Product Overview
Sapphire is one of the most durable optical materials used in precision optical systems. It provides excellent transmission performance from ultraviolet through visible and near-infrared wavelengths while offering exceptional hardness, scratch resistance, and environmental stability.
Compared with conventional optical glass materials, sapphire windows are widely used in harsh-environment optical systems requiring high pressure resistance, chemical durability, and long service life. Sapphire is commonly selected for protective optical windows, sensor covers, aerospace optics, and high-temperature applications.
Due to its high mechanical strength and chemical resistance, sapphire is suitable for demanding industrial, military, medical, and scientific optical applications exposed to abrasion, thermal shock, and corrosive environments.
Typical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Optical Grade Sapphire (Al₂O₃) |
| Transmission Range | 0.17 – 5.5 μm |
| Refractive Index | ~1.76 @ 0.55 μm |
| Density | 3.98 g/cm³ |
| Knoop Hardness | ~2200 kg/mm² |
| Surface Quality | 60/40 to 20/10 available |
| Surface Flatness | Up to λ/10 |
| Coating Options | AR coating available |
| Applications | Protective optics, aerospace windows, sensor protection |
Key Features
- Excellent transmission from UV to infrared wavelengths
- Extremely high hardness and scratch resistance
- Excellent chemical and environmental durability
- High pressure and thermal shock resistance
- Suitable for harsh-environment optical systems
- Long service life in demanding applications
- Custom dimensions and coatings available
Optical Transmission Characteristics
Sapphire provides excellent optical transmission from ultraviolet wavelengths through visible and near-infrared regions. It is commonly used in optical systems requiring both high durability and stable optical performance.
Due to its high refractive index, AR coating is often applied to improve transmission efficiency and reduce reflection losses. Actual transmission performance depends on coating design, wavelength range, surface quality, and substrate thickness.
Applications
- Protective optical windows
- Aerospace and airborne optics
- Sensor protection windows
- High-pressure optical systems
- Medical and scientific optics
- Harsh-environment imaging systems
Manufacturing Capabilities
| Capability | Available Range |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3–300 mm |
| Thickness | 0.3–50 mm |
| Surface Quality | 60/40 to 20/10 |
| Surface Flatness | Up to λ/10 |
| Coating | AR coating available |
| Custom Shapes | Round, square, rectangular, custom |
Custom Manufacturing Options
- Custom dimensions and thickness
- Precision optical polishing
- AR coating support
- Prototype and batch production
- Drawing-based manufacturing
- Custom edge and chamfer processing
Materials Comparison
Compared with fused silica and BK7 glass, sapphire provides significantly higher hardness, scratch resistance, and environmental durability. Sapphire is widely selected for protective optical windows used in harsh industrial and aerospace environments.
Compared with Silicon and Germanium, sapphire provides superior visible transmission performance while maintaining excellent mechanical strength and chemical resistance.
FAQ
What wavelength range is Sapphire suitable for?
Sapphire provides excellent transmission from approximately 0.17 μm to 5.5 μm, covering ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths.
Why use Sapphire instead of optical glass?
Sapphire offers much higher hardness, scratch resistance, pressure resistance, and environmental durability than conventional optical glass materials.
Is Sapphire suitable for harsh environments?
Yes. Sapphire is widely used in harsh industrial, aerospace, and military optical systems due to its excellent durability and chemical stability.
Can AR coatings be applied to Sapphire windows?
Yes. AR coatings can be optimized for visible, near-infrared, and specific wavelength applications.
Can custom Sapphire windows be manufactured?
Yes. Custom dimensions, coatings, polishing quality, edge processing, and prototype manufacturing are available.
