Fused Silica Products for Optical Applications

Fused silica is a key material in a multitude of optical applications. Learn more about how to find the best fused silica for your optical application.

Choosing the right Fused Silica for Optical Applications

Some may think fused silica is a simple material and there is little difference in which grade should be used, but when performance matters there are differences. We see ourselves as experts and hope to help you find the optimal solution for your product. Many factors can be considered before you choose the most suitable grade:

  • Optical homogeneity
  • Transmission and absorption
  • Bubble or inclusion content
  • Refractive index and dispersion
  • Residual strain
  • Fluorescence
  • Resistance to light induced defects or irradiation
  • Cost

Material Selection Guide

As a first guide to choosing the right fused silica grade from Heraeus, please use the following tables in the tabs. They give you advice on which material grades are suitable for which field of application and for which application wavelength. More information about the fields of application and the application wavelength can be found below.

Material Grades for Optical Applications

Material Grade

Application

Features

HOQ® 310

Optical elements

Basic optic grade, higher viscosity

Infrasil® 301 / Infrasil® 302

Near IR applications

Basic IR grade, higher viscosity, homogenized in functional direction (302) or all directions (301)

Nerasil®

Mirror substrates, beam dump, cuvettes

Highly absorbent fused quartz

Spectrosil 2000

UV + VIS applications

Basic UV grade, improved UV damage resistance

Suprasil® 1 / Suprasil® 2 ArF/KrF

Eximer grades

Best damage resistance to UV light (Excimer lasers)

Suprasil® 1 / Suprasil® 2A

UV applications

Improved UV stability, homogenized in functional direction (2A) or all directions (1)

Suprasil® 2B

UV + VIS applications

Basic UV grade

Suprasil® 300

IR applications

Extremely low OH content, basic synthetic grade for IR

Suprasil® 3001 / Suprasil® 3002

All IR applications, e.g. IR laser, laser material processing, low absorption IR applications

Extremely low OH content, homogenized in functional direction (3002) or all directions (3001)

Suprasil® 311 / Suprasil® 312

UV + VIS Applications

Basic UV grade, synthetic grade homogenized in functional direction (312) or all directions (311)

Suprasil® 313

Laser debris shield, fused silica optics with standard specifications

Cost efficient basic grade

Suprasil® UVL

UV applications

Damage resistance to UV light

  • Sensing / Imaging

    UV

    VIS

    NIR

    Application Wavelength

    160 - 280 nm            280 - 400 nm

    380 - 780 nm

    780 - 3600 nm

    HOQ® 310

    -            +

    +

    +

    Infrasil® 301

    -            +

    +

    +

    Infrasil® 302

    -            +

    +

    +

    Spectrosil® 2000

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 1

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 2 Grade A

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 2 Grade B

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 1 ARF / KRF

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 2 ARF / KRF

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® UVL

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 300

    0            +

    +

    +

    Suprasil® 3002

    0            +

    +

    +

    Suprasil® 3001

    0            +

    +

    +

    Suprasil® 311

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 312

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 313

    +            +

    +

    0

  • Power Transmission

    UV

    VIS

    NIR

    Application Wavelength

    160 - 280 nm            280 - 400 nm

    380 - 780 nm

    780 - 3600 nm

    HOQ® 310

    -            0

    +

    +

    Infrasil® 301

    -            0

    +

    +

    Infrasil® 302

    -            0

    +

    +

    Spectrosil® 2000

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 1

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 2 Grade A

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 2 Grade B

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 1 ARF / KRF

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 2 ARF / KRF

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® UVL

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 300

    -            -

    +

    +

    Suprasil® 3002

    -            -

    +

    +

    Suprasil® 3001

    -            -

    +

    +

    Suprasil® 311

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 312

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 313

    0            0

    +

    0

  • Radiation Environment

    UV

    VIS

    NIR

    Application Wavelength

    160 - 280 nm            280 - 400 nm

    380 - 780 nm

    780 - 3600 nm

    HOQ® 310

    -            -

    -

    -

    Infrasil® 301

    -            -

    -

    -

    Infrasil® 302

    -            -

    -

    -

    Spectrosil® 2000

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 1

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 2 Grade A

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 2 Grade B

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 1 ARF / KRF

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 2 ARF / KRF

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® UVL

    +            +

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 300

    -            -

    +

    +

    Suprasil® 3002

    -            -

    +

    +

    Suprasil® 3001

    -            -

    +

    +

    Suprasil® 311

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 312

    0            0

    +

    0

    Suprasil® 313

    0            0

    +

    0

Fields of Applications

Because optical applications are very diverse, we have clustered the applications into three rather broad fields in order to allow an easier selection.

Illustration of a drone analyzing a field with modern technologies

Sensing & Imaging

Lower power levels across a wider wavelength range

Photo of a laser welding metal, emitting many bright sparks

Power Transmission

Higher to very high-power levels, absorption plays a critical role

A photo of earth as seen from its orbit

Radiation Environment

Working under radiation (electrons, neutrons, high power, short wavelength irradiation (e.g.: Space))

Application Wavelength

To choose the right material grade for your application, it is important to know in which wavelength region your application operates.

Ultraviolet Spectrum

The focus of your application is on the wavelength from
180 – 400 nm:

  • VUV: < 190 nm
  • DUV: 190 – 280 nm
  • UV: 280 – 400 nm

The most important optical properties for this wavelength region are high transmission and excellent purity, no fluorescence, outstanding damage resistance against UV or other high-energy radiation. Typical applications in the UV wavelength region include: Microlithography, Spectroscopy, Laser Fusion projects, or other applications irradiated by Excimer laser or UV lamps.

  • Prisms, Lenses and Beamsplitters

    Prisms, lenses and beam splitters are typically the most critical optical elements. The quality of these components contributes significantly to the performance of the entire optical system. In such optical elements the light path of different rays can be of different length in the material. Especially for the larger optical components, these rays may see locally varying refractive indexes. Therefore, for superior optical performance it is important that there is no optical distortion in any propagation direction. An isotropic optical material with a homogenous refractive index distribution is necessary. Heraeus Conamic has a unique process to provide true 3D materials with outstanding optical properties.
    → More information on 3D materials

    Recommended Materials:
    We recommend the following materials for their 3D homogeneity (indicated by +, ++, +++). To help with the selection, we indicate additional information. Nevertheless, feel free to contact our experts.

    • Suprasil 311 (3D:+++)
    • Suprasil 3301 (highest VUV transmission, 3D:+++)
    • Suprasil 1 (good radiation hardness, low fluorescence, 3D:++)
    • Suprasil 1 ArF/KrF (highest radiation hardness, lowest fluorescence, 3D:++)
  • Windows, Filters, Polarizers and Lightpipes
    Photo of a large cylindrical boule ingot of fused silica

    Optical components like windows, filters, polarizers or light guides require the light to pass through the functional direction with minimized distortions. Fused silica optics (mostly plano-plano) have an excellent homogeneity and can be used for a wide range of applications - not just as a transmissive window in harsh environments, also as base material for optical filters and polarizers.

    Recommended Materials:
    We recommend the following materials for their homogeneity in functional direction (indicated by +, ++, +++). To help with the selection, we indicate additional information. Never the less, feel free to contact our experts.

    • Suprasil® 312 (basic material, homogeneity: +++)
    • Suprasil® 3302 (improved VUV transmission, homogeneity: +++)
    • Suprasil® 2A (good radiation hardness and low fluorescence, homogeneity: ++)
    • Suprasil® 2 ArF/KrF (highest radiation hardness and lowest fluorescence, homogeneity: ++)
    • Suprasil® 2B (good radiation hardness and low fluorescence, homogeneity: +)
    • Spectrosil 2000 (low fluorescence, homogeneity:+)
    • Suprasil® UVL (highest radiation hardness and lowest fluorescence, homogeneity:+)
  • Wafer, Substrates, Debris Shields and Mirrors

    Mirrors, Wafers, Debris Shields and Substrates all rely on either the surface, or a very thin layer of material. Optical homogeneity is not the prime focus for these applications. Optical parameters like excellent transmission, very good coefficient of thermal expansion and other mechanical, thermal and chemical properties might be more important.

    Recommended Materials:

    • Spectrosil 2000 (good radiation hardness)
    • Suprasil® 313  (good homogeneity, low OH content)
  • Unusual and special optics

    Optical components become increasingly more complex and evolve from the standard optical components some decades ago. Driven by the complexity of the applications in industry and science, specifications are much tighter, dimensions can be very unusual and sizes can go up to 1,5m. Heraeus Conamic was involved in a lot of projects, where a customer tailored optical component was required. Our long-term R&D expertise enables us to support you in every unusual, special optics request.

    Please contact us directly to discuss your problem and find a solution.

Illustration of a blue laser light on dark background

Visible Spectrum

For applications in the visible wavelength range from 380 - 780 nm fused silica is used due to its higher absolute transmission compared to other optical materials and it's extreme radiation hardness compared to standard optical glasses. In extreme environments like high temperature, chemical contact and high mechanical stress fused silica shows its excellent properties.

  • Prisms, Lenses and Beamsplitters

    Prisms, lenses and beam splitters are typically the most critical optical elements. The quality of these components contributes significantly to the performance of the entire optical system.. In such optical elements the light path of different rays can be of different length in the material. Especially for the larger optical components, these rays may see locally varying refractive indexes. Therefore, for superior optical performance it is important that there is no optical distortion in any propagation direction. An isotropic optical material with a homogenous refractive index distribution is necessary. Heraeus Conamic has a unique process to provide true 3D materials with outstanding optical properties.
    → More information on 3D materials

    Recommended Materials:
    We recommend the following materials for their 3D homogeneity (indicated by +, ++, +++). To help with the selection, we indicate additional information. Nevertheless, feel free to contact our experts.

    • Suprasil® 311 (3D:+++)
    • Suprasil® 3301 (highest VUV transmission, 3D:+++)
    • Suprasil® 1 (good radiation hardness, low fluorescence, 3D:++)
    • Infrasil® 301 (natural quartz glass, 3D:++)
  • Windows, Filters, Polarizers and Lightpipes
    Photo of a large cylindrical boule ingot of fused silica

    Optical components like windows, filters, polarizers or light guides require the light to pass through the functional direction with minimized distortions. Fused silica optics (mostly plano-plano) have an excellent homogeneity and can be used for a wide range of applications - not just as a transmissive window in harsh environments, also as base material for optical filters and polarizers.

    Recommended Materials:
    We recommend the following materials for their homogeneity in functional direction (indicated by +, ++, +++). To help with the selection, we indicate additional information. Never the less, feel free to contact our experts.

    • Suprasil® 312 (basic material, homogeneity: +++)
    • Suprasil® 3302 (improved VUV transmission, homogeneity: +++)
    • Suprasil® 2A (good radiation hardness and low fluorescence, homogeneity: ++)
    • Suprasil® 2B (good radiation hardness and low fluorescence, homogeneity: +)
    • Spectrosil 2000 (low fluorescence, homogeneity:+)
    • Infrasil® 302 (natural quartz glass, homogeneity:++) Data Sheet
    • HOQ® 310 (natural quartz glass, homogeneity:+)
  • Wafer, Substrates, Debris Shields and Mirrors

    Mirrors, Wafers, Debris Shields and Substrates all rely on either the surface, or a very thin layer of material. Optical homogeneity is not the prime focus for these applications. Optical parameters like excellent transmission, very good coefficient of thermal expansion and other mechanical, thermal and chemical properties might be more important.

    Recommended Materials:

    • Spectrosil 2000 (good radiation hardness)
    • Suprasil® 313 (good homogeneity, medium OH content)
    • Suprasil® 300 (OH < 1ppm, subject to export controll)
    • HOQ® 310 (natural quartz glass)
  • Unusual and special optics

    Optical components become increasingly more complex and evolve from the standard optical components some decades ago. Driven by the complexity of the applications in industry and science, specifications are much tighter, dimensions can be very unusual and sizes can go up to 1,5m. Heraeus Conamic was involved in a lot of projects, where a customer tailored optical component was required. Our long-term R&D expertise enables us to support you in every unusual, special optics request.

    Please contact us directly to discuss your problem and find a solution.

  • Non Transmissive Optics

    For some optical components non-transparent fused silica can be used.

    A typical non-transparent optical component is an absorber. Heraeus has developed a special fused silica -  Nerasil® -, that is intentionally doped to absorb over a broad wavelength region. It appears black and is used in spectroscopy applications or as mirror substrates. If cut very thin, it can be used as a strong attenuator for high intensity radiation.

    Please feel free to contact our experts for additional information.

    Find more information about Nerasil®.

Near Infrared Spectrum

For IR applications in the wavelength range from 780 - 3600 absorption can play a major role.

Absorption is the root cause of thermal lensing. The optimal performance depends on the absorption value of the specific fused silica grade. Metallic impurities and OH molecules are sources of absorption. A short video explaining the context can be found below.

As the price of fused silica typically scales with increasing purity, it is economically important to make the right choice and not overspec. However, if the highest quality is needed, we can deliver it in large sizes too.

  • Prisms, Lenses and Beamsplitters

    Prisms, lenses and beam splitters are typically the most critical optical elements. The quality of these components contributes significantly to the performance of the entire optical system.. In such optical elements the light path of different rays can be of different length in the material. Especially for the larger optical components, these rays may see locally varying refractive indexes. Therefore, for superior optical performance it is important that there is no optical distortion in any propagation direction. An isotropic optical material with a homogenous refractive index distribution is necessary. Heraeus Conamic has a unique process to provide true 3D materials with outstanding optical properties.
    → More information on 3D materials

    Recommended Materials:
    We recommend the following materials for their 3D homogeneity (indicated by +, ++, +++). To help with the selection, we indicate additional information. Nevertheless, feel free to contact our experts.

    • Suprasil® 3001 (OH < 1ppm, lowest absorption, 3D:++)
    • Suprasil® 311 (OH < 250ppm, 3D:+++)
    • Infrasil® 301 (natural fused quartz, OH < 8ppm, 3D:++)
  • Windows, Filters, Polarizers and Lightpipes
    Photo of a large cylindrical boule ingot of fused silica

    Optical components like windows, filters, polarizers or light guides require the light to pass through the functional direction with minimized distortions. Fused silica optics (mostly plano-plano) have an excellent homogeneity and can be used for a wide range of applications - not just as a transmissive window in harsh environments, also as base material for optical filters and polarizers.

    Recommended Materials:
    We recommend the following materials for their homogeneity in functional direction (indicated by +, ++, +++). To help with the selection, we indicate additional information. Never the less, feel free to contact our experts.

    • Suprasil® 3002 (OH < 1ppm, lowest absorption, homogeneity:++)
    • Suprasil® 312 (OH < 250ppm, homogeneity:+++)
    • Infrasil® 302 (natural fused quartz, OH < 8ppm, homogeneity:++)
  • Wafer, Substrates, Debris Shields and Mirrors

    Mirrors, Wafers, Debris Shields and Substrates all rely on either the surface, or a very thin layer of material. Optical homogeneity is not the prime focus for these applications. Optical parameters like excellent transmission, very good coefficient of thermal expansion and other mechanical, thermal and chemical properties might be more important.

    Recommended Materials:

    • Suprasil® 300 (OH < 1ppm, lowest absorption)
    • Suprasil® 313 (OH < 250ppm, good homogeneity)
    • HOQ® 310 (natural fused quartz, OH < 30ppm)
  • Unusual and special optics

    Optical components become increasingly more complex and evolve from the standard optical components some decades ago. Driven by the complexity of the applications in industry and science, specifications are much tighter, dimensions can be very unusual and sizes can go up to 1,5m. Heraeus Conamic was involved in a lot of projects, where a customer tailored optical component was required. Our long-term R&D expertise enables us to support you in every unusual, special optics request.

    Please contact us directly to discuss your problem and find a solution.

Downloads

  • Data Sheet: Fused silica for Optics - Data and Properties

    Download
  • Brochure: Fused Silica for Applications in the Near Infrared

    Download
  • Data Sheet: Suprasil® 313

    Download
  • Data Sheet: Nerasil®

    Download

Tools and Services

In the selection process for the most suitable fused silica grade the transmission performance is among the first criteria. Please check our transmission calculator. As an additional service, we offer the possibility to search our portfolio for existing part numbers.