The need for optical components to house and improve ultraviolet (UV) germicidal and disinfection systems is expanding along with the demand for these systems. Alfa Chemistry may also offer molded optical assemblies constructed from specialist UV glass delivered in the UVC region for more sophisticated domes. Unlike regular glass, this UV glass can be shaped into more intricate shapes. Here you may learn more about Alfa Chemistry's UV molded optics solutions.
Custom UV Moulded Optics Solutions
Germicidal UVC disinfection generally focuses on UVC wavelengths (200 ~ 280nm). There are now two types of glass that Alfa Chemistry can provide: transparent UV and UV filter glass. Both glass types transmit well from 250nm and can be molded to fit the customer's design.
Fig 1. Schematic illustration of birefringence in an injection molded optical lens. (Peixoto C, et al. 2022)
Both glass types undergo a manufacturing process that ensures the toughness that comes from a controlled annealing process and a high quality composition that is repeatable from batch to batch.
Clear UV Glass
This form of transparent UV glass has a transmission band that extends through both visible and UV wavelengths and covers the crucial UVC band. This moldable glass has various benefits because of how it is made, such as abrasion resistance, reduced thermal shock, good homogeneity, and high thermal stability.
The physical properties of this UVC glass are as follows:
| Refractive Index | 1.5120 |
| Finished Thickness | 1~9 mm |
| Thermal Linear Expansion | 79x10-7/℃ |
| Anneal Point | 543 ℃ |
| Transition Temperature | 520 ℃ |
| Deformation Point | 558 ℃ |
UV Filter Glass
In some applications, no visible light entering or leaving the system is essential, and this is possible with this UV filter glass. Its transmission band is only in the UV region (250 to 400 nm). What makes this UV filter glass even more unique is that it can be molded into complex and unique designs to fit your specific system, something that is not possible with standard UV filter glass.
The physical properties of this UVC glass are as follows:
| Refractive Index | 1.5412 |
| Finished Thickness | 1~3 mm |
| Thermal Linear Expansion | 86x10-7/℃ |
| Anneal Point | 405 ℃ |
| Transition Temperature | 390 ℃ |
| Deformation Point | 430 ℃ |
Our Advantages
All UV molded optics are tested in Alfa Chemistry's state-of-the-art metrology lab to ensure they meet every requirement, and then visually inspected by skilled quality technicians to verify full compliance. With our state-of-the-art in-house metrology lab, you can be confident that your UV molded optics will meet your requirements.
Alfa Chemistry can also provide optical coatings to enhance and optimize the performance of your optics. These include:
- Anti-reflection coatings minimize reflections at certain wavelengths, resulting in increased transmittance.
- Mirror coatings for higher reflectance. We offer aluminum/MgF2 coatings that cover UV wavelengths.
- We also offer other specialty coatings, including hydrophobic.
Please feel free to contact our technical sales team and they will guide you through your enquiries about our UV molded optics solutions.
Reference
- Lee G. W, et al. (2011). "Temperature and Thickness Dependence of IR Optical Properties of Sapphire at Moderate Temperature." International Journal of Thermophysics. 32(7): 1448-1456.