Fused Silica Lens: High Precision Optics for Demanding Applications
Fused silica lenses are essential components in a wide range of optical systems, offering unmatched purity, thermal stability, and excellent transmission from UV to IR wavelengths. Thanks to their superior material properties, fused silica lenses are widely used in high-power lasers, imaging systems, semiconductor manufacturing, and metrology equipment.
At Bote Optics, we specialize in designing and manufacturing custom fused silica optics, including ball lenses, aspheric lenses, cylindrical lenses, and UV-grade fused silica lenses.
What Is a Fused Silica Lens?
Fused silica is a non-crystalline (glass) form of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Compared to standard optical glass, fused silica offers:
- Extremely high purity (often >99.99%)
- Very low thermal expansion
- Exceptional resistance to thermal shock
- Excellent transmission from deep UV (180 nm) to IR (up to 3.5 μm)
- High laser damage threshold
Fused silica lenses leverage these advantages to deliver superior optical performance even in the harshest environments.
Key Specifications of Fused Silica
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Refractive Index (at 587.6 nm) | ~1.4585 |
| Transmission Range | 180 nm to 3.5 μm |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 0.55 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Laser Damage Threshold | >20 J/cm² (at 1064 nm, 10 ns) |
| Density | 2.2 g/cm³ |
(Fused Silica Transmission Spectrum)
Fused Silica Ball Lens
Fused silica ball lenses are ideal for fiber coupling, laser collimation, and optical isolation. Their isotropic geometry ensures symmetrical focusing properties, minimizing aberrations.
Features:
- High sphericity
- Low insertion loss for fiber optics
- Excellent UV and IR transmission
- Available in diameters from 0.5 mm to 10 mm
Fused Silica Aspheric Lens
Fused silica aspheric lenses correct spherical aberration, enabling systems to achieve high-resolution focusing with fewer optical elements.
Advantages:
- Minimized aberrations compared to traditional spherical lenses
- Higher system throughput
- Ideal for laser focusing, imaging, and collimating light sources
Applications include laser cutting systems, optical instruments, and medical imaging devices.
Fused Silica Cylindrical Lens
Fused silica cylindrical lenses are used to focus or expand light in one dimension only. They are essential in laser line generation and beam shaping.
Specifications:
- Plano-convex or plano-concave cylindrical designs
- High UV and IR transmission
- Superior surface quality for precision optical systems
Typical industries using cylindrical lenses include barcode scanning, printing systems, and laser measurement technologies.
UV Fused Silica Lens
UV fused silica lenses are manufactured from specially purified fused silica with minimal impurities, offering superior performance in ultraviolet applications.
Characteristics:
- High transmission at 193 nm, 248 nm, and 355 nm laser wavelengths
- Resistant to solarization (UV-induced damage)
- Suitable for photolithography, laser micromachining, and UV spectroscopy
Fused Silica Refractive Index
The refractive index of fused silica varies slightly depending on the wavelength. Here is a summary:
| Wavelength (nm) | Refractive Index (n) |
|---|---|
| 193 | 1.560 |
| 248 | 1.507 |
| 355 | 1.476 |
| 532 | 1.460 |
| 1064 | 1.449 |
Graph of refractive index of fused silica vs wavelength
This stable refractive behavior across a broad spectrum makes fused silica the material of choice for multi-wavelength and broadband applications.
Custom Fused Silica Lens Solutions
At Bote Optics, we offer custom fused silica lenses tailored to your exact specifications. Whether you need specific coatings, unique geometries, or high-precision polishing, we have the experience and technology to deliver.
Our Custom Capabilities:
- Diameter range: 1 mm to 300 mm
- Surface figure: λ/10 or better
- Surface roughness: <1 nm
- Available coatings: AR, UV AR, V-coat, BBAR, DLC
- Custom shapes: Spherical, aspheric, cylindrical, plano
Why Choose Us for Fused Silica Lenses?
- Material Purity: We source only the highest-grade fused silica from trusted suppliers.
- Precision Manufacturing: State-of-the-art CNC grinding and polishing technologies.
- Custom Engineering: From prototype to volume production.
- Fast Delivery: Short lead times for standard and custom optics.
Applications of Fused Silica Lenses
- High-power laser systems
- Semiconductor lithography
- Spectroscopy and metrology
- UV curing and laser marking
- Fiber optics and telecommunication systems
- Aerospace and defense optical systems
Get a Quote for Fused Silica Lenses Today
Need high-performance fused silica lenses? Contact us today for a free consultation or to discuss your project requirements.
We are ready to deliver precision optics that meet your most demanding standards.