LightPath Technologies Announces First Germanium-Free G5 Camera Variants Utilizing Proprietary BlackDiamond™ Glass

Rhea-AI Summary

LightPath Technologies (NASDAQ:LPTH) has announced that its subsidiary G5 Infrared has begun production of two high-end cooled infrared camera products using the company's proprietary BlackDiamond™ Glass instead of Germanium. This strategic shift comes in response to China's export restrictions on Germanium, a critical material for defense contractors.

Following G5's acquisition in early 2025, LightPath has redesigned select entry-level camera models to incorporate BlackDiamond™ Glass technology. These new Germanium-free cameras serve as direct drop-in replacements for current models, requiring no system redesigns. The company is now focusing on redesigning G5's mid-range camera solutions to expand its Germanium-free product portfolio.

Positive

• Strategic elimination of dependence on Chinese Germanium supply
• Vertical integration of proprietary BlackDiamond™ technology enhances supply chain certainty
• Drop-in replacement capability requires no customer system redesigns
• Significant pipeline of new business opportunities

Negative

• Initial rollout limited to only two camera models
• Mid-range camera solutions still pending redesign

Insights

Defense Technology & Supply Chain Analyst

LightPath's germanium-free cameras address critical defense supply chain vulnerabilities while opening new market opportunities through vertical integration.

LightPath's announcement represents a significant strategic shift in the infrared camera market by addressing a critical vulnerability in the defense supply chain. The company is leveraging its proprietary BlackDiamond™ Glass technology to replace germanium in G5's high-end cooled infrared cameras, directly responding to China's export restrictions on germanium - a critical material for traditional infrared optics.

The timing is particularly advantageous as defense contractors for the U.S. and its allies are actively seeking alternatives to germanium-dependent technologies. By offering drop-in replacements that require no system redesign by their customers, LightPath removes a major adoption barrier while providing supply chain certainty in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

This vertical integration strategy - combining LightPath's materials technology with G5's camera systems (acquired earlier this year) - creates meaningful competitive differentiation. The company is effectively converting a supply chain challenge into a market opportunity by creating a germanium-free product ecosystem, starting with entry-level cameras and expanding to mid-range solutions.

The announcement indicates a phased approach to this technology transition, suggesting a methodical product development roadmap. With G5's "significant pipeline of new business opportunities" mentioned, this technological shift positions LightPath to potentially capture defense contracts specifically seeking germanium-free alternatives, especially as concerns about Chinese supply dependencies continue to influence procurement decisions.

Initial Two Cameras Redesigned Utilizing Proprietary BlackDiamond™ Glass in Place of Germanium to Start Production as Part of Planned Transition to Wider Range of Germanium-Free Products

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) ("LightPath," the "Company," "we," or "our"), a leading provider of next-generation optics and imaging systems for both defense and commercial applications, today announced its subsidiary G5 Infrared ("G5"), a leading high-end infrared camera systems manufacturer, has commenced production of two high-end cooled infrared camera products, redesigned to utilize LightPath's Proprietary BlackDiamond™ Glass in place of Germanium.

Following the acquisition of G5 in early 2025, the company commenced the redesign of select entry-level camera models to leverage BlackDiamond™ Glass and eliminate the use of Germanium. Export restrictions on Germanium imposed by China, which supplies a significant portion of the world's Germanium, is leading the shift away from Germanium by defense contractors of the U.S. and its allies.

"Vertical Integration of LightPath's proprietary BlackDiamond™ glass with G5's products positions us for strong growth and the ability to deliver greater value to a wider range of customers while concurrently providing an unparalleled level of supply chain certainty," said Sam Rubin, President and CEO of LightPath. "These initial Germanium-free G5 camera models are entering production now and are a drop-in replacement for current Germanium models, with no need to redesign the systems these cameras go into. We are now focused on redesigning G5's mid-range camera solutions. G5 has a significant pipeline of new business opportunities, and we look forward to offering Germanium-free options for those customers in the months ahead," concluded Rubin.

About LightPath Technologies

LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) is a leading provider of next-generation optics and imaging systems for both defense and commercial applications. As a vertically integrated solutions provider with in-house engineering design support, LightPath's family of custom solutions range from proprietary BlackDiamond™ chalcogenide-based glass materials – sold under exclusive license from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory – to complete infrared optical systems and thermal imaging assemblies. The Company's primary manufacturing footprint is located in Orlando, Florida with additional facilities in Texas, New Hampshire, Latvia and China. To learn more, please visit www.lightpath.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "forecast," "guidance," "plan," "estimate," "will," "would," "project," "maintain," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "prospect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "believe," "continue," "opportunity," "potential," and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: (i) anticipated timing for program awards, as well as any resulting impact on our financial performance; (ii) the impact of the G5 acquisition on our business and results of operations; (iii) the performance of our product portfolio and expected market potential with our products and (iv) expectations regarding our ability to secure government and military projects with certain customers. These forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the impact of varying demand for the Company products; the ability of the Company to obtain needed raw materials and components from its suppliers; the impact of tariffs and other governmental trade restrictions; actions governments, businesses, and individuals take in response to the pandemic, including restrictions on onsite commercial interactions; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; geopolitical tensions, the Russian-Ukraine conflict, and the Hamas/ Israel war; the effects of steps that the Company could take to reduce operating costs; the inability of the Company to sustain profitable sales growth, convert inventory to cash, or reduce its costs to maintain competitive prices for its products; circumstances or developments that may make the Company unable to implement or realize the anticipated benefits, or that may increase the costs, of its current and planned business initiatives; and those factors detailed by the Company in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or facts materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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SOURCE LightPath Technologies

FAQ

What is LightPath Technologies' new BlackDiamond™ Glass innovation?

BlackDiamond™ Glass is LightPath's proprietary technology that serves as a Germanium replacement in infrared camera systems, enabling the company to produce Germanium-free cameras while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.

Why is LPTH moving away from Germanium in their cameras?

LightPath is transitioning away from Germanium due to export restrictions imposed by China, which supplies a significant portion of the world's Germanium, affecting defense contractors of the U.S. and its allies.

How many G5 camera models has LightPath converted to BlackDiamond™ Glass?

LightPath has currently converted two high-end cooled infrared camera products to use BlackDiamond™ Glass, with plans to redesign mid-range camera solutions in the future.

When did LightPath Technologies acquire G5 Infrared?

LightPath Technologies acquired G5 Infrared in early 2025, shortly before beginning the redesign of select entry-level camera models.

What is the impact of BlackDiamond™ Glass on existing G5 camera systems?

The new BlackDiamond™ Glass cameras serve as drop-in replacements for current Germanium models, requiring no redesign of the systems these cameras integrate into.