Glass manufacturers provide hundreds of different glass types with differing optical transmissibility and mechanical strengths. Melles Griot has simplified the task of selecting the right material for an optical component by offering each of our standard components in a single material, or in a small range of materials best suited to typical applications.

There are, however, two instances in which one might need to know more about optical materials: one might need to determine the performance of a catalog component in a particular application, or one might need specific information to select a material for a custom component. The information given in this chapter is intended to help those in such situations.

The most important material properties to consider in regard to an optical element are as follows:

1) Transmission Vs. Wavelength

A material must be transmissive at the wavelength of interest if it is to be used for a transmissive component. A transmission curve allows the optical designer to estimate the attenuation of light, at various wavelengths, caused by internal material properties. For mirror substrates, the attenuation may be of no consequence.

2) Index of Refraction

The index of refraction, as well as the rate of change of index with wavelength (dispersion), might require consideration. High-index materials allow the designer to achieve a given power with less surface curvature, typically resulting in lower aberrations. On the other hand, most high-index flint glasses have higher dispersions, resulting in more chromatic aberration in polychromatic applications. They also typically have poorer chemical characteristics than lower index crown glasses.

3) Thermal Characteristics

The thermal expansion coefficient can be particularly important in applications in which the part is subjected to high temperatures, such as high-intensity projection systems. This is also of concern when components must undergo large temperature cycles, such as in optical systems used outdoors.

4) Mechanical Characteristics

The mechanical characteristics of a material are significant in many areas. They can affect how easy it is to fabricate the material into shape, which affects product cost. Scratch resistance is important if the component will require frequent cleaning. Shock and vibration resistance are important for military, aerospace, or certain industrial applications. Ability to withstand high pressure differentials is important for windows used in vacuum chambers.

5) Chemical Characteristics

The chemical characteristics of a material, such as acid or stain resistance, can also affect fabrication and durability. As with mechanical characteristics, chemical characteristics should be taken into account for optics used outdoors or in harsh conditions.

6) Cost

Cost is almost always a factor to consider when specifying materials. Furthermore, the cost of some materials, such as UV-grade synthetic fused silica, increases sharply with larger diameters because of the difficulty in obtaining large pieces of the material.