UV optical paths
For transmitting light in optical and analytical instruments. Specify transmission at the actual wavelength and finished thickness.
JGS2 UV-Grade Fused Quartz Substrates
Custom JGS2 UV-grade fused quartz substrates for optical instruments, coating and photolithography. Specify shape, thickness, surface quality and working wavelength.
Quartz for UV optical substrates
TL OPTIK supplies JGS2 fused quartz substrates as circular discs, rectangular plates and custom outlines for optical instruments, coating and photolithographic processing.
Define the working wavelength, thickness and optical surface requirements together to select a substrate suited to your next process.
- Material grade
- JGS2 UV-grade fused quartz
- Supplied form
- Unpatterned optical substrates
- Geometry
- Round, rectangular or custom
- Optical selection
- Working wavelength and thickness
A substrate for the next process
Choose the geometry and surface finish around the role the substrate will perform.
Coating substrates
A polished base for a specified optical coating. The aperture, surface quality and coating area should suit the deposition process.
Photolithographic processing
A low-expansion base for optical patterns. Review material transmission, flatness and resist compatibility for the exposure process.
Technical specifications
The material grade identifies the starting glass. The drawing defines the finished substrate, and transmission is agreed at the required wavelength and thickness.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| PropertyMaterial | SpecificationJGS2 UV-grade fused quartz; confirm the supplied material grade |
| PropertyProduct type | SpecificationUnpatterned optical substrate; coating or patterning by separate specification |
| PropertyReference spectral range | SpecificationApproximately 220–2500 nm; a material selection reference, not a guaranteed transmission band |
| PropertySubstrate shape | SpecificationCircular, rectangular and custom outlines, subject to drawing review |
| PropertyDimensions and thickness | SpecificationDiameter or length × width, thickness and tolerances to drawing |
| PropertyPolished surfaces | SpecificationSingle- or double-side polishing, as specified for the optical path |
| PropertyFlatness and parallelism | SpecificationSpecify flatness with test wavelength and aperture; specify parallelism separately |
| PropertySurface quality and roughness | SpecificationSpecify scratch-dig criteria and roughness metric with the inspection method |
| PropertyClear aperture and edges | SpecificationDefine the optical area, edge exclusion and chamfer on the drawing |
| PropertyTransmission | SpecificationSpecify wavelength, thickness, surface/coating condition and total or internal transmittance |
| PropertyCoating options | SpecificationUncoated, or a coating reviewed for the wavelength and angle of incidence |
| PropertyMaterial quality | SpecificationBubbles, striae, homogeneity and fluorescence requirements agreed for the application |
Define the useful optical area
Outer size, clear aperture and thickness describe different requirements. Mark each one on the drawing.
- D — Outside diameter
- Defines the circular outline and fit in the holder. For rectangular parts, specify length and width instead.
- CA — Clear aperture
- The area that must meet the specified optical requirements. Keep it separate from the chamfer and handling edge.
- t — Substrate thickness
- Affects fit, optical path length and interpretation of transmission data. State its tolerance separately.
Choose the grade for the light path
Use the working wavelength first, then review the signal, environment and next process.
General UV-visible use
JGS2 is a candidate when its measured transmission meets the optical requirement. Compare data for the specified thickness, polished surfaces and coating state.
Short wavelengths or weak signals
For deeper UV, review JGS1. For fluorescence-sensitive measurements, specify the excitation wavelength and acceptable background; do not infer performance from the grade name.
Explore JGS1 fused silicaInfrared or thermal conditions
OH-related absorption can affect infrared transmission. Low thermal expansion does not by itself establish a finished-part temperature rating: geometry, coating, mounting and thermal gradients also matter.
Applications and selection
Start from the instrument or process below, then use its optical and mounting requirements to define the substrate.
- UV-visible spectroscopy: define the working band and allowable background signal.
- UV illumination and curing equipment: match the substrate and any coating to the source spectrum.
- Optical coating: specify the polished faces, coating area and handling edge.
- Photolithography and patterned optics: select the material for the exposure wavelength and dimensional requirements.
Customize around the process
Material, dimensions, surface, pattern, coating and documentation can be reviewed together when the standard configuration is not enough.
Material and geometry
Specify JGS2 grade, diameter or outline, thickness, clear aperture and chamfer.
Surface and optical behaviour
Define polished faces, flatness, parallelism, surface quality and transmission at the working wavelength.
Documentation and packaging
Discuss coating or photolithographic patterning, handling, protective packaging and the required inspection records.
Common questions
Short answers to the questions that affect material choice, pattern definition and acceptance.
Is JGS2 fused quartz the same as synthetic fused silica?
Both are silica glasses, but JGS2 is commonly made from natural quartz, while synthetic fused silica is produced from chemical precursors. Purity, absorption and fluorescence depend on grade and supply. Specify the actual material rather than treating the names as interchangeable.
Is 220–2500 nm a guaranteed transmission range?
No. It is a commonly cited selection range. Transmission varies with wavelength, thickness, material grade and surface condition. Agree the required value at the actual operating wavelength instead of assuming uniform transmission across the range.
When should I consider JGS1 instead?
Consider synthetic JGS1 when deeper-UV transmission is required. For fluorescence-sensitive detection or laser use, compare the actual material data and test conditions; neither grade name alone proves suitability.
Can you customize the diameter, thickness and surface finish?
Yes. Send the drawing or preliminary dimensions, clear aperture and optical requirements. The achievable combination of size, thickness and tolerances is reviewed for the part.
Can the substrate be coated or photolithographically patterned?
These processes can be reviewed as part of the project. State the wavelength, coating area or pattern file, orientation and inspection requirements. The base substrate is unpatterned unless a patterned configuration is specified.
Acceptance and drawing inputs
Confirm these items after the product type and core parameters are selected. They define how the finished component is manufactured, checked and documented.
Inspection and acceptance
Agree the material identification, dimensional checks and optical inspection plan before production. Wavelength-specific transmission results should identify thickness and surface condition. Material certificates and additional measurements are confirmed in the quotation; the grade name alone does not establish a pressure, temperature or laser-damage rating.
What to provide in the drawing or inquiry
- Working wavelength or band, and required transmission
- Drawing revision, outline, thickness and dimensional tolerances
- Clear aperture, polished faces, flatness and parallelism
- Surface quality, edge finish and any fluorescence requirement
- Coating or patterning, operating conditions and order quantity
- Required inspection methods, reports and packaging
Send the drawing, reference artwork or preliminary specification for manufacturing and inspection review.
Discuss this product