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Knight Optical

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Precision Optical Components for Underwater Imaging & Subsea Systems United States of America
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Knight Optical

Precision Optical Components for Underwater Imaging & Subsea Systems

1130 Ten Rod Road, Suite D-102 North Kingstown Rhode Island 02852 United States of America Regional Offices
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Knight Optical is a leading supplier of high-performance precision optics for underwater imaging and subsea equipment. Supporting manufacturers of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), we provide robust optical components for critical subsea systems.

Knight Optical Doublet

Our underwater optical components are employed across many subsectors, including subsea survey and mapping operations. Whether for underwater cameras, sensors, or other devices, these optics deliver dependable performance under high pressure.

Knight Optical’s precision optical components include products that operate in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared (IR) spectrums. These components are available from the standard catalog or manufactured to customer specifications.

Precision Optical Domes

Viewports for Underwater Cameras & Submersibles

Optical DomesKnight Optical offers dome windows for use in subsea imaging and meteorology. These domes are composed of two parallel curved surfaces, providing a naturally pressure-resistant shape suitable for submersibles.

Materials include BK7, UV fused silica, sapphire, and acrylic, with transmission ranges depending on the selected material. These domes are used in underwater cameras, ROV and AUV systems, pyranometers, and pyrgeometers.

Domes are available from 5mm to over 200mm in diameter, in standard and custom formats. Optional features include AR coatings, flanges for installation, and substrate choices based on wavelength or mechanical requirements.

Sapphire domes are highly durable and suited for harsh conditions. BK7 domes provide effective visible-range performance, while UV fused silica domes are suited for UVC applications.

Learn more: Dome Windows

Flat Optical Windows

Polished Viewports & Optical Sealing Components

Knight Optical supplies precision windows manufactured from BK7 (and equivalents), commonly used to seal optical enclosures. Options include uncoated and AR-coated windows, with BBAR coatings optimized for 450–900nm and 1050–1700nm.

These windows feature highly parallel faces and controlled flatness. Custom coatings such as AR, beamsplitter, and mirror coatings can be applied.

Precision Windows

Windows can be machined down to custom diameters or rectangular apertures. Additional options include mounting configurations and flatter grades.

Specialized Windows

Gorilla® Glass Windows

Chemically strengthened Gorilla® Glass provides scratch resistance and is available in thin formats while maintaining a protective function. It is suitable for visible-range optical systems and commonly used as cover glass.

Sapphire Windows

Sapphire windows offer durability and optical performance from UV to 5µm.

Sapphire Window

This material is highly resistant to extreme temperatures, chemical corrosion, and high radiation. Available in c-cut for applications requiring minimal birefringence and in random-cut formats, sapphire windows may also be produced in custom formats. The material’s hardness and mechanical strength make it suitable for demanding subsea environments.

Learn more: Optical Windows

Optical Lenses

Imaging Components for Camera Systems

Knight Optical provides a wide selection of lenses for underwater imaging. Lenses are available in various materials and formats suited to imaging applications, including:

  • Aspheric Lenses
  • Ball, Half and Hyper Hemispheric Ball Lenses
  • Cylindrical Lenses
  • Achromatic Doublet Lenses
  • Fresnel Lenses
  • UV and IR Lenses
  • Rod Lenses

Learn more: Imaging Lenses

Custom Optical Solutions

Custom Optical Solutions

Knight Optical offers custom optical components made to customer specifications, whether by adapting catalog parts or producing bespoke elements. Typical materials include BK7, UV fused silica, and sapphire, with options for coatings, shapes, and sizes depending on application needs.

All underwater optical components are tested by Knight Optical’s in-house metrology and QA departments to ensure they meet specifications before shipment. Optional test documentation, including First Article Inspection (FAI) reports, is available upon request.

Learn more: Custom Optics

Products

Optical Domes

Precision dome windows for ROVs, sensors & optical instrumentation

Sapphire Windows

Optical-grade sapphire windows for extreme marine & subsea environments

Flat Precision Windows

High-precision optical windows for subsea viewports & enclosures

Lenses

High-performance underwater lenses for subsea imaging systems

Gorilla® Glass Windows

Chemically-strengthened optical windows for harsh marine environments

Articles

Latest
Profile Spotlight: Knight Optical’s Precision Optics for Subsea Imaging Systems

Knight Optical is showcasing its underwater optical components on OST, offering precision solutions for imaging, sensing, and environmental instrumentation in subsea applications

Jun 25, 2025
Optical Technologies in Anti-Piracy Efforts

Knight Optical explores contemporary technological advancements and strategies implemented on ships to thwart piracy raids. Numerous vulnerabilities and hazards exist...

Mar 03, 2024
Subsea R&D: Finding the Balance Between Tradition & Innovation

Knight Optical has worked alongside leading names on progressions, alterations, and milestones in the world of subsea R&D, counterbalancing customs with progressive strategies

Feb 14, 2024
Knight Optical: The Symbiosis of Optical Precision, ROVs, and AUVs

Knight Optical examines the current landscape of submersibles, shining a spotlight on the evolution of AUVs and ROVs while highlighting...

Feb 09, 2024
Subsea R&D: Navigating the Depths of Long-Term Success

Staying ahead of the game in Subsea research and development (R&D) is paramount as humans dive deeper into the ocean,...

Jan 16, 2024
Regional Offices & Locations
Knight Optical USA LLC United States of America 1130 Ten Rod Road, Suite D-102 North Kingstown Rhode Island 02852 +1 401 583 7846 Contact Website
Knight Optical United Kingdom Unit 4 & 6, Roebuck Business Park, Ashford Rd, Harrietsham, Maidstone ME17 1AB +44 1622 859444 Website