Product Overview
With a Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond, sapphire windows
offer excellent scratch resistance and durability. They provide
reliable optical performance across a wide wavelength range, from
ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR), making them ideal for precision
optical systems.
Manufacturing Process
Sapphire windows are produced through advanced crystal growth and
precision machining technologies:
Crystal Growth Methods- Kyropoulos (KY) Method
- Edge-Defined Film-Fed Growth (EFG)
- Czochralski (CZ) Method
- Processing Steps
- Crystal orientation cutting (C-plane, A-plane, R-plane, etc.)
- CNC shaping and edge profiling
- Double-side lapping and polishing
- Surface finishing (optical polish or matte/frosted finish)
- Optional coatings (AR, HR, IR coatings)
These processes ensure tight dimensional tolerances and superior
surface quality (up to λ/10 flatness and 10-5 scratch-dig).
Key Features
- Ultra-high hardness (Mohs 9) – excellent wear and scratch resistance
- Wide optical transmission (150 nm – 5500 nm)
- High thermal resistance – stable up to ~2000°C
- Excellent chemical inertness – resistant to acids and alkalis
- High mechanical strength – suitable for high-pressure environments
- Superior surface quality – ideal for precision optics
Applications
- Laser systems – protective windows and optical interfaces
- Infrared & UV optics – sensors, detectors, spectroscopy
- Semiconductor equipment – vacuum chambers and process monitoring
- Aerospace & defense – high-speed and high-temperature environments
- Medical devices – durable optical covers
- High-pressure systems – observation windows
Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value / Option |
|---|
| Material | Single Crystal Al₂O₃ |
| Purity | ≥ 99.99% |
| Diameter / Size | Custom (1 mm – 300 mm) |
| Thickness | 0.2 mm – 50 mm |
| Surface Quality | 40/20, 20/10, 10/5 |
| Flatness | λ/10 or better |
| Parallelism | ≤ 3 arc min |
| Roughness | Ra < 1 nm |
| Orientation | C-plane, A-plane, R-plane |
| Coating | AR / HR / IR optional |
Customization Options
- Shape: round, square, rectangular, irregular
- Edge: chamfered, beveled, stepped
- Surface: double-side polished / single-side polished / frosted
- Coating: anti-reflection (AR), reflective (HR), filter coatings
- Precision machining based on drawings
FAQ
Q1: Why choose sapphire over glass or quartz?
A: Sapphire offers significantly higher hardness, better scratch
resistance, and wider transmission range compared to standard glass
or quartz, making it suitable for harsh environments.
Q2: Can sapphire windows withstand high temperatures?
A: Yes, sapphire can operate in environments up to ~2000°C, far
exceeding most optical materials.
Q3: Is coating necessary?
A: It depends on the application. AR coatings are recommended to
reduce reflection and improve transmission efficiency.
Q4: Can you provide custom sizes and shapes?
A: Yes, fully customized production is available based on drawings
or specific requirements.
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