LWIR IMAGING LENS, IMAGE CAPTURING SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

An imaging lens for use with an operational waveband over any subset of 7.5-13.5 mum may include a first optical element of a first high-index material and a second optical element of a second high-index material. At least two surfaces of the first and second optical elements may be optically powered surfaces. A largest clear aperture of all optically powered surfaces may not exceed a diameter of an image circle of the imaging lens corresponding to a field of view of 55 degrees or greater by more than 30%. The first and second high-index materials may have a refractive index greater than 2.2 in the operational waveband, an absorption per mm of less than 75% in the operational waveband, and an absorption per mm of greater than 75% in a visible waveband of 400-650 nm.