Optical Glass for Laser Systems – Optical Glass (CTE 7.1 x 10^-6 /K, 350 nm – 2.0 um). No minimum order; DFM review included with every RFQ.
What optical glass for laser systems actually buys from a glass shop: windows, beam splitters, debris shields. The requirement underneath is high damage-threshold optics with certified surfaces. Optical Glass is the fit here because it offers certified refractive index and dispersion.
The numbers
| Material | Optical Glass (N-BK7, H-K9L and filter glass sets) |
|---|---|
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 7.1 x 10^-6 /K |
| Service temperature | 400 C (Tg 557 C) |
| Transmission range | 350 nm – 2.0 um |
| Density | 2.51 g/cm3 |
| Knoop hardness | 610 kg/mm2 |
| Refractive index | 1.5168 @ 587 nm |
| Stock thickness | 0.30 – 50 mm |
| Maximum blank size | 300 mm diameter |
| RFQ inputs | PDF/DXF/STEP drawing, quantity brackets, surface and edge spec |
Getting the drawing right
Before sending the RFQ, check these against your drawing:
- Material note: index-certified blanks must be oriented and serialized through the shop to keep melt traceability.
- Over-specification is the quiet budget killer: a 20/10 scratch-dig face costs roughly three times an 80/50 face, so grade each surface individually.
For the complete framework, see the tolerance design guide and the holes and edges design guide.
Process window
Beyond this page, Optical Glass routinely runs through double-side polishing, cnc machining, coring, drilling in our shop – most real parts combine two or three of these steps.
Where these parts end up
optical glass for laser systems shows up across optical sensors (sensor windows, filter caps, lens covers); ccd inspection equipment (CCD cover plates, reference grids, stage glass); machine vision (camera windows, ring-light diffusers, calibration plates). Background reading on the underlying material science: RP Photonics: optical glass.
Dimensions still moving? Configure this part live in the 3D + 2D builder below, or open the full custom glass machining 3D + 2D builder to start from a blank canvas.
Useful companion pages: CCD screening plates, AR coated glass materials, ultra-thin quartz discs.
Common questions
How does Optical Glass behave under heat?
CTE is 7.1 x 10^-6 /K and continuous service reaches 400 C (Tg 557 C), which is what drives its use where certified refractive index and dispersion matters.
What do laser systems programs usually order?
Windows, beam splitters, debris shields. Typical spec: scratch-dig 20/10, LIDT to 10 J/cm2 @ 1064 nm.
Is there a minimum order for optical glass for laser systems?
No. Single prototypes are accepted, and pricing steps down at 10, 100 and 1,000 pieces.
How fast can prototypes ship?
Machined prototypes ship in 5 – 10 working days. Coated or bonded parts add 1 – 2 weeks depending on queue slots.
Specifications on this page were last reviewed by our engineering team in August 2026.