Sapphire Windows are transparent optical components made from sapphire (Al2O3) designed to maximize the transmission of a certain interested spectrum. The sapphire material selected to manufacture optical sapphire windows is not a natural sapphire gemstone, but sapphire crystals that are grown using artificial techniques with few contaminants and high purities. Sapphire is an excellent optical material with the broad optical transmission, exceptional mechanical hardness, superior high-temperature tolerance/chemical resistance, and advantageous dielectric properties. (Click here to learn the Basic Properties of Sapphire). Sapphire windows are often utilized in demanding applications of extreme conditions and adverse climates. The applications of sapphire windows are extensive, including:
- Drilling Viewport Windows, Protective Laser Windows, and Gun Sights
- High-temperature Plasma Chambers and Combustion Chambers
- High-pressure Protective Windows, Deep Water Windows, Corrosion-resistant, Watch Glass
- Phone screens, Fingerprint Identification Windows
In this article, we will be introducing the manufacturing process of optical sapphire windows, including the growth of sapphire crystals, the cutting process and orientations of sapphire windows, and further grinding, polishing, and washing/cleaning techniques to finish the entire manufacturing procedure of sapphire windows.