Significance & Benefits of Optical Windows in Industrial Applications
Optical windows are flat, transparent plates that minimize reflection and absorption of light. These windows are often used for isolating optical systems or components against detrimental influences from the environment. Some of the common optical materials used for optical windows are fused silica and BK7 for visible or near-infrared light. Sometimes crystalline materials is also used for optical windows such as calcium fluoride, zinc selenide, silicon and germanium.
Magnesium Fluoride Window
Magnesium Fluoride window provides transmission from deep in the ultraviolet region to the mid-infrared. These windows are extremely durable and introduce minimal aberrations. These windows are ideal for deep-UV applications extending into the vacuum-UV region. Many of these windows are transparent over a very wide 120 nm to 8 µm spectral range. Such windows are also durable, resistant to both thermal and mechanical shock, and has a high laser damage threshold. As Magnesium Fluoride has the lowest refractive index of all optical glasses, there is no need for AR coatings to have low surface reflectance. Hence, these windows are not limited to the spectral band of a broadband AR coating,
Fused Silica Windows
Fused silica windows are an excellent choice for demanding applications where precision and clear transmittance are needed. These windows feature low bulk scatter and auto fluorescence, and are available with very high surface quality and parallelism. These windows have better homogeneity, a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, and a lower index of refraction for any given wavelength.
Germanium Window
Germanium window has broad transmission range and opacity in the visible portion of the spectrum. These windows also act as long pass filter for certain wavelengths. It is important to avoid significant losses of optical radiation going through an optical window. Such windows are ideal for IR applications at a broad range of wavelengths, including use in lower power CO2 lasers. Also, Germanium has low dispersion, which make it suitable for imaging applications.
Laser window
A laser window provides safety in many industries and make sure that the environment remains safe and secure even in high-risk situations. These windows can be designed for either laser transmission or laser safety purposes. There are several varieties of laser windows available in the market suitable for both laser transmission and laser blocking applications.
There are many reputed suppliers in the market that supply a range of optical windows in a selection of materials to meet all applications from UV-Visible and NIR wavelengths. Most manufacturers provide expert guidance for selecting the perfect window based on its material transmission, thermal and mechanical properties. One should look for reputed manufacturers having years of expertise in the industry to buy quality products at the best prices.
