Quartz optical window

Quartz (SiO2) is a birefringent material meaning it has two refractive indices creating ordinary and extraordinary rays. Quartz cuts and polishes well and is insoluble in water. The z-cut is used so that the optic axis of the crystal is perpendicular to the flat surfaces. The ordinary and extraordinary rays follow the same path through the crystal and maintain the polarization of the beam. Quartz transmits at over 90% in the 0.18-3.5μm range making it appropriate for use in the IR and Visible spectrum. It also transmits well above 50µm where far infra-red is now commonly termed Terahertz. This electro-magnetic radiation is used to scan people at airports where it is possible to scan underneath their clothes to prevent weapons being taken on-board the aircraft. Quartz is typically used for windows, retarders, and wave-plates in the 1 to 3.5µm waveband. Quartz’s optical properties make it suitable for this application. Quartz can be used in the waveband above 50µm for terahertz blackbody emission. Listed below are a range of quality "right handed and left handed" stock Z-cut Quartz windows in a range of diameters and thicknesses to meet most applications. If you require Z-cut quartz windows to a smaller size or a custom aperture we are able to machine our stock windows at short notice, please enquire. See docs and drgs for further information on left and right handed crystal quartz material.