Material library

Performance starts with the material.

Compare six optical substrates by spectral region, practical strengths and the tradeoffs to review in your design.

OPTICAL DESIGN
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Explore optical substrates

Visible · near IR

A familiar starting point for visible-light lenses, prisms and other general-purpose optical components.

UV · visible · near IR

An optical substrate to consider when ultraviolet transmission or low thermal expansion matters.

UV · visible · IR

A low-dispersion crystalline material used in selected broadband, ultraviolet and infrared optical designs.

UV · visible · IR

A hard crystalline substrate often considered for protective optical windows in demanding environments.

Infrared

An infrared substrate to evaluate for lenses and windows when visible-light transmission is not required.

Infrared

A high-index material used in infrared lenses and windows, with coating and temperature behavior to review.

At a glance

Spectral regions are general orientation notes. Confirm grade, thickness, coating and operating conditions for the finished optic.

Optical material comparison
Material	Spectral context	Starting point	Check before selection
N-BK7	Visible · near IR	Balanced optical properties	Check UV/IR limits and thermal requirements.
UV Fused Silica	UV · visible · near IR	UV and thermal design	Choose a grade for the actual wavelength band.
Calcium Fluoride	UV · visible · IR	Broadband optical design	Review brittleness, mounting stress and handling.
Sapphire	UV · visible · IR	Mechanical durability	Account for birefringence and crystal orientation.
Silicon	Infrared	Infrared system design	Confirm absorption, coating and temperature behavior.
Germanium	Infrared	Infrared imaging	Review thermal sensitivity and surface reflection.

Material performance varies by part. Use supplier transmission data and the design requirements for final selection.