Silicon has a low 2.329 g/cm3 density which is half the density of Germanium, making it ideal for weight-sensitive applications, such as silicon windows. Silicon's price is much better compared with Germanium. Many military brand companies choose TC Optics Silicon lenses or windows.
Silicon Window Specifications
Silicon (Si) windows are widely used in a variety of scientific and industrial applications due to their excellent optical properties, particularly in the infrared (IR) region. Silicon has a high refractive index and a low absorption coefficient in the mid-IR range, making it an ideal material for use in IR spectroscopy and imaging applications. Silicon windows are also used in high-power laser systems and as protective windows for thermal imaging cameras.
Material | Silicon/silica |
Diameter | 1 to 500 mm |
Diameter Tolerance | +0/-0.02 mm |
Thickness Tolerance | ±0.01 mm |
Surface Quality | 10-5 |
Surface Figure | λ/10 |
Parallelism | 1 Minute |
Coating | Uncoated, AR, HR, Beamsplitter, etc. |
Types of optical window glass for your needs:
Fused silica window
Sapphire optical window
ZnSe window
Germanium window
Silicon window
Borosilicate glass for sale
Float glass optical windows
Properties and Characteristics of Silicon Windows
Optical Properties of Si windows
Silicon windows have a high refractive index of about 3.4 and a low absorption coefficient in the mid-IR range, making them an ideal material for use in IR spectroscopy and imaging applications. They have a broad transmission range from 1-8 μm and are particularly useful in the 1-5 μm range.
Silicon window transmission
Silicon windows have high transmittance in the visible and near-infrared regions. Their transmission rate ranges from 50% to 95%, depending on the thickness of the silicon material and the specific wavelength being transmitted. They have high transmittance in the range of 1-7 µm, which is the near-infrared region, and some silicon windows can transmit light up to 14 µm, making them suitable for use in some mid-infrared applications as well. Silicon windows are often used in spectroscopy, microscopy, and other instrumentation applications where high transmission in the visible and near-infrared range is required. They are also highly resistant to temperature changes and mechanical stress, making them suitable for use in harsh environments.
Physical Properties of Si Windows
Silicon windows are a relatively hard material with a Knoop hardness of about 1150. They have a density of 2.33 g/cm3 and a thermal conductivity of about 149 W/mK, making them highly thermally conductive and resistant to thermal shock.
Applications of Silicon Windows
Infrared Spectroscopy and Imaging
Si windows are commonly used in infrared spectroscopy and imaging applications due to their high transmittance in the mid-IR range. They are often used in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, where they are used as beamsplitters or as windows for sample chambers.
High-Power Laser Systems
Si windows are also used in high-power laser systems, where they are used as protective windows or lenses due to their high thermal conductivity and low absorption coefficient in the visible and near-IR range.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Si windows are used as protective windows in thermal imaging cameras, where they are used to protect the sensitive infrared detector from dust and other contaminants while allowing infrared radiation to pass through.
Handling and Maintenance of Silicon Windows
Silicon windows should be handled with care to avoid scratching or other damage to the surface. They can be cleaned using a mild detergent and water solution or with isopropyl alcohol. It is important to use a soft, lint-free cloth or a lens cleaning tissue to avoid scratching the surface.
FAQs of silica windows
What is the transmission range of Silica windows?
A: Silica windows have a broad transmission range from 1-8 μm and are particularly useful in the 1-5 μm range.
Can Silica windows be used in high-power laser systems?
A: Yes, Silica windows have a low absorption coefficient in the visible and near-IR range, making them an ideal choice for use in high-power laser systems.
What is the refractive index of Silicon?
A: The refractive index of Silicon is about 3.4.
What is the thermal conductivity of Silicon?
A: The thermal conductivity of Silicon is about 149 W/mK.
What is the typical thickness of Silica windows?
A: Silica windows are available in thicknesses ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters, depending on the application.
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