Alfa Chemistry customizes infrared optics using sodium chloride (NaCl) optics, a soft and soluble crystalline substance. It has a very wide transmission range from 200 nm to 15 µm, with a transmission of over 90%. All of our custom NaCl optics are rigorously tested by skilled experts at cutting-edge metrology facilities, giving our customers the peace of mind that their needs will be met. Contact us as soon as possible to provide you with customer service!
Our Services
Alfa Chemistry can provide customization services for a variety of NaCl optics, including windows and ground blanks. our optical customization options include uncoated and coated. A common optical coating is a broadband anti-reflective coating. Our typical manufacturing specifications are listed below. If your requirements are not mentioned below, please contact our technical sales team and they will guide you through your inquiry.
NaCl Windows
| Diameter Range | 5 mm ~ 60 mm |
| Diameter Tolerance | ± 0.1 mm |
| Centre Thickness | up to 30 mm |
| Centre Thickness Tolerance | ± 0.05 mm |
| Clear Aperture | 90% |
| Centration Tolerance | 1 arc minute |
| Form Error | better than λ/4 (633nm) over aperture |
| Surface Radius Tolerance | 1 fringe over aperture |
| Linear Dimension | up to 60 mm |
| Linear Tolerance | ± 0.1 mm |
| Angular Tolerance | 5 arc minutes |
| Edge Finish | ground, blacked |
| Chamfer | 0.3x0.3@45° |
| Surface Quality | 80-50 scratch/ dig |
NaCl Prisms
| Length of Hypotenuse | up-to 60 ± 0.1 mm |
| Length of Sides | up-to 60 ± 0.1 mm |
| Thickness | 30 ± 0.05 mm |
| Angle Tolerance | better than 1 arc minute |
| Edge Finish | ground, blacked |
| Clear Aperture | 90% of entrance dimensions |
| Chamfer | 0.3x0.3@45° |
| Form Error | better than λ/4 @633 nm |
| Surface Quality | 80-50 scratch/dig |
NaCl Ground Blanks
| Diameter Range | less than 5 mm to 200 mm |
| Diameter Tolerance | better than ± 0.5 mm |
| Centre Thickness | up to 50 mm |
| Centre Thickness Tolerance | better than ± 0.5 mm |
| Clear Aperture | 90% |
| Linear Dimension | up to 200 mm |
| Linear Tolerance | better than ± 0.5 mm |
| Angular Tolerance | better than 10 arc minutes |
| Edge Finish | fine ground N6 |
| Chamfer | 0.3x0.3@45° |
Applications:
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy: Because of its broad infrared transmission range, NaCl optics are employed in FTIR spectroscopy. They can be used to keep non-polar liquid samples from deteriorating the substance.
- High Power Laser Systems: Because of its low absorption rate, NaCl windows can be utilized in high power laser systems, such as CO2 lasers. They are frequently used to safeguard other laser optics, such YAG or zinc selenide focusing lenses.
NaCl's Optical Properties
NaCl is a relatively low cost material. NaCl can transmit light over a broad wavelength range of roughly 0.25 to 16 μm with little absorption, making it a good choice for lenses and other optical components in the UV and IR. NaCl is a low-cost alternative to KBr for infrared sampling and provides good transmission in the IR. NaCl has a maximum operating temperature of 400 ℃ and requires protection from atmospheric conditions due to moisture degradation. Its resistance to moisture is increased with a protective coating. In addition, NaCl is relatively resistant to mechanical and thermal shock.
Below is a quick description of NaCl's optical characteristics. For more information on the properties of NaCl materials please click here.
| Transmission Range | 0.2 to 16 µm |
| Refractive Index | 1.4906@10.6 µm |
| Melting Point | 801 ℃ |
| Density | 2.17 g/cm3 |
| Hardness | Knoop 18.2 in<100>with 200g indenter |
| Operating Temperature | < 400 ℃ in dry environment |
If you need technical advice, please contact our technical team to learn more about our high-quality services.