Fused Silica - SiO2
Fused silica is a high-purity, amorphous form of silica commonly used in producing precision optics and is a purer version of fused quartz. It’s made by melting pure silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2) at extremely high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it to form a solid glass.
​
Important - fused silica glass isn't the same as quartz glass, although they have the same chemical formula.
​
Fused silica is transparent from the deep ultraviolet (UV) to the electromagnetic spectrum's near-infrared (NIR) region, and is also available in different grades.
​
Fused silica optics are highly desirable for their excellent optical and mechanical properties, as well as their durability and resistance to harsh environments.
​
At Global Optics, we supply an extensive selection of transmissive and reflective fused silica optical components for industries such as the medical sector, spectroscopy, astronomy, and semiconductor manufacturing.
​
Properties of fused silica
Fused silica offers a repeatable and consistent performance due to its several desirable properties that make it well-suited for use in high-performance optical components and systems.
​
Durability: fused silica is extremely hard and resistant to scratching and abrasion, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
​
Chemical resistance: fused silica is chemically inert and resistant to attack by most acids, making it an ideal material for use in harsh environments.
Low refractive index: the refractive index of fused silica ranges from 1.55 to 1.40 through the transmission range of 0.16 μm–3 μm.
​
Low thermal expansion coefficient: Fused silica has an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal shock resistance, which means that its shape and optical performance are not affected by changes in temperature.
​
The different grades of fused silica
While both grades offer the same great properties listed above, the transmission characteristics between UV-grade fused silica and IR-grade fused silica differ, with the first excelling in the ultraviolet range and the latter providing exceptional transmittance in the infrared spectrum.
​
UV-grade fused silica
-
Low fluorescence and absorption in UV light
-
High transmission efficiency across the UV spectrum
IR-grade fused silica
-
Excellent optical transmission across the infrared spectrum
-
Reduced thermal effects in the infrared region
Fused silica glass optics
Fused silica optics such as windows, lenses, and mirrors are utilised in optical systems where high performance, stability, and durability are required.
Many fields of science and industry benefit from these components, for example, windows and lenses made from fused silica are used in satellites and spacecraft.
​
Fused silica optics can be manufactured using a variety of techniques, including cutting, grinding, polishing, and ion beam figuring. These processes can produce optics with high surface quality, excellent dimensional accuracy, and precise optical performance.
Speak to an expert
At Global Optics, we stock elite-quality fused silica optics, from lenses and windows to prisms and other optical components.
​
Get in touch with us today for order information, or to speak with a specialist.
Infrared scan created with the PerkinElmer Spectrum 10.5.2
Interactive graph
- Left click on line to get exact details
- Left Click and drag to zoom in
- Right Click to reset
