FUSED SILICA GLASS OVERVIEW

Vitreous Silica is the generic term used to describe all types of silica glass, which manufacturers either refer to as Fused Silica or Synthetic Quartz. It is a noncrystalline glass form of silicon dioxide (quartz and sand) and is manufactured by melting naturally occurring crystalline silica, such as sand or rock crystal. It is unique from other types of glasses because it is manufactured using a single ingredient.

Fused silica, often referred to as synthetic quartz, is created by using high purity silica sand that has been manufactured from SiCL4, resulting in a transparent glass with an ultra-high purity and improved optical transmission. However, depending on the manufacturing process, water bubbles can get caught in the glass and result in a translucent appearance.

Fused silica glass has very high viscosity, which means that it can be formed, cooled, and annealed without crystallizing.

It is known for:

  • Extreme hardness
  • Resistance to high temperature
  • Extensive optical transmission in the ultraviolet spectrum, but some infrared fused silica glasses are available
  • Permeability
  • Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)
  • High chemical purity
  • High corrosion resistance
  • Excellent electrical insulation qualities
  • Low refractive index variations
  • Low birefringence values
  • Large size capabilities
  • State-of-the-art homogeneity levels

AVAILABLE MATERIALS

Based upon customer demand, Sydor Optics offers Fused Silica made from the following substrate materials. Of course, if you don’t see a material you need, please contact a Sales Engineer, who will gladly discuss additional options that may be available.

Fused Silica
Popular Materials