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Silicon Crystal

POC-OC-122477-Silicon Crystal

  • Excellent light transmission properties in the 1-7 μm band, ideal for infrared applications.
  • Transparent in the far infrared spectrum from 30-300 μm, rare in other optical materials.
  • High thermal conductivity and low density, perfect for laser mirror substrates.
  • Durable single-crystal structure with low absorption rates.
  • Ideal for 3-5 μm mid-wave infrared optical windows and filters.

Customizable Components Available for This Material to Meet Your Specific Needs!

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Silicon Crystal Material General Description

Silicon single crystal is a highly durable material known for its excellent optical transmission in the infrared spectrum, spanning from 1 to 7 μm. Its unique property of transparency in the far-infrared range (30-300 μm) makes it an ideal choice for specialized optical components. The material is commonly used in mid-wave infrared (MWIR) optical systems due to its outstanding transmission and minimal absorption. The crystalline structure is strong and insoluble in water, ensuring stability and robustness for demanding applications. Thanks to its high thermal conductivity and low density, silicon crystals are also utilized in laser mirror substrates and filters.

Photonics On Crystals (POC) provides high-purity silicon crystals with customizable dimensions and orientations to meet specific application needs. These crystals are grown using the Czochralski (CZ) or Float-Zone (FZ) methods, ensuring premium quality and performance.

General Applications and Examples

Silicon crystals find extensive applications across diverse scientific and industrial fields due to their exceptional optical and thermal properties:

  1. Infrared Optics
    Silicon crystals are commonly used in infrared optical systems for their transmission capabilities in the 1-7 μm range. These systems include infrared imaging, thermal imaging cameras, and spectroscopic instruments.
  2. Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Windows and Lenses
    Silicon’s low absorption and high transmission in the 3-5 μm range make it ideal for MWIR optical windows and lenses used in defense, aerospace, and industrial applications.
  3. Laser Mirror Substrates
    With high thermal conductivity and low density, silicon crystals are optimal for manufacturing substrates in laser mirrors, especially in high-power laser systems.
  4. Optical Filters
    The material is often employed in optical filters for specific infrared wavelengths due to its precise transmission range and stability.
  5. Semiconductor Applications
    Besides optical uses, silicon crystals are integral to the semiconductor industry, serving as a base material for microelectronic components.

Chemical and Structural Properties

Property

Specification

Material Grade

CZ, FZ; Intrinsic Silicon

Max Crystal Size

Ø300 mm

Growing Method

CZ/FZ

Crystal Structure

Monocrystalline

Type

N-type/P-type

Cleavage Planes

<111>

Density

2.33 g/cm³

Thermal Conductivity

148 W/m·K

Thermal Expansion

2.6 × 10^-6 /K

Mohs Hardness

7

Melting Point

1,410°C

Specific Heat Capacity

700 J/kg·K

Optical, Laser and Nonlinear Optical Properties

Optical Property

Specification

Transmittance Range

1.2-15 μm

Transmittance

>95% in the 1-6 μm range

Refractive Index

3.42 (at 1.5 μm)

Absorption Coefficient

10^-3 @10.6 μm

Thermal Lens Effects

Negligible for standard power

Laser Damage Threshold

>10 J/cm² @1064 nm, 10 ns

Standard Fabrication Specifications

Specification

Details

Flatness

λ/8 @632.8 nm

Parallelism

<1 arcmin

Surface Quality

40-20 (scratch-dig)

Clear Aperture

>90%

Bevel

<0.25 mm × 45°

Length Tolerance

±0.1 mm

Coating Options

Customizable as per user request

Spectrum Transmission Curve:

Two transmission curves are provided:

  1. CZ Silicon Transmission Curve: Highlights transparency in the 1-15 μm range with minimal loss.
  2. FZ Silicon Transmission Curve: Demonstrates high transmission in the far-infrared spectrum, up to 300 μm.

Coating Specification:

 

Photonics On Crystals (POC) offers anti-reflection (AR) coatings optimized for the 1-7 μm range to enhance performance in optical systems. Custom coatings for MWIR and LWIR applications are also available upon request.

Coating Type

Wavelength Range

Reflection Loss

Durability

Standard AR Coating

1-7 μm

<0.5%

Scratch-resistant

Custom Coating

On demand

<0.3%

High durability

  • Adhesion Test Compliant with MIL-C-675C military standards, an adhesion test involved applying a tape that meets LT-90 specifications onto the lens film layer. The tape was affixed fully and then removed vertically. This procedure was performed three times, resulting in no blistering or peeling.
  • Temperature Test In line with MIL-C-675C specifications, test pieces were subjected to temperatures of -62±1℃ and 71±1℃. After maintaining them at room temperature (16℃~32℃) for two hours, the adhesion test was repeated, confirming no film detachment.
  • Abrasion Resistance Test Conforming to MIL-C-675C and CCC-C-440 standards, the abrasion resistance test involved a gauze tester applying a minimum force of 1.0 lbs (0.45 kg) to the film. This was repeated 25 times with gauze widths of 1/4 inch (6.4mm) and 3/8 inch (9.5mm), ensuring no damage occurred to the film surface.
  • Humidity Test Under MIL-C-675C criteria, the test piece was placed in a controlled temperature and humidity chamber set to 49 ±2℃ and 95%~100% humidity for 24 hours. The film remained intact, with no peeling, scratches, or other defects.
  • Solvent and Cleaning Testing Following MIL-C-675C specifications, test pieces were exposed to room temperature conditions (16℃~32℃) and tested with acetone and alcohol for at least 10 minutes each. After air drying and subsequent cleaning with a cotton cloth soaked in alcohol, the film surface showed no signs of peeling or scratches.
  • Salt Spray Test After 100 hours in a 35°C environment with a 5% saltwater concentration, the film showed no signs of damage.

POC Strength and Capabilities

 

for advanced optical applications. With expertise in crystal growth and precision fabrication, POC ensures every product meets stringent performance requirements. Key strengths include:

  • Customizable silicon crystals tailored to client specifications.
  • Advanced coating capabilities for enhanced optical performance.
  • Reliable delivery and competitive pricing for global markets.

Comprehensive technical support for design and integration

Standard Products

Product

Dimensions

Coating

Price (USD)

Silicon Window

Ø100 mm

AR (1-7 μm)

300

Silicon Lens

Ø50 mm

AR (3-5 μm)

150

Custom Silicon Parts

On request

Custom Coating

Based on spec.

POC-OC-122477-Silicon Crystal

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