Benefits of Fused Silica
Fused Silica is the
highly pure, non-crystalline material and is the most preferable choice for
making mirror substrate, high
performance lens, and simple stable tool. It has many benefits that make it a
priority choice among the users.
Some of the benefits
of Fused Silica are:
Range
of Transmission: A fused silica produces the high
throughput over a wide range of the spectrum. A standard UV fused silica
transmits more than 90% in the wavelength range of 200nm to 2 microns with the
least deviation at 1.4-micron wavelength. The IR grade fused silica achieves
more than 90% transmission within the wavelength of 200 nm to 3.5 microns.
Other fused silica
varieties allow the transmission in the high-power semiconductor, extreme UV
region of 248 nm and 193 nm due to the presence of some impurities.
Low
Thermal Expansion Coefficient: Unlike other optical
material, fused silica does not lose its surface accuracy even when subjected
to large changes in temperature. It has a special property of resisting thermal
shock and expansion. This is why it is the most preferable choice for mirror substrates, especially when
considering the application of either a metal or dielectric coating.
Minimum
Fluorescence: In the designing of the optical
system, the signal-to-noise ratio plays an important role. Generally, many
materials when exposed to high-intensity radiation such as UV light show
fluorescence. This produces an unwanted noise and degrades the overall signal,
thus reducing the overall effectiveness of the signal. Fused silica produces
very low or no fluorescence in such radiation that makes it a reputable choice
for laser applications.
Resistance
to Chemical: Fused Silica is chemically inert and
does not react with compounds including concentrated acids except Hydrofluoric
Acid. This makes it widely used in the laboratories with the harsh environment
and with caustic chemicals. The high resistance of the material also protects
the surface polish thus protect the material from flatness and transmitted
wavefront distortion.
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