Fused silica is glass consisting of silica in amorphous (non-crystalline) form.
It differs from traditional glasses in containing no other ingredients, which are typically added to glass to lower the melt temperature.Fused silica, therefore, has high working and melting temperatures.
The optical and thermal properties of fused quartz are superior to those of other types of glass due to its purity.
For these reasons, it finds use in situations such as semiconductor fabrication and laboratory equipment.
It transmits ultraviolet better than other glasses, so is used to make lenses and optics for the ultraviolet spectrum.
Its low coefficient of thermal expansion also makes it a useful material for precision mirror substrates.
There are different types Fused Silica according the different application.
In China, there are mainly three types, ie. JGS1, JGS2, JGS3.
Below are their equivalent to other Fused Silica supplier.
JGS1 is used for optics operating in the deep UV and the visible wavelength range (Laser Lenses, Windows, Prisms, Mirrors, etc.).
It is practically free of bubbles and inclusions.
JGS2 provides good UV and visible transmission.
Available in thin & small sheet pieces, JGS2 is virtually bubblefree.
Elements built from large pieces vill most likely contain bubbles, so application should not be sensitive to these inclusions.
Ideal Applications for JGS2: Condenser optics not concerned with scatter or distortion, high temperature and pressure applications, optical flats, microscope slides and sight glasses.
JGS3 is transparent in the ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectral regions, without considerable absorption bands in the 185-250 nm spectral region.
It has no absorption bands in the visible physical properies with outstanding optical characteristics in the deep UV and the IR wavelength range.
Notice: Currently, most suppliers use Corning 7980 instead of JGS3.
For more information about Fused Silica or Fused Quartz, please feel free to contact us!
Reference:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fused_quartz
