Optical Glass for Optical Sensors: Optical Glass (CTE 7.1 x 10^-6 /K, 350 nm – 2.0 um). Single-piece prototypes to production volumes, quoted from your drawing.
optical glass for optical sensors programs need filtered, AR-coated apertures matched to detector bands. Optical Glass is the fit here because it offers certified refractive index and dispersion. Typical parts: sensor windows, filter caps, lens covers.
Specification envelope
| 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 |
Manufacturing capability
One material, many routes: on Optical Glass we also quote cnc machining, edge grinding, etching, grinding, and multi-step drawings are the norm rather than the exception.
Design guidance
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.
The full rules live in our tolerance design guide and holes and edges design guide.
Who orders this
Orders for optical glass for optical sensors cluster in scientific instruments (reference flats, cells, prism mounts, stage inserts); optical sensors (sensor windows, filter caps, lens covers); laser systems (windows, beam splitters, debris shields). Background reading on the underlying material science: RP Photonics: optical glass.
The fastest route to a quote is geometry: use the 3D builder below, draw a dimensioned 2D drawing from it, or open the site-wide custom glass machining 3D + 2D builder for fully custom parts.
Engineers scoping this work usually also review AR coated glass materials, optical polishing capability, edge grinding overview.
Frequently asked 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 optical sensors programs usually order?
Sensor windows, filter caps, lens covers. Typical spec: band edges within +/-2 nm, outline +/-0.05 mm.
Is there a minimum order for optical glass for optical sensors?
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.