Si, ZnSe and Ge
Si (Silicium)
is a standard material for use in CO2 lasers as windows, beamsplitters, output couplers or focussing lenses. Because of its broad transmission range, its low absorption and scatter, ZnSe is a standard material for use from 500 nm up to 22 µm.
ZnSe is nonhygroscopic, chemically stable unless treated with strong acids, and has a very high damage threshold.
LASEROPTIK offers a large selection of AR,
reflecting and beamsplitter coatings on ZnSe.
is commonly used in imaging systems and instruments in the 2-12 µm range. Ge is utilized as a substrate for lenses, windows and output couplers for low power cw as well as pulsed CO2-lasers. It is also a popular choice as a substrate for a variety of infrared filters.
Ge is nontoxic and nonhygroscopic, has good thermal conductivity and excellent hardness.