Sapphire windows are a type of optical window made from sapphire, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. These windows are highly transparent to infrared light and are commonly used in high-powered infrared lasers.
Infrared lasers operate in the infrared spectrum of light, which ranges from wavelengths of approximately 750 nanometers to 1 millimeter. Sapphire windows are highly transparent to this spectrum of light, allowing the laser beam to pass through without significant absorption or scattering. This makes them ideal for use as laser windows, where the laser beam must be transmitted with high efficiency and minimal distortion.
In addition to their high transparency to infrared light, sapphire windows also exhibit exceptional mechanical and thermal properties. They are highly scratch-resistant, have a high melting point, and can withstand thermal shock and extreme temperatures. These properties make them ideal for use in harsh environments, such as in industrial and military applications.
Sapphire windows are used in a range of applications beyond infrared lasers, including spectroscopy, semiconductor manufacturing, and scientific research. In each of these applications, sapphire windows provide excellent optical and mechanical properties, making them a versatile and reliable component in optical systems.