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Zerodur glass

POC-OC-122487-Zerodur glass

  • Zerodur Glass offers near-zero thermal expansion, ensuring dimensional stability even in extreme environments.
  • High resistance to thermal and mechanical stresses, ideal for precision applications.
  • Excellent optical and mechanical properties make it suitable for metrology and optical applications.
  • Used in applications demanding high precision and long-term stability, such as astronomy and semiconductor manufacturing.
  • POC specializes in custom processing of Zerodur for a wide variety of uses.

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

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Zerodur glass Material General Description

Zerodur Glass is a high-performance glass-ceramic material originally produced by Schott and is known for its unique properties such as ultra-low thermal expansion and exceptional dimensional stability. While Photonics On Crystals (POC) does not manufacture Zerodur, the company expertly processes this material for demanding applications in precision optics, metrology, and scientific research.

With a coefficient of thermal expansion close to zero, Zerodur Glass remains dimensionally stable even under extreme temperature changes, making it indispensable for applications requiring exceptional precision and reliability. Its chemical and mechanical properties ensure its suitability in environments where durability and performance are critical, such as astronomical telescopes, semiconductor lithography, and industrial metrology systems. Zerodur Glass’s versatility is reflected in its use in optical components like mirrors, substrates, and precision measuring tools.

 

General Applications and Examples

  1. Astronomy and Space Exploration:
    Zerodur Glass is widely used in the construction of large telescope mirrors for space and ground-based observatories. Its ability to remain dimensionally stable under fluctuating temperatures ensures the accuracy of astronomical observations.
  2. Semiconductor Lithography:
    Zerodur serves as a substrate material in lithography equipment for semiconductor manufacturing, where its thermal stability is essential for nanometer-scale precision.
  3. Precision Metrology:
    The dimensional stability of Zerodur Glass makes it ideal for use in metrological systems, ensuring consistent and accurate measurements over extended periods.
  4. High-Precision Optics:
    Zerodur is processed into optical components such as windows, prisms, and beam splitters for laser systems, spectrometers, and imaging devices.
  5. Scientific Research and Instrumentation:
    From interferometers to advanced spectrometers, Zerodur Glass is a vital material in research setups requiring unparalleled precision and stability.

Chemical and Structural Properties

Property

Value

Material Type

Glass-ceramic

Density

2.53 g/cm³

Thermal Expansion Coefficient

~0.02 × 10^-6/K

Young’s Modulus

90 GPa

Poisson’s Ratio

0.24

Hardness (Knoop)

650

Refractive Index (at 550 nm)

~1.54

Transparency Range

0.3–2.5 µm

Chemical Durability

Highly resistant to acids and alkalis

Optical, Laser and Nonlinear Optical Properties

Property

Value

Thermal Stability

Ultra-stable for precision optics

Surface Quality

10-5 (scratch-dig)

Surface Flatness

λ/10 @ 632.8 nm

Optical Homogeneity

Excellent across large dimensions

Absorption Coefficient

Low, minimizing energy loss

Standard Fabrication Specifications

Specification

Value

Dimensional Tolerance

±0.02 mm

Surface Flatness

λ/10 @ 632.8 nm

Parallelism

<5 arcseconds

Scratch-Dig Quality

10-5

Maximum Size

Up to 1000 mm (customizable)

Beveling

<0.2 × 45°

Spectrum Transmission Curve:

Transmission data for Zerodur Glass indicates high transparency within the 0.3–2.5 µm range. These characteristics make it suitable for visible and near-infrared applications. Detailed transmission curves can be provided upon request.

Coating Specification:

 

  • Anti-Reflective Coatings: Available to enhance transparency for specific wavelengths.
  • Metallic Coatings: For high-reflectivity applications such as mirrors.
  • Custom Coatings: Tailored solutions for laser optics, imaging systems, and scientific instruments.
  • 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

 

Photonics On Crystals (POC) is equipped with advanced facilities and expertise to process Zerodur Glass into precision components tailored to client needs. With an emphasis on quality and customer collaboration, POC ensures high standards in dimensional accuracy, optical performance, and custom design solutions for diverse industries.

Standard Products

Product

Dimensions (mm)

Surface Flatness

Price (USD)

Zerodur Mirror Substrate

100 × 100 × 20

λ/10

$2,000–$4,000

Zerodur Prism

50 × 50 × 10

λ/8

$1,200–$2,500

Zerodur Optical Window

200 × 200 × 30

λ/6

$3,000–$6,000

Customization Options

Available upon request

Tailored Specifications

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POC-OC-122487-Zerodur Glass

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