Optical Substrates


Optical Substrates


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Optical Substrate Transmission
PTFERutileGermaniumSiliconZinc SelenideYV04N-SF11N-F2F2N-BK7CalcitePotassium BromideBarium FluorideMagnesium FluorideSapphirea-BBOUV Fused SilicaCalcium Fluoride
Click on the bars in the graph above to view the transmission plot for each optical material.

Thorlabs offers a wide variety of optical substrates that are ideal for use in various applications. The graph to the right compares the transmission ranges of some of the most common substrates we offer. This page details optical properties for these substrates, as well as the substrates used in our aspheric and achromatic lenses. To quickly navigate through these substrates, use the Table of Contents listed below or click on the tabs above.

For more information about the properties listed throughout this page, please see the Tutorial tab above. If you have questions about a substrate not described on this page, please contact Tech Support.

Table of Contents

This tab details the key crystalline, optical, physical, and thermal properties provided for the substrates featured on the rest of the tabs on this page. Please contact Tech Support if you have any further questions concerning these properties.

Table of Contents

 

Index of Refraction for N-BK7
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for N-BK7's Sellmeier Equation

Optical Properties

Index of Refraction
Index of refraction, n, is an optical property that describes how light propagates through a material. It is defined as

Index of Refraction Equation

where c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and v is the speed of light through the material. The index of refraction of a material varies with both temperature and wavelength. The change of index of refraction with temperature is discussed in more detail in the Thermal Properties section below. The change in index of refraction with wavelength is known as dispersion and can be clearly seen in the graph to the right, which shows the variation in n for N-BK7.

Attenuation Coefficient
The attenuation coefficient, α, is a material property that characterizes the degree of transparency of a medium. The intensity transmitted through a material is described by the Beer-Lambert law:

Beer-Lambert Law

where I is the transmitted intensity, I0 is the incident intensity, and l is the thickness of the material. Losses described by the attenuation coefficient include both scattering and absorption by the material. Like index of refraction, the attenuation coefficient of a material varies with wavelength. 

Sellmeier Equation
The Sellmeier equation is used to characterize the dispersion of light with respect to wavelength and is written in the form

Sellmeier Equation

where λ is wavelength in μm and B1 , B2 , B3 , C1 , C2 , and C3 are constants unique to the material being tested. The Sellmeier equation used to plot N-BK7's index of refraction as a function of wavelength can be seen by clicking on the hyperlink in the footnote under the graph.

Abbe Number
Also known as the V-number, the Abbe number is an optical property that quantifies a material's dispersion, or variation in refractive index with respect to wavelength. It is defined by the equation

Abbe Number Equation

where Vd is the Abbe number, and nd , nF , and nC  are the refractive indexes of the material at 587.6 nm, 486.1 nm, and 656.3 nm, respectively. A high Abbe number is indicative of low dispersion whereas a low Abbe number indicates high dispersion.

Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance
The Fresnel equations describe the reflection and transmission of light at an interface between two materials with different indices of refraction. These equations provide reflectance and transmittance values, which give the ratio of the reflected and transmitted light intensity, respectively, to the incident intensity. This can be written as

Abbe Number EquationAbbe Number Equation

where R is the reflectance, T is the transmittance, I0 is the incident intensity, Ir is the reflected intensity, and It is the transmitted intensity. The Fresnel values given on this page are for normal incidence.

 

Physical Properties

Figure 1. Knoop Hardness Test

Knoop Hardness
Knoop hardness (HK) is a measure of a material's mechanical hardness and is most commonly given for brittle materials. Knoop hardness is tested by pressing a pyramidal diamond-shaped indenter into a material sample and analyzing the resulting indentation in the material. The process is shown in the animation denoted as Figure 1 to the right. The Knoop Hardness is then calculated using

Knoop Hardness Equation

where HK is the Knoop hardness, K is a constant related to the indenter's geometry, P is the test load, and L is the longest diagonal length of the diamond-shaped indentation.

Moduli: Young, Shear, and Bulk
Young's modulus, shear modulus, and bulk modulus are all measures of how a material deforms, or strains, under different stresses. Stress is the term used to describe the amount of force applied to a sectional area of a sample. Stress is mathematically calculated using the following equation:

Stress Equation

where σ is stress and F is the force applied on the cross-sectional area, A, of a sample. The term strain is used to describe the deformation of a sample as a result of a stress and is mathematically calculated using

Strain Equation

where ε is strain, Δx is the change in size of a sample, and x is the original size of a sample.

Young's modulus, shear modulus, and bulk modulus are useful in quantifying the stiffness of materials. A stiffer material has higher moduli than a more flexible material.

Figure 2. Measurement of Young's Modulus

Young's Modulus
Young's modulus (E ), also known as elastic modulus, describes how a material deforms under a normal, or tensile, stress. To measure Young's modulus, a material is either pulled or compressed along its length, and the resulting change in length is measured. The animation in Figure 2 demonstrates one method of measuring Young's modulus. Mathematically, Young's modulus is calculated by dividing a sample's normal stress over its normal strain. In Figure 2 and in the equation below, E is Young's modulus, L is the original length of the sample, ΔL is the change in the length of the sample, and F is the force applied normal to the face of the sample with surface area, A.

Young's Modulus Equation

Figure 3. Measurement of Shear Modulus

Shear Modulus
Shear modulus (G ) is the measure of how a sample deforms when it is sheared (i.e., when a force is applied parallel to one surface of the sample and an opposing force is applied to the opposite face, as shown in Figure 3). Mathematically, shear modulus is calculated by dividing a sample's shear stress by its shear strain. Shear stress and strain are demonstrated in the Figure 3 animation. Within the animation and in the following equation, G is the shear modulus, h is the height of the test sample, Δx is the change in shape due to the shear force, F , applied to the sample, and A is the surface area of the face to which the force is applied.

Shear Modulus Equation

Figure 4. Measurement of Bulk Modulus

Bulk Modulus
Bulk modulus (K ) describes a material's volumetric stiffness when exposed to increased uniform pressure. When a material is exposed to high, uniform, external pressure, it tends to shrink. Bulk modulus is the measure of how much a material resists this shrinking. Mathematically, bulk modulus is calculated by dividing a sample's bulk stress by its bulk strain. In the Figure 4 animation and the equation below, K is the bulk modulus, V represents the original volume of the sample, and V′ is the volume of a sample after it is exposed to change in uniform pressure, ΔP.

Bulk Modulus Equation

Figure 5. Measurement of Poisson's Ratio

Poisson's Ratio
Poisson's ratio, ν (nu), is a measure of how much a material contracts in the perpendicular direction due to stretching, or conversely, how much a material expands in the direction perpendicular to the applied force due to its compression. Imagine stretching a rubber band and watching the band become thinner; as you continue to stretch it farther, the thinness also increases. Poisson's ratio can also be measured by compressing a material and measuring how much thicker it gets, as shown in the Figure 5 animation. Mathematically, Poisson's ratio is defined as the negative change in transverse strain divided by the change in axial strain. In Figure 5 and the equation below, εtrans is transverse strain (i.e., the strain perpendicular to the applied force, F) and εaxial is axial strain (i.e., the strain parallel to the applied force). dεaxial and dεtrans are the changes in strain on the sample due to an applied force.

Poisson's Ratio Equation

 

Relationship between Poisson's Ratio and the Young's, Shear, and Bulk Moduli
In isotropic materials, there is a linear relationship between Poisson's ratio, Young's modulus, shear modulus, and bulk modulus. This makes it possible to calculate any unknown moduli of certain materials using only two known values. Isotropic materials have identical physical properties in every orientation. In other words, their properties do not vary as the axis along which the force is applied varies. Many optical glasses, such as N-BK7 or N-SF11, are isotropic and thus have moduli values calculated from the equations

Young's Modulus Relationship Equation

Shear Modulus Relationship Equation

Bulk Modulus Relationship Equation

where E is Young's modulus, G is shear modulus, K is bulk modulus, and ν is Poisson's ratio. These relationships are not true for anisotropic materials. Most crystalline materials, such as Thorlabs' fluoride optics, are anisotropic, and hence, each modulus must be measured separately. Moduli that were calculated rather than measured are noted in the specification table for every applicable substrate.

 

Thermal Properties

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) describes a material’s tendency to expand or contract with a change in temperature. A positive CTE would describe a material that expands with increases in temperature, and a negative CTE describes a material that contracts with increases in temperature. Specifically, the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (aL ) is the numerical description of how much the length of a material changes with temperature and can be expressed as

Silicon Index of Refraction vs. TemperatureClick to Enlarge

Coefficient of Volumetric Thermal Expansion Equation

where aL is the coefficient of linear thermal expansion, L is the original length of the sample, dL is the change in length of the sample, and dT is the change in temperature.

Change in Index of Refraction with Temperature
The index of refraction of a material is not only dependent on the wavelength of light passing through it; it is also dependent on the temperature, as shown in the graph to the right. This change in index of refraction with temperature is also known as the thermo-optic coefficient and is commonly written as dn/dT. Because the thermo-optic coefficient varies both with temperature range and wavelength, a standard temperature range and test wavelength are selected when reporting this specification for a material.

 

Crystalline Properties

Parallel versus Perpendicular
Crystalline material data is often given for both the parallel and perpendicular axes of the crystal to ensure accuracy. The crystalline structure of some materials results in a difference between the properties along the optical axis and those along the perpendicular axis. The parallel, or extraordinary, axis is the axis along which transmitted light will suffer no birefringence. It is parallel to the optical axis of the crystal. The perpendicular, or ordinary, axis is perpendicular to the optical axis.

Alpha-BBO Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at d-Line (587.6 nm)a ne = 1.533
no = 1.673
Sellmeier Equation, Extraordinarya Icon
Sellmeier Equation, Ordinarya Icon
Abbe Number (Vd), Extraordinary 56.18
Abbe Number (Vd), Ordinary 52.23
Transmission Range  190 nm - 3.5 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Extraordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Ordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Density 3.85 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness -
Young's Modulus 39 GPa
Shear Modulus 12.3 GPa
Bulk Modulusb -
Poisson's Ratio 0.58
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 36 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
4 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Heat Capacity 0.49 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 1095 °C
Change in Index of Refraction
with Temperature		 -9.3 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
-16.6 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Alpha-BBO Optics Selection
  • Appel, R., Dyer, C. D., & Lockwood, J. N. (2002). Design of a broadband UV–visible alpha-barium borate polarizer. Applied Optics, 41(13), 2474.
  • Value cannot be calculated because α-BBO is an anisotropic material. For more information, please see the Tutorial tab.
Transmission of Alpha-BBO
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data
This data was gathered through a GLB5 Glan-Laser Polarizer of thickness
8.2 mm and is indicative of the material's properties..

Alpha-BBO (α-BBO, α-BaB2O4) is a negative uniaxial crystal, which is the high temperature form of β-BBO, and exhibits many of the same physical and optical properties. Alpha-BBO’s high birefringent structure makes it a useful substrate in the fabrication of polarization optics. Since α-BBO is a soft crystal that is easily damaged, all of our α-BBO polarizers are offered in metal housings. With convenient threadings and adapters, these housings can easily be mounted into our optomechanical products. Alpha-BBO has a transmission range from 190 nm to 3.5 µm. It has an ordinary refractive index of 1.673 and an extraordinary refractive index of 1.533 at 587.6 nm.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from α-BBO.

a-BBO Optics SelectionGlan-Laser PolarizersGlan-Thompson PolarizersWollaston Prisms

Barium Fluoride Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at Nd:YAG (1.064 µm)a 1.468
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) 81.78
Transmission Range 200 nm - 11 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 4.893 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 82 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 53.07 GPa
Shear Modulus 25.4 GPa
Bulk Modulus 56.4 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.343
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 18.4 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.41 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 1368 °C
Change in Index of Refraction with
Temperature (+20/+40 °C @ 1060 nm)		 -15.2 x 10-6 /°C
Barium Fluoride Optics Selection
  • H. H. Li. Refractive Index of Alkaline Earth Halides and its Wavelength and Temperature Derivatives. J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 9, 161-289 (1980)
Transmission of Coated BaF2
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Click Here for Raw Data

Barium Fluoride (BaF2) is transparent from the UV to the IR (200 nm - 11 µm) and has an index of refraction of 1.468 at 1.064 µm. Barium fluoride's properties are similar to those of calcium fluoride, but it is more resistant to high-energy radiation. It is, however, less resistant to water damage. Pronounced degradation of the BaF2 substrate occurs at 500 °C when exposed to water, but in dry environments, it can be used in applications requiring exposure to temperatures up to 800 °C.

When handling optics, one should always wear gloves. This is especially true when working with barium fluoride as it is a hazardous material. For your safety, please wear gloves whenever handling BaF2 and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards. Click here to download a pdf of the MSDS for BaF2.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from BaF2.

BaF2 Optics Selection Plano-Convex Lenses Windows Wire Grid Polarizers

Calcite Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at Nd:Yag (1.064 µm)a ne =  1.480
no = 1.642
Sellmeier Equation, Extraordinarya Icon
Sellmeier Equation, Ordinarya Icon
Abbe Number (Vd), Extraordinary 79.17
Abbe Number (Vd), Oridinary 49.91
Transmission Rangeb 300 nm - 2.3 μm
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Extraordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Ordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Density 2.71 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 155 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 88.19 GPa (Parallel)
72.35 GPa (Perpendicular)
Shear Modulus 35 GPa
Bulk Modulus 129.53 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.85
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
(@ 0°C)		 25 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
5.8 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Heat Capacity 0.852 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 825 °C
Change in Index of Refraction with
Temperature (@ 500 nm)		 3 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
13 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Calcite Optics Selection
  • G. Ghosh. Dispersion-Equation Coefficients for the Refractive Index and Birefringence of Calcite and Quartz Crystals, Opt. Commun. 163, 95-102 (1999)
  • The range listed here is for the transmission through a calcite substrate. Some products use optical cement or other materials that can limit the transmission wavelength range.
Transmission of Calcite
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Click Here for Raw Data

Calcite (CaCO3), or Iceland Spar, is a useful crystalline substrate most commonly used in polarization optics. A calcite polarizer can be designed as either a polarization splitter/combiner or as a polarizer element that removes the angled, orthogonally polarized component of a beam. Since calcite is a soft crystal that is easily damaged, almost all of our calcite polarizers are offered in metal housings. With convenient threadings and adapters, these housings can easily be mounted into our optomechanical products. The transmission data above was taken through an uncoated Glan-Laser calcite polarizer. Calcite has a transmission range from 300 nm to 2.3 μm. It has an ordinary refractive index of 1.642 and an extraordinary refractive index of 1.480 at 1.064 µm. It is not recommended to use these polarizers for input beams with wavelengths greater than 2.3 µm, as calcite has different absorption coefficients for the ordinary and extrarodinary rays that diverge past this point.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from calcite.

Calcite Optics SelectionBeam DisplacersGlan-Laser PolarizersGlan-Taylor PolarizersDouble Glan-Taylor PolarizersGlan-Thompson PolarizerWollaston Prism

Calcium Fluoride Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at Nd:YAG (1.064 µm)a 1.428
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) 95.31
Transmission Range 180 nm - 8.0 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 3.18 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 158.3 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 75.8 GPa
Shear Modulus 33.77 GPa
Bulk Modulus 82.71 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.26
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 18.85 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.854 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 1418 °C
Change in Index of Refraction with
Temperature (+20/+40 °C @ 1060 nm)		 -10.6 x 10-6 /°C
Calcium Fluoride Optics Selection
  • H. H. Li. Refractive index of alkaline earth halides and its wavelength and temperature derivatives. J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 9, 161-289 (1980)
Transmission of Uncoated CaF2
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Click Here for Raw Data

Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) is transparent from the UV to the IR (180 nm - 8.0 µm). It has a refractive index of 1.428 at 1.064 µm and is mechanically and environmentally stable. CaF2 is ideal for any demanding applications where its high damage threshold, low fluorescence, and high homogeneity are beneficial. It is popular in excimer laser applications and frequently used in spectroscopy and cooled thermal imaging.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from CaF2.

CaF2 Optics Selection Spherical Lenses Beamsplitters Windows Prisms Polarizers

F2 Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Refractive Index at d-Line (587.6 nm)a 1.620
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) 36.37
Attenuation Coefficient Icon
Transmission Range 385 nm - 2 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 3.6 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness (100 g Load) 420 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 57 GPa
Shear Modulus (Calculated Value) 23.4 GPa
Bulk Modulus (Calculated Value) 33.9 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.22
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 8.2 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.557 J/(g*K)
Softening Point 434 °C
Change in Index of Refraction with
Temperature (+20/+40 ºC @ 1060 nm)		 2.7 x 10-6 /°C
F2 Optics Selection
  • SCHOTT Optical Glass Data sheets July 22, 2015

Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data

F2 is a flint glass that offers excellent performance in the visible and NIR spectral ranges. It is is characterized by a high refractive index and low Abbe number, making it excellent for use as an equilateral dispersive prism. Compared to N-SF11, it offers superior chemical resistance and slightly higher transmission. F2 has a transmission range from 385 nm to 2 µm and a refractive index of 1.620 at 587.6 nm.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from F2.

F2 Optics Selection Equilateral Dispersive Prisms

Germanium Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at CO2 Line (10.6 µm)a 4.004
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) Not Defined
Transmission Range 2.0 - 16 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 5.33 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 780 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 102.7 GPa
Shear Modulus 67.04 GPa
Bulk Modulus 77.2 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.278
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 6.1 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.310 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 936 °C
Change in Index of Refraction
with Temperature (@ 10.6 μm)		 277 x 10-6 /°C
Germanium Optics Selection
  • Icenogle et al.. Refractive Indexes and Temperature Coefficients of Germanium and Silicon Appl. Opt. 15 2348-2351 (1976)
Transmission of Coated Ge
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Click Here for Raw Data

Due to its broad transmission range (2.0 - 16 µm) and opacity in the visible portion of the spectrum, Germanium (Ge) is well suited for IR laser applications. This makes it an ideal choice for biomedical and military imaging applications. In addition, Ge is inert to air, water, alkalis, and acids (except nitric acid). Germanium's transmission properties are highly temperature sensitive; in fact, the absorption becomes so large that germanium is nearly opaque at 100 °C and completely non-transmissive at 200 °C. Ge has an index of refraction of 4.004 at 10.6 µm.

When handling optics, one should always wear gloves. This is especially true when working with germanium, as dust from the material is hazardous. For your safety, please follow all proper precautions, including wearing gloves when handling this material and thoroughly washing your hands afterward. Click here to download a pdf of the MSDS for germanium.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from germanium.

Ge Optics Selection Plano-Convex Lenses Windows

Magnesium Fluoride Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at d-Line (587.6 nm)a ne = 1.390
no = 1.378
Sellmeier Equation, Extraordinarya Icon
Sellmeier Equation, Ordinarya Icon
Abbe Number (Vd), Extraordinary 104.86
Abbe Number (Vd), Ordinary 106.22
Transmission Range 200 nm - 6.0 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Extraordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Ordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Density 3.177 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 415 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 138.5 GPa
Shear Modulus 54.66 GPa
Bulk Modulus 101.32 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.276
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 13.70 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
8.48 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Heat Capacity 1.003 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 1255 °C
Change in Index of Refraction
with Temperature (@ 400 nm)		 2.3 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
1.7 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Magnesium Fluoride Optics Selection
  • M. J. Dodge. Refractive Properties of Magnesium Fluoride, Appl. Opt. 23, 1980-1985 (1984)
Transmission of Uncoated N-SF11
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data

Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) is a synthetic crystalline substrate, transparent over a wide range of wavelengths. Transmitting from 200 nm to 6.0 µm, magnesium fluoride is well suited for applications ranging from the UV to the IR. MgF2 is very rugged and durable, making it useful in high-stress environments. It is commonly used in machine vision, microscopy, and industrial applications. Magnesium fluoride has an ordinary refractive index of 1.378 and an extraordinary refractive index of 1.390 at 587.6 nm.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from MgF2.

MgF2 Optics Selection Plano-Convex Lenses Windows

N-BK7 Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at d-Line (587.6 nm)a 1.517
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) 64.17
Attenuation Coefficient Icon
Transmission Range 350 nm - 2.0 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 2.51 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 520 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 82 GPa
Shear Modulus (Calculated Value) 34.0 GPa
Bulk Modulus (Calculated Value) 46.5 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.206
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 7.1 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.858 J/(g*K)
Softening Point 550 °C
Change in Index of Refraction with
Temperature (+20/+40 °C @ 1060 nm)		 2.4 x 10-6 /°C
N-BK7 Optics Selection
  • SCHOTT Optical Glass Data sheets July 22, 2015
Transmission of Uncoated N-BK7
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data

N-BK7 is a RoHS-compliant borosilicate crown glass. It has excellent transmission in the visible and near IR portions of the spectrum (350 nm - 2.0 µm). N-BK7 is probably the most common optical glass used in high-quality optical components. N-BK7 is a hard glass that can withstand a variety of physical and chemical stressors. It is relatively scratch and chemical resistant. It also has a low bubble and inclusion content, making it a useful glass for precision lenses. The index of refraction of N-BK7 is 1.517 at 587.6 nm.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from N-BK7.

N-BK7 Optics SelectionSpherical LensesCylindrical LensesWindowsBeamsplittersPrismsPolarizersDiffusers

N-F2 Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Refractive Index at d-Line (587.6 nm)a 1.620
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) 36.43
Attenuation Coefficient Icon
Transmission Range 420 nm - 2 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 2.65 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness (100 g Load) 600 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 82 GPa
Shear Modulus (Calculated Value) 33.4 GPa
Bulk Modulus (Calculated Value) 50.2 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.228
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 7.8 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.810 J/(g*K)
Softening Point 569 °C
Change in Index of Refraction with
Temperature (+20/+40 ºC @ 1060 nm)		 2.1 x 10-6 /°C
N-F2 Optics Selection
  • SCHOTT Optical Glass Data sheets July 22, 2015

Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data

N-F2 is a RoHS compliant flint glass that has been engineered to have nearly identical optical properties as F2 and offers excellent performance in the visible and NIR spectral ranges. It is is characterized by a high refractive index and low Abbe number, making it excellent for use as an equilateral dispersive prism. N-F2 has a transmission range from 420 nm to 2 µm and a refractive index of 1.620 at 587.6 nm.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from N-F2.

F2 Optics SelectionEquilateral Dispersive Prisms

N-SF11 Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at d-Line (587.6 nm)a 1.785
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) 25.68
Attenuation Coefficient Icon
Transmission Range 420 nm - 2.3 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 3.22 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 615 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 92 GPa
Shear Modulus (Calculated Value) 36.6 GPa
Bulk Modulus (Calculated Value) 63.1 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.257
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 8.5 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.710 J/(g*K)
Softening Point 592 °C
Change in Index of Refraction with
Temperature (+20/+40 °C @ 1060 nm)		 0.1 x 10-6 /°C
N-SF11 Optics Selection
Spherical Lenses Plano-Concave Uncoated
A Coated (350-700 nm)
B Coated (650-1050 nm)
C Coated (1050-1700 nm)
Bi-Concave
Prisms Anamorphic Pairs
Equilateral Dispersing
  • SCHOTT Optical Glass Data sheets July 22, 2015
Transmission of Uncoated N-SF11
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Click Here for Raw Data

N-SF11 is a RoHS-compliant dense-flint glass that is transparent from 420 nm to 2.3 µm. This glass exhibits higher dispersion than N-BK7 but many of its other properties are comparable. With a high index of refraction and a low Abbe number, N-SF11 has high dispersive power and is ideal for applications in the visible range that require high dispersion. Its index of refraction is 1.785 at 587.6 nm.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from N-SF11.

N-SF11 Optics SelectionPlano-Concave LensesBi-Concave LensesAnamorphic Prism PairsEquilateral Dispersive Prisms

Potassium Bromide Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at CO2 Line (10.6 µm)a 1.525
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) 33.64
Transmission Range 250 nm - 26 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 2.75 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 7 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 26.8 GPa
Shear Modulus 5.08 GPa
Bulk Modulus 15.03 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 43 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.435 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 730 °C
Change in Index of Refraction with
Temperature (+20/+40 °C @ 1060 nm)		 -40.83 x 10-6 /°C
Potassium Bromide Optics Selection
  • H. H. Li. Refractive index of alkali halides and its wavelength and temperature derivatives. J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 5, 329-528 (1976)
Transmission of Uncoated KBr
Click to Enlarge

Potassium Bromide (KBr) is transparent from the UV to the IR (250 nm - 26 µm). It has a refractive index of 1.525 at 10.6 µm and is mechanically stable. KBr is commonly used in infrared optical windows as well as InGaAs and liquid sample cells. Common applications include infrared and FTIR spectrophotometry. KBr is soft and hygroscopic, so optical components should be protected from excess moisture such as high humidity environments.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from KBr.

Potassium Bromide Optics SelectionWindows

PTFE Specifications
Index of Refractiona 1.4
Sellmeier Equation -
Abbe Number (Vd) Not Defined
Transmission Range 30 µm - 1 mm
Density 2.2 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness -
Young's Modulus 1.8 GPa
Shear Modulus (Calculated Value) 0.62 GPa
Bulk Modulus (Calculated Value) 7.5 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.46
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion at 20°C 135 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 1.3 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 327 °C
Change in Index of Refraction with Temperature -
PTFE Optics Selection
  • Found Through Internal Testing at Thorlabs
Transmission of PTFE
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data

Thorlabs provides plastic plano-convex lenses made with Polytetrafluoroethylene (Virgin White PTFE), which has a low dielectric constant of approximately 1.96 at 520 GHz and an index of refraction of 1.4. The low dielectric constant of PTFE ensures that the insertion loss is reasonably low.

PTFE is especially useful for application in the Terahertz range, which is defined as the frequency range from 300 GHz to 10 THz, or the wavelength range of 30 μm to 1 mm. The THz band has been gaining popularity in applications such as spectroscopy, astronomy, remote sensing, and in security (THz imaging). The THz band is situated between microwaves and optics on the electromagnetic spectrum. This location influences the mixture of microwave and optical technologies used in the THz band.

Click on the image below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from PTFE.

PTFE Optics Selection Plano-Convex Lenses

Rutile Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at Nd:YAG
(1.064 µm)a		 ne = 2.734
no = 2.482
Sellmeier Equation, Extraordinarya Icon
Sellmeier Equation, Ordinarya Icon
Abbe Number (Vd), Extraordinary Not Defined
Abbe Number (Vd), Ordinary Not Defined
Transmission Range 500 nm - 4.5 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Extraordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Ordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Density 4.25 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 879 kg/mm2
Young's Modulusb -
Shear Modulus 112.4 GPa
Bulk Modulus 215.5 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.28
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 9.2 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
7.1 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Heat Capacity 0.711 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 1840 °C
Change in Index of Refraction
with Temperature		 -0.42 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
-0.72 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Rutile Optics Selection
  • Borne, Adrien & et al. (2012). Optical Materials Express, 2(12) Refractive indices, phase-matching directions and third order nonlinear coefficients of rutile TiO2 from third harmonic generation.
  • Value cannot be calculated because rutile is an anisotropic material. For more information, please see the Tutorial tab.
Transmission of Rutile
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data from 0.2 - 8.0 µm

Rutile's (TiO2) durability, high refractive index, and strong birefringence make it a useful substrate in the fabrication of polarizers. Our rutile polarizers offer extremely pure polarization of light with a 100,000:1 extinction ratio. They are meant for use with lasers in the 2.2 μm to 4 μm wavelength range and have an air-spaced design. The transmission data above was taken through an uncoated 4 mm thick sample of z-cut rutile. Rutile has an extraordinary refractive index of 2.734 and an ordinary refractive index of 2.482 at 1.064 μm.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from rutile.

Rutile Optics Selection Coupling Prisms Polarizers

Sapphire Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at Nd:YAG (1.064 µm)a ne = 1.747
no = 1.754
Sellmeier Equation, Extraordinarya Icon
Sellmeier Equation, Ordinarya Icon
Abbe Number (Vd), Extraordinary 72.99
Abbe Number (Vd), Ordinary 72.31
Transmission Range 200 nm - 4.5 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Extraordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Ordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Density 3.97 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 2000 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 335 GPa
Shear Modulus 148.1 GPa
Bulk Modulus 240 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.25
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 5.3 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
4.5 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Heat Capacity 0.335 J/(g*K)
Softening Point 1800 °C
Change in Index of Refraction
with Temperature (@ 0.546 μm)		 13.1 x 10-6/°C
Sapphire Optics Selection
  • I. H. Malitson and M. J. Dodge. Refractive Index and Birefringence of Synthetic Sapphire, J. Opt. Soc. Am. 62, 1405 (1972)
Transmission of Uncoated Sapphire
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data

Sapphire (Al2O3) has exceptional surface hardness and can only be scratched by a few materials other than itself. This hardness allows it to be made into much thinner optics than other substrates. Sapphire is chemically inert and insoluble to water, common acids, and alkalis for temperatures up to 1,000 °C. Sapphire is transparent in the UV to the IR (200 nm - 4.5 µm). It is commonly used in IR laser systems and has an ordinary refractive index of 1.754 and an extraordinary refractive index of 1.747 at 1.064 µm.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from sapphire.

Sapphire Optics SelectionFlat WindowsWedged Windows

Silicon Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at 4.58 µma 3.423
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) Not Defined
Transmission Range 1.2 - 8.0 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 2.329 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 1100 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 130.91 GPa
Shear Modulus 79.92 GPa
Bulk Modulus 101.97 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.28
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 2.6 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.84 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 1690 °C
Change in Index of Refraction
with Temperature (@ 10.6 μm)		 160 x 10-6 /°C
Silicon Optics Selection
  • C. D. Salzberg and J. J. Villa. Infrared Refractive Indexes of Silicon, Germanium and Modified Selenium Glass, J. Opt. Soc. Am. 47, 244-246 (1957)
Transmission of Uncoated Si
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data

Silicon (Si) lenses and windows are an ideal choice for applications using wavelengths in the near-IR range and parts of the mid-IR range. Silicon offers high thermal conductivity and low density, making it suitable for laser mirrors. However, since silicon has a strong absorption band at 9 µm, it is not suitable for use with CO2 laser transmission applications. Silicon optics are also particularly well suited for imaging, biomedical, and military applications. Our Quantum Cascade Lasers offer a number of output wavelengths for use with silicon optics. Silicon has a transmission range from 1.2 µm to 8.0 µm. Silicon has a refractive index of 3.423 at 4.58 µm. 

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from silicon.

BaF2 Optics SelectionPlano-Convex LensesWindows

UV Fused Silica Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at d-Line (587.6 nm)a 1.458
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) 67.82
Transmission Range 185 nm - 2.1 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 2.203 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 461 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 73.6 GPa
Shear Modulus (Calculated Value) 31.4 GPa
Bulk Modulus (Calculated Value) 37.2 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.17
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 0.55 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.736 J/(g*K)
Softening Point 1585 °C
Change in Index of Refraction with
Temperature (+20/+40 °C @ 1060 nm)		 11.9 x 10-6 /°C
UV Fused Silica Optics Selection
  • I. H. Malitson. Interspecimen Comparison of the Refractive Index of Fused Silica, J. Opt. Soc. Am. 55, 1205-1208 (1965)
Transmission of Uncoated UV Fused Silica
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data from 200 nm to 5.0 µm

UV-Grade Fused Silica (UVFS) is ideal for use in applications in the UV range that go beyond the transmission of N-BK7. When compared to N-BK7, UV fused silica is transparent over a wider range of wavelengths (185 nm - 2.1 µm) and also offers a lower index of refraction as well as better homogeneity. It is scratch resistant and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. UV fused silica exhibits minimal fluorescence when exposed to wavelengths longer than 290 nm. Its index of refraction is 1.458 at 587.6 nm.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from UVFS.

UVFS Optics SelectionSpherical LensesCylindrical LensesBeamsplittersPrismsWindowsDiffusers

Yttrium Orthovanadate Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at Nd:YAG (1.064 µm)a no = 1.959
ne = 2.166
Sellmeier Equation, Extraordinarya Icon
Sellmeier Equation, Ordinarya Icon
Abbe Number (Vd), Extraordinary 18.10
Abbe Number (Vd), Ordinary 20.29
Transmission Range 488 nm - 3.4 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Extraordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Fresnel Reflectance and Transmittance,
Ordinary (Calculated)
Icon
Density 4.23 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 480 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 133 GPa
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 11 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
4.4 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Heat Capacity 0.51 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 1750 - 1940 °C
Change in Index of Refraction
with Temperature (@ 632.8 nm)		 2.9 x 10-6 /°C (Parallel)
8.5 x 10-6 /°C (Perpendicular)
Yttrium Orthovanadate Optics Selection
  • H. S. Shi, G. Zhang and H. Y. Shen. Measurement of Principal Refractive Indices and the Thermal Refractive Index Coefficients of Yttrium Vanadate, J. Synthetic Cryst. 30, 85-88 (2001)
Transmission of Yttrium Orthovanadate
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data

Yttrium Orthovanadate (YVO4) is a positive uniaxial crystal that is primarily used for polarization optics. It has a large birefringence and a wide transparency range that extends into the infrared, making it ideal for IR polarizers.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from yttrium orthovanadate.

Yttrium Orthovanadate Optics Selection Beam Displacers Wollaston Prism

Zerodur® Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at d-Line 587.6 nma 1.542
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) 56.12
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 2.53 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 620 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 90.3 GPa
Shear Modulus (Calculated Value) 36.4 GPa
Bulk Modulus (Calculated Value) 57.9 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.24
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 0 ± 0.100 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.80 J/(g*K)
Maximum Application Temperature 600 °C
Zerodur Optics Selection
  • SCHOTT Technical Information: Optical Properties of ZERODUR, November 2007

Zerodur® is a glass ceramic with an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). This material is produced by Schott, and is used to manufacture mirrors for demanding applications that are sensitive to thermally-induced drift. Chemically, it is an inorganic, non-porous lithium aluminum silicon oxide glass ceramic that consists of evenly distributed nanoscale crystals in a glass phase. It displays excellent CTE homogeneity and chemical stability, and is frequently utilized in high-precision optical systems. Transmission data and specifications are not provided for Zerodur because Thorlabs only offers reflective Zerodur optics.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from Zerodur.

Zerodur Optics Selection
Zinc Selenide Specifications
Index of Refractiona
Icon
Index of Refraction at CO2 Line (10.6 µm)a 2.403
Sellmeier Equationa Icon
Abbe Number (Vd) Not Defined
Transmission Range 600 nm - 16 µm
Fresnel Reflectance and
Transmittance (Calculated)
Icon
Density 5.27 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness 112 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus 67.2 GPa
Shear Modulus* 34 GPa
Bulk Modulus 40 GPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.28
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 7.1 x 10-6 /°C
Heat Capacity 0.399 J/(g*K)
Melting Point 1520 °C
Change in Index of Refraction
with Temperature (@ 10.6 μm)		 61 x 10-6 /°C
Zinc Selenide Optics Selection
  • J. Connolly, B. diBenedetto, and R. Donadio. Specifications of Raytran Material, Proc. SPIE 181, 141-144 (1979)
Transmission of Uncoated ZnSe
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data

Due to its wide transmission band and low absorption in the red portion of the visible spectrum, Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) is commonly used in optical systems that combine CO2 lasers, operating at 10.6 µm, with inexpensive HeNe alignment lasers. Zinc selenide is transparent from 600 nm - 16 µm and is ideal for IR applications. It is also commonly used in thermal imaging systems. ZnSe also transmits some visible light, unlike germanium and silicon, thereby allowing for visual optical alignment. However, it is quite soft and will scratch easily. ZnSe has an index of refraction of 2.403 at 10.6 µm.

When handling optics, one should always wear gloves. This is especially true when working with zinc selenide, as it is a hazardous material. For your safety, please follow all proper precautions, including wearing gloves when handling ZnSe and thoroughly washing your hands afterward. For the MSDS for ZnSe in English, click here, and for the MSDS in Japanese, click here.

Click on the images below or open the table to the right to see Thorlabs’ complete selection of optics made from ZnSe.

ZnSe Optics Selection Spherical Cylindrical Aspheric Axicons Prisms Beamsplitters Windows Polarizers

Thorlabs offers a wide range of achromatic lenses with wavelength options ranging from 240 nm to 12 µm. The table below lists the various substrates used in Thorlabs' achromatic lenses. Click here to view Thorlabs' full line of achromatic lenses.

Achromatic Substrate Specifications
Substrate Uncoated
Transmission
Range		 Uncoated
Transmission
Graph		 Attenuation
Coefficient		 Abbe
Number,
Vd		 Density
(g/cm3)		 Knoop
Hardness
(kg/mm2)		 Young
Modulus
(GPa)		 Shear
Modulusa
(GPa)		 Bulk
Modulusa
(GPa)		 Poisson's
Ratio		 CTEb
(x 10-6 /°C)		 Specific Heat
(J/(g*K))		 Tgc
(°C)		 dn/dTd
(x 10-6 /°C)
CaF2 180 nm - 8.0 µm
Icon
 - 95.31 3.18 158 75.8 33.77e 82.71e 0.26 18.85 0.854 1418 -10.6
UVFS 185 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
 - 67.82 2.2 461 73.6 31.5 37.2 0.17 0.55 0.736 ~1200 11.9
N-BK7 350 nm - 2 µm
Icon
Icon
 64.17 2.51 610 82 34.0 46.5 0.206 7.1 0.858 557 2.4
N-K5 350 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 59.48 2.59 3.03 71 29.0 42.9 0.224 8.2 0.783 546 1.4
N-KZFS5 350 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 39.7 3.04 555 89 35.8 57.7 0.243 6.4 0.73 584 4.2
N-LAK22 350 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 55.89 3.77 600 90 35.5 64.1 0.266 6.6 0.55 689 2.4
N-SK2 350 nm - 2.3 µm
Icon
Icon
 56.65 3.55 550 78 30.9 54.9 0.263 6 0.595 659 3.6
N-SSK2 350 nm - 2.3 µm
Icon
Icon
 53.27 3.53 570 82 32.5 57.2 0.261 5.8 0.58 653 4.3
N-SSK5 350 nm - 2.2 µm
Icon
Icon
 50.88 3.71 590 88 34.4 66.1 0.278 6.8 0.574 645 2.2
SF2 350 nm - 2.2 µm
Icon
Icon
 33.85 3.86 410 55 22.4 33.6 0.227 8.4 0.498 441 2.7
SF5 350 nm - 2.3 µm
Icon
Icon
 32.21 4.07 410 56 22.7 35.0 0.233 8.2 - 425 3.5
ZnS 370 nm - 13 µm
Icon
 - 19.86 4.09 160 74.5 - - 0.28 6.5 0.515 1765 38.7 @ 3.39 µm
FD10 (SF10) 400 nm - 2.3 µm
Icon
Icon
 28.41 4.28 430 64 26.1 39.8 0.232 - 0.465 454 7.5
LAFN7 400 nm - 2 µm
Icon
Icon
 34.95 4.38 520 80 31.3 60.6 0.28 5.3 - 500 6.3
N-BAF10 400 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 47.11 3.75 620 89 35.0 64.8 0.271 6.2 0.56 660 3.8
N-BAF4 400 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 43.72 2.89 610 85 34.5 52.7 0.231 7.2 0.74 580 2.2
N-BAF52 400 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 46.6 3.05 2.42 86 34.8 54.5 0.237 6.9 0.68 594 2.3
N-BAK4 400 nm - 2.2 µm
Icon
Icon
 43.72 2.89 610 85 34.5 52.7 0.231 7 0.74 580 7.2
N-BALF4 400 nm - 2.3 µm
Icon
Icon
 53.87 3.11 540 77 30.9 50.3 0.245 6.5 0.69 578 4.2
N-F2 400 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 36.36 2.65 600 82 33.4 50.2 0.228 7.8 0.81 569 2.1
N-KZFS8 400 nm - 2.2 µm
Icon
Icon
 34.7 3.2 570 103 41.3 68.1 0.248 7.8 0.76 509 2.4
N-LAK10 400 nm - 2 µm
Icon
Icon
 50.62 3.69 780 116 45.1 90.3 0.286 5.7 0.64 636 4.2
N-SF1 400 nm - 2 µm
Icon
Icon
 29.62 3.03 540 90 36.0 60.0 0.25 9.1 0.75 553 0
N-SF2 400 nm - 2.3 µm
Icon
Icon
 33.82 2.72 539 86 34.9 53.3 0.231 6.7 0.69 608 2.6
N-SF4 400 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 27.38 3.15 520 90 35.8 61.5 0.256 9.5 0.76 570 -0.7
N-SF5 400 nm - 2.2 µm
Icon
Icon
 32.25 2.86 620 87 35.2 55.1 0.237 7.9 0.77 578 1.8
N-SF6HT 400 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 25.36 3.37 550 93 36.8 65.1 0.262 9 0.69 589 -0.8
N-SF8 400 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 31.31 2.9 600 88 35.3 57.5 0.245 8.6 0.77 567 0.9
N-SF10 400 nm - 2.3 µm
Icon
Icon
 28.53 3.05 540 87 34.7 58.5 0.252 9.4 0.74 559 -0.5
N-SSK8 400 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 49.83 3.27 570 84 33.6 56.2 0.251 7.2 0.64 616 2.0
SF6HT 400 nm - 2.3 µm
Icon
Icon
 25.43 5.18 370 55 22.1 35.8 0.244 8.1 0.389 423 6.8
SF10 400 nm - 2.3 µm
Icon
Icon
 28.41 4.28 430 64 26.0 39.8 0.232 7.5 0.465 454 5.3
N-SF11 420 nm - 2.3 µm
Icon
Icon
 25.68 3.22 615 92 36.6 63.1 0.257 8.5 0.71 592 0.1
N-SF56 450 nm - 2.2 µm
Icon
-
 26.1 3.28 560 91 36.3 61.9 0.255 8.7 0.7 592 -0.3
N-SF57 450 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
Icon
 23.78 3.53 520 96 38.1 66.7 0.26 8.5 0.66 629 -0.5
ZnSe 600 nm - 16 µm
Icon
 - - 5.27 112 67.2 - 40.0e 0.28 7.1 0.399 1520 61 @ 10.6 µm
Silicon 1.2 µm - 8.0 µm
Icon
 - - 2.33 1150 131 79.9e 102.0e 0.266 4.5 0.703 1417 160 @ 10.6 µm
Germanium 2.0 - 16 µm
Icon
 - - 5.33 780 102.7 67e 77.2e 0.28 6.1 0.31 936 277 @ 10.6 µm
E-BAF11 - -
Icon
 48.31 - 560 92.9 36.5 68.5 0.274 69 - - 3.9 @ 6.43 nm
  • Values calculated unless otherwise noted.
  • Coefficient of thermal expansion
  • Transformation temperature
  • Change in index of refraction with temperature, measured between 20 and 40°C at 1060 nm, unless otherwise noted.
  • Measured value

Thorlabs offers molded plastic, molded glass, and precision-polished aspherical lenses. Listed below are the various substrates used in Thorlabs' aspheric lenses. Click here to view Thorlabs' full line of aspheric lenses.

Aspheric Substrate Specifications
Substrate Uncoated
Transmission
Range		 Uncoated
Transmission
Graph		 Attenuation
Coefficient		 Abbe
Number,
Vd		 Density
(g/cm3)		 Knoop
Hardness
(kg/mm2)		 Young
Modulus
(GPa)		 Shear
Modulusa
(GPa)		 Bulk
Modulusa
(GPa)		 Poisson's
Ratio		 CTEb
(x 10-6 /°C)		 Specific Heat
(J/(g*K))		 Tgc
(°C)		 dn/dTd
(x 10-6 /°C)
Acrylic 380 nm - 1.6 µm
Icon
 - 52.6 1.18 - 3.2 1.2 3.6 0.35 70 1.465 100 -85
D-K59 380 nm - 2 µm
Icon
 - 63.1 - - - - - - 6.5 - - 4.3
H-LAK54 380 nm - 2.05 µm
Icon
 - 51.05 4.01 770 113.87 44.0 92.1 0.294 5.2 0.528 639 5.7
@ 1014 nm
Polycarbonate 380 nm - 1.6 µm
Icon
 - 27.56 1.21 - 2.24 0.82 2.9 0.37 70.2 1.3 130 -107
B270 380 nm - 2.1 µm
Icon
 - 58.64 2.54 5.37 74 30.3 44.5 0.223 - - - -
Cyclic Olefin
Copolymer		 400 nm - 1.50 µm
Icon
 - 56 1.02 - 3.1 1.1 4.0 0.37 60 - 140 -101
H-ZLAF52 400 nm - 2 µm
Icon
 - 40.95 4.45 650 111.46 42.6 96.3 0.307 6.2 0.507 599 6.4
@ 1014 nm
S-LAH64 400 nm - 1.9 µm
Icon
 - 47.3 4.3 750 122.4 47.3 99.0 0.294 6.1 0.491 685 3.7
@ 1014 nm
S-LAL13 400 nm - 2 µm
Icon
 - 53.34 3.6 650 107.3 41.6 85.2 0.29 5.3 0.574 641 4.9
@ 1014 nm
TAC4 400 nm - 1.9 µm
Icon
 - 51.05 406 765 112.5 43.3 93.8 0.3 5.2 0.528 630 -
ECO-550 400 nm - 1.7 µm
Icon
 - 50.28 3.31 254 55.1 27.6 18.4 - 11.62 - 371 -1.3
N-SF57 450 nm - 2 µm
Icon
Icon
 23.78 3.53 520 96 38.1 66.7 0.26 8.5 0.66 629 -0.5
S-NPH1 450 nm - 2 µm
Icon
 - 22.76 3.29 460 89.3 35.72d 59.5d 0.25 8.3 - 552 -1.8
@ 1014 nm
ZnSe 600 nm - 16 µm
Icon
 - - 5.27 112 67.2 N/A 40e 0.28 7.1 0.399 1520 61
@ 10.6 μm
BD-2 1.2 µm - 12 µm
Icon
 - - 4.67 150 22.1 11.1 7.4 - 13.5 - 278 91
BD-6 2 µm - 12 µm Icon - - 4.63 156 19.8 9.9 6.6 - 22.5 - 110 30.5
VIG06 1 µm - 12 µm Icon 0.003 cm-1
@ 10.0 µm		 - 4.63 1.05 18.4 8 8.8 0.15 20.8 0.36 183 32.1
D-ZLAF52LA -
Icon
 - 40.73 4.56 662 11.506 5.8 3.8 - 6.9 - 546 6.5
D-LAK6 - Icon - 52.65 - - - - - - 7.8 - - 4.6
@ 1014 nm
D-ZK3 -
Icon
 - 60.71 2.83 628 97.67 39.6 61.2 0.234 7.6 0.816 511 2.3
@ 1014 nm
  • Values calculated unless otherwise noted.
  • Coefficient of thermal expansion
  • Transformation temperature
  • Change in index of refraction with temperature, measured between 20 and 40°C at 1060 nm, unless otherwise noted.
  • Measured value

Posted Comments:
yiduo wang  (posted 2024-08-22 20:04:42.37)
Hi, could you provide the polarization response curve of UV fused silica windows (WG41010), is it polarization sensitive?
jdelia  (posted 2024-08-23 01:23:14.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. These windows are not polarization sensitive; they are isotopic homogeneous media. As such, we do not have polarization response curves for these products.
Luis Vazquez  (posted 2024-05-29 13:46:35.73)
Hi, I will order a couple of UV fused silica windows (WG42012) from your website. However, I would like to know the type of fused silica used for these windows (Su­pra­sil, Corning 7980 or NIFS-U). Regards,
cdolbashian  (posted 2024-06-04 01:41:12.0)
Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry. These would be Corning 7980 UV fused silica substrate.
allan bereczki  (posted 2023-06-12 12:58:31.14)
Hello, could you provide the cut orientation (crystalline axis) of the sapphire windows? thank you
cdolbashian  (posted 2023-06-23 08:45:49.0)
Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry Allan. These windows will be Z-cut.
Hannu Henttinen  (posted 2023-03-14 07:59:30.31)
Hello, I was wondering, if there is a high-resolution image of the transmission range of optical materials, that I could print as a A3 poster to my cubicle wall, as a shorthand reference. Thank you.
jgreschler  (posted 2023-03-14 11:07:36.0)
Thank you for reaching out to Thorlabs, we are looking into this idea and I will be in touch with you to let you know how the conversation progresses.
Yazan Lampert Almahmoud  (posted 2022-07-19 23:54:37.823)
Dear all, we were wondering if you provide polished thick Si structure and about the cost of custom dimension such as 100 mm^2 cube or other shapes. Could you also provide us the lead time for such an order. Best, Yazan Lampert-Almahmoud
jdelia  (posted 2022-07-22 03:55:14.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We are contacting you directly to discuss the feasibility of this custom solution.
Tom Whitaker  (posted 2021-03-31 18:11:49.167)
You specify that the material used for some of your polarizing beamsplitters is N-SF1. In your Optical substrates, you list a number of materials, including N-SF11. Are these the same? I am interested in knowing the refractive index for the beamsplitter at 461 nm. Thanks.
YLohia  (posted 2021-04-01 10:58:21.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. N-SF1 and N-SF11 are different glass materials offered by Schott. Please see the Schott website for N-SF1 refractive index information: https://shop.schott.com/advanced_optics/en/Optical-Glass/N-SF1/c/optical-glass/glass-N-SF1
Jon Twichell  (posted 2020-09-21 10:37:10.713)
It would be helpful if you included thermal conductivity in your lists of properties of optical substrates.
YLohia  (posted 2020-09-21 01:49:38.0)
Hello Jon, thank you for your feedback. We will consider adding this information to these tables.
nisanns  (posted 2018-05-08 09:49:50.003)
The ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices for alpha-BBO in the optical substrates page are both wrong. Should be no=1.6776，ne=1.5534，at 532 nm, as from the referenced Castech site and others. The values at 587.6 nm would not be that much different.
YLohia  (posted 2018-05-09 10:04:25.0)
Hello, our original citation was for a dispersion formula from Castech, but we have reason to believe that not may be accurate ("Design of a broadband UV–visible alpha-barium borate polarizer", Appel et al.), so we have updated our equations. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I am working with our Technical Marketing team to remove the previous reference.
vandreev  (posted 2016-11-23 05:48:02.6)
Dear Thorlabs Technical Support Members, it would be very useful if you could include the stress-optical coefficients in the technical data of optical substrates. Best regards, Vitaly Andreev
tfrisch  (posted 2016-11-28 11:13:20.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly about these specs.
yao.yue  (posted 2016-11-14 20:00:57.88)
Could you provide the raw data for the index of refraction for the materials as well?
tfrisch  (posted 2016-11-17 07:30:54.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly about the index curves.
duff.howell  (posted 2015-10-22 20:26:40.37)
Looking at your information on alpha barium borate (a-BBO) You may have a typo in the Sellmeier equation for the ordinary index of refraction. The first term you list is 2.7471. I have been surveying online information for info on the coefficients, and the primary value shown is 2.7359. Since the other three coefficients of this ordinary index equation, and all four of the coefficients for the extraordinary index match the same publications, it seemed likely to have been a data entry error.
myanakas  (posted 2015-10-27 03:43:50.0)
Response from Mike at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. 2.7359 is the coefficient used for Beta-BBO, while 2.7471 is the coefficient used for Alpha-BBO. I will contact you directly to discuss the publication you have found.
hoochihoo  (posted 2015-08-12 15:19:31.263)
Hello. I think i found an error on this webpage: https://www.thorlabs.de/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=6973&tabname=Calcite the error is: the y axis of the index of refraction plot doesnt seem to be correct. I noticed because the sellmeier equations that you give below the plot are giving me very different refraction indexes. Which one of them is correct? The plot or the sellmeier equation?
myanakas  (posted 2015-08-12 01:16:35.0)
Response from Mike at Thorlabs: Thank your for your feedback. You are correct, the index of refraction plot for our calcite is incorrect. We have now updated this to match what would be given using the Sellmeier equation on the page.
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