Quartz
- SiO2
Quartz (SiO₂) is a highly versatile optical material valued for its excellent transmission from deep-UV through visible and into the infrared (typically 180 nm to 3.5 µm). Its combination of high purity, thermal stability, and low thermal expansion makes it ideal for demanding applications requiring optical clarity and environmental durability.
With a refractive index of ~1.46 at 589 nm, fused quartz provides low dispersion and stable, predictable performance across a wide spectral range. It is widely used in UV optics, high-power laser systems, analytical instruments, imaging, semiconductor equipment, and precision metrology.
Quartz is non-hygroscopic, chemically resistant, and maintains excellent optical transmission even under elevated temperatures, making it suitable for both laboratory and industrial environments. Its high laser-damage threshold also makes it a preferred material for laser windows, lenses, and beamsplitters.
Explore Related Optical Materials:
Fused Silica (SiO2)
Borosilicate (BK7)
Sapphire (Al2O3)
FAQ
FAQ
Q: What is Quartz used for?
A: Quartz (SiO₂) is widely used in UV–visible optics, laser systems, spectroscopy, semiconductor equipment, metrology tools, and high-temperature or high-pressure viewports thanks to its excellent UV transparency, stability, and durability.
Q: How does Quartz differ from Fused Silica?
A: Both are forms of SiO₂, but Quartz is crystalline, while Fused Silica is amorphous. Quartz offers intrinsic birefringence, excellent thermal and mechanical stability, and is widely used for laser applications requiring polarisation control. Fused Silica generally provides better deep-UV transmission and lower thermal expansion.
Q: What is the transmission range of Quartz?
A: Quartz typically transmits from ~0.18 µm to 3.5 µm, covering UV, visible, and near-IR regions. Special grades may offer deeper UV performance.
Q: Is Quartz birefringent?
A: Yes. Quartz is a birefringent (uniaxial) crystal, which makes it well suited for waveplates, polarisation optics, and laser components.
Q: Is Quartz suitable for high-power laser applications?
A: Yes. Quartz has a high laser-damage threshold, excellent thermal stability, and low absorption, making it ideal for UV, visible, and IR laser systems, including high-power continuous and pulsed lasers.
Q: What optical components are made from Quartz?
A: Common components include windows, lenses, prisms, waveplates, polarizers, optical flats, laser components, and high-temperature viewports.
Q: Is Quartz hygroscopic?
A: No. Quartz is fully non-hygroscopic and remains stable in humid, wet, or outdoor environments.
Q: How durable is Quartz?
A: Quartz is highly durable with excellent scratch resistance, mechanical strength, and thermal shock stability, making it suitable for industrial, laboratory, and high-energy systems.
Q: Can Quartz optics be coated?
A: Yes. Quartz supports a wide range of AR coatings, dielectric coatings, laser coatings, and reflective coatings across UV, visible, and IR wavelengths.
Q: Is Quartz safe to handle?
A: Yes. Quartz is non-toxic, chemically stable, and environmentally safe. Standard optical handling procedures (gloves, clean wipes) are recommended.
Q: Where can I obtain technical data for Quartz?
A: Full datasheets, specifications, and optical graphs for Quartz can be downloaded here.