Optical windows are typically made from materials that offer high transparency and minimal distortion across specific wavelength ranges. Common materials include fused silica and quartz, which provide excellent UV to IR transmission and thermal stability. BK7 glass is popular for visible light applications due to its clarity and cost-effectiveness. Sapphire is used for its exceptional hardness and broad transmission range, from UV to mid-IR. Calcium fluoride (CaF2) and magnesium fluoride (MgF2) are chosen for their low refractive indices and wide transmission ranges, especially in UV applications. Germanium and zinc selenide (ZnSe) are preferred for infrared applications due to their high IR transparency.
When selecting an optical window, key specifications to consider include material type (e.g., BK7, fused silica, sapphire) for its transmission range and durability, thickness and diameter for mechanical fit and optical performance, surface quality (e.g., scratch-dig rating) for minimizing scattering and distortion, flatness and parallelism to ensure minimal wavefront distortion, and coating options (e.g., anti-reflective) to enhance transmission and reduce reflections. Additionally, environmental factors such as thermal stability, resistance to chemicals, and mechanical strength should be considered based on the application requirements. These factors collectively ensure optimal performance and longevity of the optical window in its intended use.