Every optical designer's tool kit contains a dizzying array of materials from which to pick the one that best suits their application. One of the popularly used material is Fused Silica which is used for high and low index optical glasses, absorptive filters, different crystals, composites, and polymers. It can be obtained by melting silica power in such a way that its grains fused together, and cooling it down fast enough to prevent crystallization. It is also sometimes called fused quartz or quartz glass.
Features and qualities of UV fused Silica windows
This high quality, non-crystalline substance is often the go-to substrate of choice for numerous applications, and for good reason. It is a good choice if you're looking for an all-purpose, high-performing lens, window, mirror substrate, or even a basic, stable tool.
UV Fused Silica is a high-purity synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide. Transmission and homogeneity of fused silica outperforms crystalline quartz without the orientation and temperature instability issues. It exhibits relatively low autofluoresence and scattering when compared to other optical components.
In the UV ultraviolet, UV Fused Silica has a high transparency and hence, it is an excellent choice for applications that require higher UV transmission than N-BK7. Additionally, UV fused silica windows have a lower index of refraction for a given wavelength, improved uniformity, and a cheaper cost. Such qualities make it ideal for vacuum applications due to its ability to maintain great optical performance in high-temperature settings.
When is it ideal to opt for UV fused silica?
UV fused silica windows are an ideal choice when you need
High degree of purity.
Superior environmental durability.
A low coefficient of thermal expansion.
High resistance to thermal shock.
Excellent transmission from the UV to the NIR.
Extreme hardness for demanding applications which require a high degree of flatness
UV-grade fused silica optical windows with high precision are fabricated from a variety of substrate materials for use in a wide range of laser and industrial applications. They are used in varied industries such as astronomy, military and commercial avionics, medical and scientific instrumentation, academics and research and other industrial applications. They are an excellent choice for laser applications, spectroscopy, photolithography, vacuum windows, and many other applications.
Most UV Fused Silica window manufacturers offer a variety of grades and specifications ranging from low-cost commercial applications, spectroscopic, instrument windows, and general optical substrates to high-precision pressure windows for demanding applications. Many manufacturers offer wavelength-specific AR coatings centred around regularly utilised laser wavelengths on laser windows and wedged laser windows, as well as Brewster windows that reduce P-polarization reflectivity.
