Infrared imaging is a rapidly growing field with established uses in surveillance , and in the medical , agricultural , and civil (4) and electrical engineering sectors . More recently, infrared imaging has become integral to navigation of drones and autonomous vehicles , as well as space exploration . As the applications for this technology increase, there is a need for low-cost and easily processible alternatives to the conventional materials used for lenses and other infrared optics devices. This is particularly true for mid-wave (MWIR) and long-wave (LWIR) infrared cameras, as they rely on components made from expensive germanium or chalcogenide glasses . Additionally, many of the commonly used chalcogenide glass materials used for infrared optics contain toxic elements such as selenium and arsenic which complicate manufacture and lifetime management of these materials .