Magnesium Oxide
- MgO
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) is a robust, high-temperature optical material valued for its strong infrared transmission, excellent thermal stability, and resistance to chemical attack. MgO typically transmits from ~0.3 µm to 7 µm, covering the visible, near-IR, and mid-IR regions. Its stability and durability make MgO suitable for IR windows, high-temperature optical systems, thermal imaging, CO₂ laser applications, and environments where both heat resistance and mechanical strength are critical.
MgO offers a moderate refractive index (~1.72 at 1 µm) and low dispersion, providing good imaging performance and compatibility across a wide range of infrared systems. As a non-hygroscopic and chemically inert material, it maintains excellent resistance to moisture, abrasion, and corrosive environments — significantly outperforming hygroscopic halide crystals such as NaCl or KBr. Its combination of hardness, thermal shock resistance, and chemical robustness makes MgO ideal for harsh-environment optics, furnace viewports, and high-power IR laser applications.
At Global Optics UK, we manufacture and supply precision MgO windows, protective IR viewports, laser and thermal-imaging optics, and custom-fabricated components, available uncoated or with specialised IR anti-reflective or high-temperature protective coatings. Each optic is produced to strict surface-quality and dimensional-tolerance standards, ensuring reliable performance in high-heat systems, CO₂ laser platforms, industrial sensing, scientific instrumentation, and any application requiring thermal stability, IR transparency, and long-term material durability.
Explore Related Optical Materials:
Sapphire (Al2o3)
Zinc Selenide (ZnSe)
Germanium (Ge)
FAQ
FAQ
Q: What is Magnesium Oxide (MgO) used for?
A: Magnesium Oxide is widely used for high-temperature viewports, IR imaging, thermal monitoring systems, CO₂ laser optics, and harsh-environment industrial windows, thanks to its broad 0.3–7 µm transmission and exceptional heat resistance.
Q: What makes MgO different from other infrared materials?
A: MgO is exceptionally thermally stable, chemically inert, and mechanically strong, outperforming hygroscopic salts such as NaCl and KBr. It also offers good mid-IR transparency, resistance to corrosion, and excellent thermal-shock durability.
Q: Is Magnesium Oxide hygroscopic?
A: No. MgO is non-hygroscopic, meaning it does not absorb moisture and remains stable in humid, outdoor, and chemically aggressive environments.
Q: Is MgO suitable for high-power IR and CO₂ lasers?
A: Yes. MgO performs well in CO₂ laser systems (10.6 µm) and other high-power IR setups due to its excellent heat tolerance and mechanical robustness.
Q: What types of optical components can be made from MgO?
A: MgO is commonly fabricated into IR windows, protective viewports, prisms, inspection ports, and industrial optical components designed for high-temperature or corrosive environments.
Q: How durable is Magnesium Oxide?
A: MgO is extremely durable — offering high hardness, abrasion resistance, and strong chemical and thermal resilience. It is well-suited for demanding industrial, aerospace, and scientific applications.
Q: Can MgO optics be anti-reflection coated?
A: Yes. MgO components can be supplied uncoated or with IR anti-reflective and high-temperature protective coatings, depending on the application.
Q: Is MgO safe to handle?
A: Yes. MgO is non-toxic, chemically stable, and safe to handle with standard optical precautions (gloves, clean handling environment).
Q: Where can I obtain technical data for MgO?
A: Full technical specifications, datasheets, and material graphs for Magnesium Oxide are available here.