For scientists, light is the name given to the wavelengths of visible and invisible electromagnetic radiation. In addition to visible light, it is usually divided into ultraviolet (UV radiation) and infrared (IR radiation). UV light has wavelengths between 10 nm and 400 nm. IR light is a term used to describe light with wavelengths between 700 nm and 1,000,000 nm.
For laser and optical instrumentation applications in the UV and IR wavelength ranges, our products include a wide range of substrates and finished optical components made of lithium fluoride (LiF), magnesium fluoride (MgF2), calcium fluoride (CaF2), barium fluoride (BaF2), sapphire (Al2O3), zinc selenide (ZnSe), copper (Cu), germanium (Ge), and silicon (Si). They make excellent choices for UV and infrared optics.
IR Optics
IR optics can be used to provide us with a variety of functions. Lenses and other optics are required to control IR light and make it useful in these systems. When the wavelength to be transmitted is more than approximately 2500 nm, a variety of materials are employed in IR optics. These substances include sapphire, BaF2, CaF2, gallium phosphide (GaP), Si, Ge, and ZnSe, to name a few. Si is utilized whenever possible because of how inexpensive it is, however BaF2Â and Ge are also common materials.
UV Optics
The UV region of the spectrum is frequently used in science, medicine, and industry. UV optics are commonly used in high-energy laser processing, fluorescence microscopy, and as transmitters and receivers for secure line-of-sight communication systems. The fewest materials are currently accessible for the manufacture of optical components in UV optics. These substances include MgF2, CaF2, sapphire, and fused silica, to name a few.
