High Pressure Optical Windows
for Subsea & Industrial Applications
Global Optics supplies custom optical windows for high pressure applications, manufactured exactly to customer drawings and specifications.
We support everything from one-off prototypes to production supply, with no minimum order quantity and full UK inspection prior to dispatch.
High pressure environments — including subsea, industrial and sealed systems — require careful material selection and thickness design to ensure performance and reliability.
Typical response time: within 24–48 hours depending on specification.
All components are inspected in the UK prior to dispatch to ensure they meet specification.
What We Need to Provide a Quotation
Providing the following information allows us to quote accurately and avoid delays:
-
Material (if known)
-
Diameter / size
-
Thickness
-
Quantity
-
Drawing or specification
Materials for High Pressure Optical Windows
-
Sapphire – best for high strength and extreme pressure environments
-
Fused Silica – suitable for precision applications under moderate pressure
-
Borosilicate (BK7) – for lower pressure, cost-sensitive applications
-
CaF₂ – used where infrared transmission is required, but with lower strength
Choosing the Right Material
Material selection depends on:
-
Pressure level
-
Window diameter and thickness
-
Environmental conditions (temperature, abrasion, corrosion)
-
Optical requirements (UV, visible, IR)
👉 If unsure, send your specification and we will quote based on your application.
When to Use High Pressure Optical Windows
-
Subsea and underwater systems
-
Pressure vessels and sealed environments
-
Industrial inspection systems
-
Analytical equipment under pressure
When Not to Use Standard Optical Windows
Standard optical windows may fail in high pressure environments if not correctly designed for thickness and material strength.
Applications
-
Subsea cameras and imaging systems
-
Pressure housings
-
Industrial monitoring systems
-
Scientific and research equipment
Important Design Considerations
-
Thickness must be calculated based on pressure and support conditions
-
Edge support significantly affects performance
-
Safety factors should be applied depending on application
👉 Our calculator provides an indicative thickness, but final design should be confirmed based on full requirements.
Custom Made to Drawing
All high pressure optical windows are manufactured to customer specifications, including size, thickness, surface quality and tolerances.
We supply components strictly to drawing and support both prototype and production quantities.
Coatings Available
-
Anti-reflective coatings
-
Protective coatings for harsh environments (including DLC where required)
-
Custom coating options