Uncoated, Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Window

Description

Shape Optics’ Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Windows are high-quality optical components designed for applications requiring broad and flat transmission across the infrared spectrum. These windows are particularly suitable for longwave infrared (LWIR) spectroscopy and low-power CO2 systems. CdTe windows are valued for their cost-effectiveness and excellent transmissivity.

Properties and Uses

CdTe windows are widely used in infrared spectroscopy due to their broad transmission range from 1 to 25 μm and the absence of absorption bands between 12 and 25 μm. This makes them ideal for applications requiring precise and reliable IR measurements. CdTe is insoluble in water, adding to its durability in various environments. However, CdTe is the softest of the II-VI materials and can be easily scratched or cleaved, necessitating careful handling.

General Specifications

• Material: Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
• Clear Aperture: 85%
• Coating: Uncoated
• Edges: Fine Ground
• Bevel: Protective as needed
• Type: Protective Window

Physical Properties

• Density: 6.2 g/cm³
• Young’s Modulus: 36.52 GPa
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): 5.9 x 10⁻⁶/°C

Mechanical Properties

• Knoop Hardness: 54 kg/mm²
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.41
• Surface Flatness: 2λ per inch @ 632.8 nm
• Parallelism: < 3 arcmin

Chemical Properties

Cadmium Telluride is insoluble in water, enhancing its stability in humid environments. However, its softness makes it susceptible to scratching and cleaving, so it must be handled with care. CdTe’s chemical resistance and low cost make it a preferred material for many infrared applications.

Optical Properties

• Index of Refraction: 2.653 @ 10 μm
• Surface Quality: 60-40 scratch-dig

Transmission Wavelength Range

CdTe windows provide broad, flat transmission from 1 μm to 25 μm, making them highly versatile for various infrared applications. The absence of absorption bands between 12 μm and 25 μm allows for high-precision measurements in this range, making CdTe windows ideal for longwave IR spectroscopy and infrared filtering applications.

Shape Optics’ Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Windows are engineered to deliver superior performance across a wide infrared spectral range. Their broad transmission, water insolubility, and cost-effectiveness make them ideal for longwave IR spectroscopy and other advanced optical applications. However, due to their softness, careful handling is crucial to maintain their performance and longevity.