Properties of Single Crystal Sapphire:
| Chemical formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Purity | 99.999% |
| Crystal structure | Hexagonal |
| Density | 3.98g/cm³ |
| Hardness Mohs | 9 |
| Fusion point | 2045℃ |
| Boiling point | 2980℃ |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 5.8x10 -6/K |
| Specific heat | 0.418W.s/g/k |
| Thermal conduction | 25.12W/m/k(@100°C) |
| Refractive index | no=1.768 ne=1.760 |
| dn/dt | 13×10-6/K(@633nm) |
| Transmission | T≈80%(0.3-5μm) |
| Permittivity | 11.5(//c), 9.3(⊥c) |
Sapphire optical components' applications
1.Laser Systems:Sapphire is frequently used in laser systems for its high optical transparency, thermal conductivity, and resistance to laser-induced damage. It serves as windows, lenses, and laser rods in solid-state lasers, as well as beam splitters and optical isolators.
2.Aerospace and Defense:In aerospace and defense applications, sapphire optical components are used in aircraft windows, missile domes, and targeting systems. Their hardness and scratch resistance make them ideal for protecting sensitive optical systems in harsh environments.
3.Medical Devices:Sapphire optics are utilized in medical devices such as endoscopes, surgical lasers, and biomedical sensors. Their biocompatibility, optical clarity, and resistance to sterilization processes make them suitable for use in medical diagnostics and treatments.
4.Optical Communication:Sapphire optical components play a role in optical communication systems, including fiber-optic networks and telecommunications equipment. They are used as fiber-optic connectors, waveguides, and optical switches due to their low insertion loss and high reliability.
5.Scientific Instruments:Sapphire is used in various scientific instruments, including spectrometers, microscopes, and telescopes. Its optical clarity, thermal stability, and resistance to chemical attack make it valuable for precision optical components in research and analysis.
6.High-Temperature Environments:Sapphire optical components are employed in high-temperature environments, such as combustion chambers and industrial furnaces, where traditional optical materials would degrade. Their thermal stability and resistance to thermal shock make them suitable for monitoring and imaging applications in extreme conditions.
7.Substrate for Electronics:Sapphire wafers are used as substrates in the production of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), and other electronic devices. Their high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties make them ideal for supporting semiconductor materials and enhancing device performance.
8.Optical Sensors:Sapphire optical components are utilized in optical sensors for various applications, including environmental monitoring, chemical sensing, and industrial process control. Their optical transparency, stability, and resistance to harsh conditions enable the accurate detection and measurement of light signals.
