Synthetic Sapphire is a single crystal form of corundum, Al2O3, also known as alpha-alumina, alumina, and single crystal Al2O3. Sapphire is aluminium oxide in the purest form with no porosity or grain boundaries, making it theoretically dense. The combination of favourable chemical, electrical, mechanical, optical, surface, thermal, and durability properties make sapphire a preferred material for high performance system and component designs. For various semiconductor applications, sapphire is the best choice in comparison with other synthetic single-crystals.
Sapphire windows are ideal for applications where high pressure, vacuum, or corrosive atmospheres are a consideration. Sapphire windows will exceed all other optical materials in harsh environments, providing a better barrier between elements. Creator Optics can make various Sapphire Windows according to special requirements and drawings. All of these Sapphire Windows are available with high-precision polished surface, surface accuracy and parallelism.
Typical Sapphire applications for optical windows:
· Aerospace: - Sapphire is used for its durability and erosion/corrosion resistance, often in combination with the ability to withstand high heat while having a very broad transmission range.
Applications include:
· Windows - FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) windows for sensors and other optics. Optical clarity over a broad spectral range combines with durability in this application.
· Windows - for erosion resistance in salt and blowing sand environments, sapphire is used in conventional windows and dome shapes in replacement of softer, more fragile IR transmitting materials.