Fused silica quartz, also known simply as fused silica or fused quartz, is a high-purity form of silica (SiO2) glass that is produced by melting and solidifying pure silica or silicon dioxide. It is composed of amorphous silicon dioxide with a tetrahedral structure.
Fused silica quartz is valued for its exceptional optical properties, high chemical purity, and excellent thermal resistance. It has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, making it highly resistant to thermal shock. This makes it suitable for various applications in industries such as optics, semiconductors, telecommunications, and aerospace.
Some key features and applications of fused silica quartz include:
- Optical Components: Fused silica quartz is widely used in the production of optical components such as lenses, prisms, windows, and mirrors. Its high transparency in the ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) spectral ranges makes it ideal for applications requiring high-quality optics.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Fused silica quartz is used in semiconductor manufacturing processes, including the production of photomasks and quartz wafer carriers. Its high purity and low thermal expansion properties are essential for maintaining precise dimensions and minimizing contamination.
- High-temperature Applications: Fused silica quartz can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for applications involving intense heat, such as furnace tubes, crucibles, and thermocouple protection tubes.
- UV Light Applications: Due to its excellent UV transmittance, fused silica quartz is used in UV light-based applications like UV sterilization, photolithography, and spectroscopy.
- Chemical Resistance: Fused silica quartz exhibits high chemical resistance, making it suitable for use in corrosive environments and chemical processing applications.
- Laser Technology: Fused silica quartz is utilized in laser systems due to its low optical absorption and high laser damage threshold. It is commonly used for laser windows, lenses, and other laser optics.
Fused silica quartz’s unique combination of optical, thermal, and chemical properties has made it a valuable material in various industries where high-performance glass is required.
