Sapphire Windows from Mok Optics
Sapphire windows have many properties, among which the excellent mechanical, thermal and chemical stability and wide optical transmission from 150-5500 nm are well known. These characteristics make sapphire windows ideal for use in rigorous applications and extreme environments. In this article, we will introduce the uniqueness, applications and available varieties of sapphire windows.
Key Features of Sapphire Windows
1. Superior Hardness and Durability
Sapphire has unparalleled hardness and durability, second only to diamond on the Mohs hardness scale (Mohs 9). This extraordinary hardness gives sapphire windows excellent resistance to scratches and abrasion. They can withstand impacts from abrasives such as sand and grit, maintaining clear optical performance even under harsh conditions.
Scratch Resistance: Sapphire windows are virtually impervious to damage by materials other than the sapphire itself, ensuring optical clarity over long periods of use.
Applications: Ideal for drilled viewport windows, protective laser processing windows, gun sights, and other settings involving abrasive particles.
2. Thin and pressure-resistant
Due to its strong covalent bonds, sapphire can be made into ultra-thin windows that can withstand tremendous pressure without breaking.
Advantages over other materials: Thinner sapphire windows outperform traditional dielectric materials in high-pressure environments.
Applications: Widely used in aviation, deep-sea exploration, and high-pressure chambers.
3. High-temperature resistance
Sapphire performs well in high-temperature scenarios and can withstand operating temperatures up to 1600°C and a melting point of 2000°C. Its excellent thermal conductivity further enhances its performance in extremely hot conditions.
Applications: Sapphire windows are ideal for high-temperature plasma chambers, combustion chambers, and other heat-intensive applications.
4. Excellent chemical resistance
Sapphire has excellent chemical inertness and can resist most acids and bases, except for hot caustic salts. This quality ensures its durability in chemically corrosive environments.
Applications: Sapphire windows are widely used in the pharmaceutical, medical, and chemical industries, which are often exposed to corrosive substances.
5. Wide Optical Transmission
The optical transmission range of sapphire (150–5500 nm) exceeds that of common optical materials such as N-BK7 (350–2200 nm) and UV fused silica (200–2200 nm).
Advantages: Excellent ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) transmission makes sapphire an excellent choice for multi-spectral optical operations.
Applications: Essential for optical instruments that require precise performance over a wide spectral range.
Product Varieties Offered by Mok Optics
Mok Optics offers a comprehensive range of sapphire windows to meet a variety of application needs. Each product is manufactured from high-purity single-crystal sapphire grown by the KY (Kyper-Sparks) method to ensure excellent optical and mechanical properties.
1. Optical Sapphire Windows
These windows are available in a variety of shapes and configurations, including flat circular, flat rectangular, wedge-shaped, and stepped designs.
Wedged Sapphire Windows: Designed with non-parallel surfaces to deflect incident light at a specific angle, commonly used for beam deflection.
Stepped Sapphire Windows: Features a stepped edge for easy integration with mechanical systems such as flanges.
Customization: Mok Optics offers windows with precision surface quality (60/40, 40/20, or 20/10 scratches/dents) and up to 300 mm in diameter.
2. Protective Sapphire Laser Windows
Specialized for laser processing applications, these windows serve as front optics to protect sensitive laser lenses from spatter and debris.
High Temperature Resistant: Able to withstand laser-induced heat without damage.
AR Coating: Offers anti-reflective coatings with a high thermal damage threshold to improve performance.
Compatibility: Available in standard sizes to fit laser machines from leading manufacturers.
3. Specialty Sapphire Windows
Sapphire windows are also used in challenging environments such as underwater detection, high-pressure vessels, and chemical processing systems.
Products include:
High-Pressure Protective Sapphire Windows
Deep-Water Sapphire Windows
Corrosion-Resistant Sapphire Tubes
Sapphire Surface Glass
4. Metallized Sapphire Windows
Metallized sapphire windows are coated with a thin film of nickel, chrome, or gold on the edges to achieve a seal within a metal housing.
Applications: Widely used in endoscopes and other medical devices.
Sizes: Available in standard sizes compatible with common endoscope systems.
Why Choose Mok Optics for Sapphire Windows?
At Mok Optics, we pride ourselves on providing sapphire window products that meet the highest standards of precision and performance.
Highlights of Sapphire Windows
Purest single crystal sapphire, free of cracks, bubbles, and subgrains.
Customizable coatings, including MgF2 and advanced AR coatings, enhance optical performance.
High-precision ultra-thin windows with large diameter-to-thickness ratios.
Specialized designs, including flat, wedge, step, and metallized configurations.
Whether you need sapphire windows for optical, protective, or specialty applications, Mok Optics offers a variety of high-quality solutions tailored to your needs. Experience the unmatched durability and optical excellence of Mok Optics sapphire windows.
To learn more or explore our off-the-shelf products, contact Mok Optics today!