Fused Silica Ball Lenses

Fused Silica Ball Lenses

The optical performance of fused silica glass possesses unique characteristics: it not only transmits far ultraviolet light effectively but is also among the best materials for ultraviolet transmission, capable of transmitting visible light and near-infrared spectra. Fused silica glass exhibits advantages such as high temperature resistance, low thermal expansion coefficient, good chemical stability, absence of bubbles, striae, uniformity, and birefringence, making it an optically stable material in various adverse conditions .
GELINDE has extensive experience in processing fused silica ball lenses. In addition to domestic JGS-1, JGS-2, and JGS-3 fused silica, we also have expertise in processing various renowned imported materials, including:

Corning 7980, 7971, 7979, 8655
Nikon SK1300
Shin-Etsu  P700, P248C

FAQ About Fused Silica Ball Lenses

In harsh environments, Fused Silica Ball Lenses must withstand extreme temperatures, pressure variations, and potential exposure to corrosive elements. Fused Silica’s high chemical resistance and low thermal expansion make it well-suited for these conditions, though additional protective measures, such as coatings or specialized housings, may be required to ensure long-term durability.

Surface finish is critical in UV and DUV applications, where even minor surface imperfections can scatter short-wavelength light, reducing transmission efficiency. High-quality polishing that achieves low surface roughness (typically below 1 nm RMS) is essential to maintain optimal optical performance in these applications.

Fused Silica is renowned for its hardness and exceptional resistance to mechanical wear, making it highly resistant to scratches and surface damage. However, it is more brittle compared to materials like BK7 glass. Consequently, in environments subject to significant mechanical shock or vibration, meticulous handling and secure mounting are crucial to prevent fractures.

Fused Silica has low dispersion, meaning it causes minimal separation of light into its component wavelengths. However, in multi-wavelength systems, even small dispersion can lead to chromatic aberration. Achromatic lens designs or supplementary corrective optics are often employed to ensure consistent focus across the entire wavelength range.

The purity of Fused Silica is crucial in high-energy laser applications, where impurities can absorb laser energy, leading to localized heating, material damage, or even lens failure. High-purity Fused Silica, with minimal metallic impurities and hydroxyl content, is essential to achieve the high laser damage thresholds required in such demanding applications.

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