mid-IR laser delivery and environmental monitoring is also expanding, with Leonardo S.p.A. actively developing fiber-based solutions for aerospace and security applications.

Looking ahead, the outlook for chalcogenide glass photonics remains robust. The sector is expected to benefit from increased investment in quantum photonics, where chalcogenide materials’ nonlinear properties enable efficient photon generation and manipulation. Additionally, the push for advanced medical diagnostics and environmental sensing is likely to drive further innovation in chalcogenide-based IR components. As manufacturing processes mature and supply chains stabilize, the industry is set to deliver more cost-effective and scalable solutions, positioning chalcogenide glass photonics as a cornerstone of future photonic technologies.

Market Size, Growth Rate, and 2025–2030 Forecasts

The chalcogenide glass photonics sector is poised for significant growth between 2025 and 2030, driven by expanding applications in infrared (IR) optics, fiber lasers, sensing, and next-generation communications. Chalcogenide glasses, composed primarily of sulfur, selenium, or tellurium, are valued for their broad infrared transparency, high refractive indices, and nonlinear optical properties. These characteristics make them indispensable in fields such as thermal imaging, environmental monitoring, and mid-infrared photonics.

As of 2025, the global market for chalcogenide glass photonics is estimated to be in the low hundreds of millions USD, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projected in the high single digits to low double digits through 2030. This growth is underpinned by rising demand for IR optics in defense, automotive (notably for LiDAR and night vision), and medical diagnostics. The proliferation of mid-IR photonic integrated circuits and fiber-based devices is also accelerating adoption.

Key industry players include SCHOTT AG, a German multinational recognized for its advanced specialty glass and chalcogenide materials, and Amorphous Materials Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in chalcogenide glass blanks and IR optics. Oxford Instruments is also active in the sector, providing enabling technologies for chalcogenide glass fabrication and device integration. In Asia, HOYA Corporation is a notable supplier of specialty optical materials, including chalcogenide glasses for IR applications.

Recent years have seen increased investment in scalable manufacturing and precision processing of chalcogenide glasses, with companies like SCHOTT AG expanding their IR glass portfolio to meet growing demand from defense and industrial sectors. The development of chalcogenide glass fibers for mid-IR transmission is another growth vector, with applications in spectroscopy, chemical sensing, and medical diagnostics. The integration of chalcogenide materials into photonic integrated circuits is expected to further expand the addressable market, particularly as silicon photonics platforms reach their limits in the mid-IR range.

Looking ahead to 2030, the chalcogenide glass photonics market is expected to benefit from continued advances in material purity, fiber drawing techniques, and hybrid integration with semiconductor platforms. The sector’s outlook remains robust, with sustained demand from defense, automotive, and life sciences, and emerging opportunities in quantum photonics and environmental sensing. Strategic partnerships between material suppliers, device manufacturers, and system integrators will be crucial in scaling production and accelerating innovation.

Core Applications: Infrared Sensing, Imaging, and Beyond

Chalcogenide glass photonics is poised for significant advancements in 2025 and the coming years, particularly in the domains of infrared (IR) sensing, imaging, and emerging applications. Chalcogenide glasses, composed primarily of sulfur, selenium, or tellurium, are uniquely suited for photonic devices operating in the mid- and long-wave infrared (MWIR and LWIR) spectral regions, where traditional silica-based optics are opaque. This property underpins their growing adoption in critical sectors such as defense, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and industrial process control.

A core application area is IR sensing and imaging. Chalcogenide glass fibers and lenses are increasingly integrated into thermal cameras, night vision systems, and gas detection devices. For instance, SCHOTT AG, a global leader in specialty glass, continues to expand its portfolio of chalcogenide glass products for IR optics, supporting both defense and civilian markets. Their IRG series glasses are widely used in thermal imaging and spectroscopy, offering high transmission in the 2–12 μm range and robust environmental durability.

Another major player, Amorphous Materials Inc., specializes in chalcogenide glass blanks and precision optics, supplying components for IR sensors and imaging systems. Their materials are tailored for high-performance applications, including hyperspectral imaging and non-contact temperature measurement, which are expected to see increased demand as automation and smart sensing proliferate across industries.

In the medical field, chalcogenide glass fibers enable minimally invasive diagnostics through IR endoscopy and tissue analysis. Companies like Leonardo Cristalli are advancing the fabrication of chalcogenide fiber optics for biomedical imaging, leveraging the glasses’ biocompatibility and broad IR transparency. This is anticipated to facilitate new diagnostic modalities, particularly in early cancer detection and metabolic monitoring.

Looking beyond traditional imaging, chalcogenide photonics is set to play a pivotal role in integrated photonic circuits for IR communications and quantum technologies. The unique nonlinear optical properties of chalcogenide glasses make them attractive for on-chip frequency conversion and supercontinuum generation, with research and prototyping underway at several industrial and academic centers. Companies such as Corning Incorporated are exploring chalcogenide-based solutions for next-generation photonic devices, aiming to address the growing need for compact, high-performance IR components.

As the market for IR sensing and imaging expands, driven by security, environmental, and health imperatives, chalcogenide glass photonics is expected to see robust growth and diversification through 2025 and beyond. Ongoing investments in material refinement, scalable manufacturing, and device integration will further cement its role at the core of advanced photonic technologies.

Technology Innovations: Materials, Fabrication, and Integration

Chalcogenide glass photonics is experiencing a surge of innovation in materials engineering, fabrication techniques, and device integration as the industry moves into 2025. Chalcogenide glasses, composed primarily of sulfur, selenium, or tellurium combined with elements like arsenic or germanium, are prized 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 next-generation optical communications.

Recent advances in material purity and compositional control are enabling the production of chalcogenide glasses with reduced optical losses and enhanced stability. Companies such as SCHOTT AG and Amorphous Materials Inc. are at the forefront, supplying high-quality chalcogenide glass materials for both bulk and fiber applications. SCHOTT AG has expanded its portfolio to include glasses optimized for laser power delivery and IR imaging, while Amorphous Materials Inc. specializes in custom glass compositions for spectroscopy and sensor markets.

On the fabrication front, the industry is witnessing the maturation of precision techniques such as ultrafast laser inscription, chemical vapor deposition, and advanced molding. These methods are enabling the creation of complex photonic structures—waveguides, microresonators, and photonic integrated circuits (PICs)—with sub-micron accuracy. Leonardo DRS and IRflex Corporation are notable for their work in chalcogenide fiber drawing and specialty IR fiber components, supporting applications in defense, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.

Integration of chalcogenide glass photonics with silicon and other semiconductor platforms is a key trend for 2025 and beyond. Hybrid integration strategies are being developed to combine the nonlinear and IR capabilities of chalcogenide glasses with the scalability of silicon photonics. This is expected to accelerate the deployment of mid-IR photonic chips for chemical sensing, free-space communications, and quantum photonics. Companies like Leonardo DRS and SCHOTT AG are investing in research partnerships and pilot production lines to address these integration challenges.

Looking ahead, the outlook for chalcogenide glass photonics is robust. The convergence of improved material quality, scalable fabrication, and advanced integration is positioning chalcogenide-based devices as critical enablers for emerging markets in environmental sensing, medical diagnostics, and secure communications. As industry leaders continue to refine their processes and expand their product offerings, the next few years are expected to see broader commercialization and adoption of chalcogenide photonic technologies.

Competitive Landscape: Leading Players and Strategic Moves

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. The sector is witnessing increased activity as demand for mid-infrared (mid-IR) photonic components grows in applications such as sensing, medical diagnostics, defense, and next-generation telecommunications.

A key player in this space is SCHOTT AG, a global leader in specialty glass, which continues to expand its chalcogenide glass portfolio for infrared optics. SCHOTT’s IRG series chalcogenide glasses are widely used in thermal imaging and spectroscopy, and the company has recently invested in scaling up production capacity to meet rising demand from defense and industrial sectors. Another major manufacturer, Amorphous Materials Inc., specializes in chalcogenide glass blanks and precision optics, supplying to OEMs in the photonics and sensor markets. Their focus on high-purity materials and custom compositions positions them as a preferred supplier for advanced photonic integration.

In the Asia-Pacific region, HOYA Corporation is notable for its research and development in specialty glasses, including chalcogenide materials for IR applications. HOYA’s ongoing investments in R&D and manufacturing infrastructure are aimed at capturing a larger share of the growing market for IR photonics, particularly in automotive and environmental monitoring.

Emerging companies are also shaping the competitive dynamics. IRphotonics focuses on chalcogenide fiber and waveguide solutions, targeting medical laser delivery and industrial sensing. Their proprietary fiber-drawing techniques and material engineering are enabling new device architectures for mid-IR photonics. Meanwhile, LumiSpot Tech in China is rapidly scaling its chalcogenide glass optics production, leveraging domestic demand and government support for photonics innovation.

Strategic moves in 2024–2025 include capacity expansions, vertical integration, and collaborative R&D. Companies like SCHOTT and Amorphous Materials are investing in automation and quality control to ensure consistency for high-volume applications. Partnerships between glass manufacturers and photonic device integrators are becoming more common, aiming to accelerate the commercialization of chalcogenide-based sensors and integrated photonic circuits.

Looking ahead, the competitive landscape is expected to intensify as new entrants leverage advances in glass chemistry and fabrication. The push for miniaturized, high-performance mid-IR photonic devices will likely drive further consolidation and strategic alliances among leading players, with a focus on supply chain resilience and application-driven innovation.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing Developments

The supply chain and manufacturing landscape for chalcogenide glass photonics is undergoing significant transformation as demand for mid-infrared (mid-IR) photonic components accelerates in 2025. Chalcogenide glasses, composed primarily of sulfur, selenium, or tellurium combined with elements like arsenic or germanium, are prized for their broad infrared transparency and nonlinear optical properties. These attributes are critical for applications in environmental sensing, medical diagnostics, defense, and next-generation telecommunications.

Key players in the chalcogenide glass supply chain include specialty glass manufacturers, fiber producers, and integrated photonics companies. SCHOTT AG, a global leader in specialty glass, continues to expand its chalcogenide glass portfolio, focusing on high-purity materials and scalable production methods to meet growing industry needs. Amorphous Materials Inc. (AMI), based in the United States, remains a primary supplier of chalcogenide glass blanks and custom compositions, supporting both research and commercial device fabrication.

On the fiber optics front, LEONI Fiber Optics and Coractive are notable for their development and supply of chalcogenide glass fibers, which are essential for mid-IR laser delivery and sensing systems. These companies are investing in process automation and quality control to ensure consistent fiber performance, a critical factor as device integration becomes more demanding.

Integrated photonics is another area of rapid development. LioniX International is advancing the integration of chalcogenide materials into photonic integrated circuits (PICs), enabling compact, robust, and scalable mid-IR solutions. Their efforts are supported by collaborations with research institutes and end-users in spectroscopy and environmental monitoring.

Supply chain resilience is a growing concern, particularly regarding the sourcing of high-purity chalcogen elements and the environmental and safety regulations associated with their handling. Companies are increasingly investing in recycling and purification technologies to secure material availability and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, partnerships between material suppliers and device manufacturers are strengthening, with joint development agreements aimed at optimizing glass compositions for specific photonic applications.

Looking ahead, the chalcogenide glass photonics sector is expected to see further vertical integration, with manufacturers moving upstream to secure raw materials and downstream to offer value-added device assembly. Automation, digitalization, and advanced metrology are being adopted to improve yield and traceability. As the market for mid-IR photonics expands, especially in environmental and medical sectors, the supply chain is poised for both consolidation and innovation, ensuring robust support for emerging applications through 2025 and beyond.

Emerging Markets and Regional Opportunities

The global landscape for chalcogenide glass photonics is rapidly evolving, with emerging markets and regional opportunities shaping the sector’s trajectory through 2025 and beyond. Chalcogenide glasses, known for their unique infrared (IR) transmission properties and nonlinear optical characteristics, are increasingly sought after in applications such as IR imaging, fiber optics, environmental sensing, and next-generation photonic devices.

Asia-Pacific is poised to be a major growth engine, driven by robust investments in photonics manufacturing and research. China, in particular, is expanding its domestic capabilities in specialty glass production, with companies like China National Building Material Group (CNBM) and China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) investing in advanced materials, including chalcogenide-based products. These efforts are supported by government initiatives to localize high-value photonic components and reduce reliance on imports, especially for defense and environmental monitoring applications.

In Europe, France and Germany remain at the forefront of chalcogenide glass innovation. Saint-Gobain, a global leader in glass and advanced materials, continues to develop chalcogenide substrates for IR optics and photonic integrated circuits. Meanwhile, SCHOTT AG in Germany is expanding its portfolio of specialty glasses, including chalcogenide compositions tailored for mid-IR transmission and laser applications. These companies benefit from strong regional photonics clusters and collaborative R&D frameworks, such as the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC).

North America is also witnessing renewed interest, particularly in the United States, where the defense, aerospace, and medical imaging sectors are driving demand for high-performance IR materials. Corning Incorporated is leveraging its expertise in specialty glass to explore new chalcogenide formulations, while smaller firms and startups are targeting niche markets in IR sensing and quantum photonics. The U.S. government’s emphasis on domestic semiconductor and photonics supply chains is expected to further stimulate investment in this area.

Looking ahead to the next few years, regional opportunities are likely to be shaped by the convergence of photonics with artificial intelligence, environmental monitoring, and quantum technologies. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East are beginning to invest in photonics infrastructure, presenting new avenues for chalcogenide glass adoption. As global supply chains diversify and technological barriers decrease, the sector is set for robust growth, with established players and agile newcomers alike vying for leadership in this dynamic field.

Challenges: Material Limitations, Scalability, and Cost

Chalcogenide glass photonics, while promising for applications in mid-infrared (mid-IR) optics, nonlinear photonics, and integrated photonic circuits, faces several persistent challenges related to material limitations, scalability, and cost as of 2025 and looking ahead. These challenges are central to the sector’s ability to transition from research to widespread commercial deployment.

A primary material limitation is the inherent fragility and chemical instability of many chalcogenide glasses, particularly those based on arsenic or selenium. These materials are prone to oxidation and moisture-induced degradation, which can compromise device longevity and performance. Efforts to improve environmental stability—such as compositional engineering and protective coatings—are ongoing, but have yet to yield universally robust solutions. For example, Corning Incorporated, a major glass manufacturer, continues to investigate new chalcogenide formulations to enhance durability and optical performance, but the trade-off between stability and desirable optical properties remains a technical bottleneck.

Scalability is another significant hurdle. The fabrication of high-quality chalcogenide glass components, especially for integrated photonic circuits, requires precise control over composition and structure. Traditional melt-quenching and extrusion methods are difficult to scale for mass production of complex photonic devices. Advanced techniques such as chemical vapor deposition and precision molding are being explored, but these processes are not yet as mature or cost-effective as those used for silica-based photonics. Companies like SCHOTT AG and Amorphous Materials Inc. are actively developing scalable manufacturing processes, but the industry still faces challenges in achieving consistent quality at high volumes.

Cost remains a critical barrier to broader adoption. Chalcogenide raw materials, especially those containing tellurium or high-purity selenium, are expensive and subject to supply chain volatility. Additionally, the specialized equipment and cleanroom environments required for processing these materials add to production costs. As a result, chalcogenide glass photonic devices are often significantly more expensive than their silica or polymer counterparts, limiting their use to niche, high-value applications such as infrared sensing, defense, and medical diagnostics. Industry leaders like Thorlabs, Inc. and Leonardo Electronics offer chalcogenide-based components, but their product lines remain relatively limited compared to more established photonic materials.

Looking forward, the outlook for overcoming these challenges is cautiously optimistic. Ongoing research into new glass chemistries, scalable fabrication methods, and cost reduction strategies is expected to yield incremental improvements over the next few years. However, unless breakthroughs in material stability and manufacturing economics are achieved, chalcogenide glass photonics will likely remain a specialized solution for demanding optical applications rather than a mainstream photonic platform.

Regulatory, Standards, and Industry Initiatives

The regulatory landscape and standardization efforts for chalcogenide glass photonics are evolving in response to the material’s growing adoption in infrared optics, fiber lasers, and integrated photonic circuits. As of 2025, chalcogenide glass—composed primarily of sulfur, selenium, or tellurium with other elements—remains a focus for both industry and regulatory bodies due to its unique optical properties and potential applications in defense, telecommunications, and sensing.

International standards for optical materials, including chalcogenide glasses, are primarily overseen by organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). These bodies are working to update and expand standards related to optical transmission, environmental durability, and safety for mid-infrared photonic components. In 2024 and 2025, working groups within ISO/TC 172 (Optics and photonics) and IEC/TC 86 (Fibre optics) have initiated reviews to address the specific needs of chalcogenide-based devices, including fiber and planar waveguides, with draft standards expected to be circulated for comment by late 2025.

On the industry side, leading manufacturers such as Amorphous Materials Inc. and Corning Incorporated are actively participating in standards development and industry consortia. Amorphous Materials Inc. is recognized for its specialty chalcogenide glass products used in infrared optics, while Corning Incorporated is leveraging its expertise in specialty glass to explore scalable manufacturing of chalcogenide fibers and planar substrates. Both companies are collaborating with research institutions and industry groups to ensure that new standards reflect the latest advances in material purity, environmental stability, and device integration.

Environmental and safety regulations are also under review, particularly concerning the use of selenium and tellurium, which are subject to restrictions in some jurisdictions due to toxicity concerns. The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives in the European Union and similar frameworks in Asia and North America are prompting manufacturers to develop compliant formulations and to document material traceability throughout the supply chain.

Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to see the formalization of new international standards for chalcogenide glass photonics, which will facilitate broader adoption in commercial and defense sectors. Industry initiatives, such as joint roadmapping efforts and pre-competitive research consortia, are likely to accelerate the development of robust, standardized chalcogenide photonic components, supporting the sector’s growth and integration into next-generation optical systems.

Future Outlook: Disruptive Trends and Long-Term Projections

Chalcogenide glass photonics is poised for significant advancements in 2025 and the following years, driven by the unique optical properties of chalcogenide materials—such as high infrared transparency, large nonlinear coefficients, and broad transmission windows. These features are increasingly critical for applications in telecommunications, sensing, and mid-infrared (mid-IR) photonics. The global push for next-generation optical networks and the expansion of mid-IR technologies in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and defense are expected to accelerate the adoption of chalcogenide glass components.

A key trend is the integration of chalcogenide glasses into photonic integrated circuits (PICs), enabling compact, high-performance devices for both classical and quantum photonics. Companies like Corning Incorporated and SCHOTT AG are actively developing chalcogenide glass compositions and manufacturing processes tailored for scalable photonic device fabrication. These efforts are complemented by specialized suppliers such as Amorphous Materials Inc., which provides a range of chalcogenide glass blanks and fibers for research and industry.

In 2025, disruptive trends are expected in the field of mid-IR photonics, where chalcogenide glasses offer superior performance compared to traditional silica-based materials. The development of low-loss chalcogenide fibers and waveguides is enabling new generations of mid-IR lasers, supercontinuum sources, and sensors. Leonardo S.p.A. and Thorlabs, Inc. are among the companies advancing mid-IR photonic components, with a focus on environmental gas sensing, industrial process monitoring, and medical diagnostics.

Another area of rapid progress is the use of chalcogenide glasses in nonlinear and quantum photonics. Their high nonlinearity and broad transparency make them ideal for frequency conversion, all-optical switching, and photon-pair generation. This is attracting interest from both established photonics manufacturers and emerging startups aiming to commercialize quantum photonic devices.

Looking ahead, the outlook for chalcogenide glass photonics is robust. The convergence of advanced manufacturing techniques—such as 3D printing and precision molding—with the inherent material advantages of chalcogenides is expected to lower costs and expand the range of applications. As the demand for high-performance photonic devices in the mid-IR and beyond continues to grow, chalcogenide glass technologies are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of photonics through 2025 and into the next decade.

Sources & References

• SCHOTT AG
• Amorphous Materials Inc.
• LioniX International
• Leonardo S.p.A.
• Oxford Instruments
• HOYA Corporation
• LumiSpot Tech
• Coractive
• Thorlabs, Inc.
• International Organization for Standardization