Quartz (SiO2) is a birefringent material commonly used in the manufacture of polarizers (such as wave plates) and windows. The material’s birefringent properties mean it has two refractive indices and incident light splits into ordinary and extraordinary rays. The z-cut is used so that the optic axis of the crystal is perpendicular to the flat surfaces causing the ordinary and extraordinary rays to follow the same path through the crystal and maintain the polarization of the beam.
Quartz cuts and polishes well and is insoluble in water. It transmits highly at 90% in the 0.18-3.5μm range making it appropriate for use in the IR and VIS spectrum. Additionally, the material transmits well above 50µm in the commonly termed Terahertz region. This electro-magnetic radiation is used in airport scanners where it is possible to scan underneath their clothes to prevent weapons being taken on-board the aircraft.
Quartz is typically used as 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 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. See the ‘docs and drgs’ tab for further information on left and right handed crystal quartz material, or contact our technical sales team directly.
| Knight Optical (UK) Ltd | |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Optical Diffusers |
| Product Number | WQZ3502 |
| Product Name | Quartz (Z-Cut) Right Handed Window 35mmdia x 2mmthk |
| Thickness | 2 mm (0.0787 inch) |
