An optical Window is an optical material that allows light to pass into an optical instrument or device. This Optical window is always flat, at least mechanically flat, sometimes optically flat, depending on resolution requirements. . A window is usually parallel and is likely to be anti-reflection coated, at least if it is designed for visible light. An optical window may be built into a piece of equipment (such as a vacuum chamber) to allow optical instruments to view inside that equipment safely. This Optically flat and transparent piece of plate is built to maximize the transmission of the wave at a particular range of wavelength thereby Coordinating the amount of reflected or absorbed wave. The Optical Window is also used to protect optical systems and electronic sensors from external factors. Optical windows should be selected based on the material transmission properties, optical surface specifications, and mechanical properties that match your application because they do not affect or introduce any form of Optical power into the system. Some section of the optical window is polished at some of the portions of the spectrum, this enables the desired amount of the spectrum to pass into an optical system. This Optical window is made from different substrates depending on the application. One would ask what is an optical window, we will give you this and more below. The use of Optical windows is inexhaustible, as they are a crucial component in nearly all optical systems. They are important in providing a transparent barrier from the outside environment, operating environments for windows can range from large pressure and temperature differentials to abrasive dust and debris. When subjected to such environments the mounting of the window becomes critical so that stresses are minimized. Several materials are suitable for use as optical window substrates, but the designer must be careful when choosing which material to use. Proper research of the window material must be done to ensure the substrate can withstand the operating environment, can transmit the desired wavelengths, and is easy to coat. For windows that need to operate in a highly abrasive environment, a diamond-like coating will protect the substrate while transmitting the desired wavelengths of the wave.
Ultraviolet Windows
UV Windows are Optical Windows designed for use in Ultraviolet (UV) spectrums, and these UV Windows are used in many optical laser optics applications. Optical Windows do not introduce optical magnification into a system therefore they should be selected based on the substrate’s mechanical or optical properties.
Infrared Windows
IR window is an optical window that is used in the infrared spectrum.
UV Fused Silica Window
UV fused silica window is meant from the UV fused silica which is a good material for the transmission. UV fused silica is also frequently used at the popular 1.064µm Nd: YAG laser wavelength because of better thermal stability. UV fused silica has high homogeneity and good mechanical properties. UV fused silica is ideal for use in UV and high-power laser applications.
BK7 Window
BK7 Window is made from BK7 substrate which is a high-quality optical glass commonly used for windows, lenses, optimal lens chief ray angle and prisms where transmission 0.4µm to 1.4µm is desired. It is used for thermally non-critical applications. It has excellent mechanical and optical properties with great thermal and chemical stability.
Silicon Window
Silicon is used as an optical window primarily at 3 to 5-micron bands and as a substrate for the production of optical filters.
Sapphire Window
Sapphire Window is made from sapphire crystal. Other similar windows include Borofloat and Pyrex Window, CaF2 Window, and MgF2 window.
