UV Optics

COE Optics can supply UV optics with UV wavelengths from 121nm to 395mm. Such as DUV MgF2, CaF2, BaF2, and UV fused silica, UV sapphire. COE Optics can supply UV optics including windows, mirrors, lenses, filters, and beam expanders.

UV optics are vital for many applications including semiconductor processing, fluorescence microscopy, and laser micromachining. Many laser optics applications are moving towards shorter UV wavelengths in order to create very small and precise features with minimal peripheral heating. The surge in UV optics applications has led to a corresponding demand for optical components designed to work at those wavelengths.

Comparing with IR optics, the main challenge associated with manufacturing UV optics is that surface tolerances must be much tighter than those of IR optics. The standard P-V irregularity tolerance for an optical lens is λ/10; therefore the physical accuracy required in manufacturing is dependent on the wavelength at which the optics will use. Because tolerances are quoted at a fixed wavelength of 632.8nm, λ/10 implies 632.8nm regardless of the design wavelength.

What's more, performance will be worse for short UV wavelengths comparing with visible or IR wavelengths. For instance, an optical lens@308nm will require an irregularity tolerance twice as tight as an optical lens@632.8nm to maintain the same relative level of wavefront distortion (TWD). This same principle applies to optical coatings, too.

At last, UV optics require a more strict S/D surface quality than IR optics because the short wavelengths of UV light typically absorb and scatter much more than visible or IR light.  Surface imperfections such as scratches and digs are amplified under UV light and even the smallest surface flaws can be points of absorption or scatter, reducing system throughput. For instance, UV optics require 10/5, or even 0/0 in some area, while IR optics just requires 40/20, which should be enough for the application.