Chalcogenides Glass Optics Customization

Description

Chalcogenide glass materials, composed of elements such as sulfur, selenium, and tellurium, are renowned for their exceptional infrared (IR) transmission and thermal stability. These unique properties make them invaluable in the field of optics, particularly for infrared applications. Shape Optics specializes in the customization of chalcogenide glass optics, providing tailored solutions to meet specific needs in various industries.

General Specifications

• Composition: Varies (e.g., Ge33_{33}33​As12_{12}12​Se55_{55}55​, Ge22_{22}22​As20_{20}20​Se58_{58}58​)
• Density: 3.2 to 4.84 g/cm³
• Diameter: 1-25 mm
• Diameter Tolerance: Standard ±0.015 mm, Precision ±0.005 mm
• Thickness Tolerance: Standard 0.03 mm, Precision 0.005 mm
• Irregularity (P-V): Standard <1 μm, Precision <0.6 μm
• Irregularity (RMS): Standard 0.3 μm, Precision 0.08 – 0.15 μm
• Centering Error: 1′
• Surface Quality: Standard 60-40, Precision 20-10

Physical Properties

Chalcogenide glasses have higher densities compared to conventional optical glasses, contributing to their robustness. Their thermal expansion coefficients are moderate, ensuring compatibility with various substrates and reducing thermal stress. These materials have high transition temperatures, indicating good thermal stability.

Mechanical Properties

Chalcogenide glasses are moderately hard, making them easier to process and mold compared to harder materials like Ge and ZnSe. However, they are more prone to scratching. Precision molding technology allows these materials to be formed into flat, spherical, and aspherical optical lenses, enhancing their versatility in optical applications.

Chemical Properties

Chalcogenide glasses are chemically stable and resistant to water and most acids, making them suitable for use in harsh environments. This stability ensures durability and longevity in various applications, from IR sensors to gas detection.

Optical Properties

Chalcogenide glasses exhibit excellent infrared transmission, covering wavelengths from 0.5 μm to 25 μm. Their low dispersion and high refractive indices are advantageous for designing high-performance IR optics. These properties make them ideal for applications requiring precise control of light, such as IR spectroscopy and thermal imaging.

Transmission Wavelength

The broad transmission range of chalcogenide glasses, from 0.5 μm to 25 μm, ensures their suitability for a wide variety of IR applications. This extensive range allows for versatility in designing optical systems for defense, medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and more.

Conclusion

Shape Optics’ chalcogenide glass materials offer superior performance for infrared optical systems. Their unique properties, including wide transmission range, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, make them ideal for advanced IR applications. By leveraging the benefits of chalcogenide materials, Shape Optics provides customized solutions that meet the demanding requirements of modern infrared technology.