MiXran Meg1068 Sapphire Precision Planar Optical Window
| Brand | MiXran |
|---|---|
| Model | Meg1068 |
| Material | Single-Crystal Sapphire (Al₂O₃) |
| Surface Flatness | λ/10 @ 633 nm |
| Surface Quality | 10–5 Scratch-Dig |
| Parallelism | < 10 arcsec |
| Transmission Range | 150 nm – 5.5 µm |
| AR Coating Options | Custom UV-VIS-NIR Broadband or Laser-Line |
| Substrate Thickness Tolerance | ±0.05 mm |
| Diameter Tolerance | ±0.02 mm |
| Edge Finish | Fine Ground or Optional Polished Bevel |
Overview
The MiXran Meg1068 Sapphire Precision Planar Optical Window is a high-stability, ultra-durable optical component engineered for demanding vacuum, high-pressure, and corrosive environments where conventional fused silica or BK7 windows fail. Fabricated from C-plane oriented single-crystal sapphire (Al₂O₃), the Meg1068 exhibits exceptional mechanical hardness (Mohs 9), thermal conductivity (35 W/m·K), and chemical inertness—making it ideal for UV-transmissive applications down to 150 nm, including excimer laser systems (e.g., ArF at 193 nm, KrF at 248 nm), synchrotron beamlines, and harsh-environment spectroscopic housings. Unlike polymer or coated glass alternatives, sapphire maintains dimensional stability across wide temperature ranges (−270 °C to +1000 °C) and resists abrasion, erosion, and hydrolysis—critical for long-term reliability in industrial process monitoring and aerospace sensor interfaces.
Key Features
- Optical-grade single-crystal sapphire substrate with certified crystallographic orientation (C-axis perpendicular to surface)
- λ/10 surface flatness (measured at 633 nm HeNe wavelength) and 10–5 scratch-dig surface quality per MIL-PRF-13830B
- Parallelism controlled to < 10 arcseconds, ensuring minimal wavefront distortion in collimated beam paths
- Customizable anti-reflection (AR) coatings: broadband (180–2100 nm), dual-band (e.g., 193/248 nm), or high-LIDT laser-line designs optimized for pulsed UV systems
- Tight dimensional tolerances: ±0.02 mm on diameter, ±0.05 mm on thickness—traceable to NIST-traceable interferometric metrology
- Edge finish options include fine ground (standard) or polished bevel (optional) to mitigate chipping and improve mounting integrity
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Meg1068 window is compatible with standard kinematic mounts, vacuum flanges (CF, KF, ISO-K), and pressure-rated housings up to 200 bar (depending on thickness and diameter). It complies with ISO 10110-7 for surface imperfections and ISO 10110-3 for surface form specifications. For regulated applications—including pharmaceutical PAT (Process Analytical Technology) systems and semiconductor fab tooling—the window supports full material traceability (batch certificate with crystal growth date, orientation verification, and interferometric test report). While not an active measurement device, its use in FDA-regulated optical paths aligns with design controls under 21 CFR Part 820 and supports GLP/GMP documentation requirements when integrated into validated analytical platforms.
Software & Data Management
As a passive optical component, the Meg1068 does not incorporate embedded electronics or firmware. However, its metrological data—including interferometric surface maps, spectral transmission curves (200–2500 nm), and coating reflectance profiles—are delivered in standardized formats (CSV, SDF, and Zemax-compatible .ZRD files) upon request. These datasets integrate directly into optical design software (e.g., Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED) for system-level tolerance analysis and stray-light modeling. Customers receive a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) with each shipment, listing measured flatness, parallelism, transmission at key wavelengths (e.g., 193 nm, 248 nm, 1064 nm), and coating performance metrics—archivable in LIMS or QMS platforms compliant with ISO/IEC 17025.
Applications
- UV lithography tool viewports and laser delivery optics in semiconductor manufacturing
- High-energy laser cavity end windows for Nd:YAG, Ti:sapphire, and excimer systems
- Pressure- and corrosion-resistant windows for Raman, FTIR, and LIBS probes in chemical process analyzers
- Beamline optics in synchrotron and free-electron laser facilities requiring radiation hardness and low outgassing
- Aerospace-grade sensor protection for hypersonic vehicle IR/UV seekers and engine monitoring systems
- Hermetic sealing windows in medical laser handpieces and sterilization chamber viewports
FAQ
What is the shortest UV wavelength this sapphire window transmits effectively?
Sapphire transmits down to ~150 nm in high-purity, low-OH forms; the Meg1068 achieves >75% absolute transmission at 193 nm and >85% at 248 nm when specified with UV-optimized polishing and AR coating.
Can the Meg1068 be mounted in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems?
Yes—sapphire exhibits extremely low outgassing rates (<1×10⁻¹² Torr·L/s·cm² per ASTM E595) and is compatible with bake-out temperatures up to 400 °C; UHV-compatible edge finishes and cleaning protocols (Class 100 cleanroom, solvent-rinse, plasma ash) are available.
Is custom AR coating available for specific laser lines?
Yes—coating designs for 193 nm, 248 nm, 308 nm, 355 nm, 532 nm, and 1064 nm are routinely provided, with LIDT validation up to 5 J/cm² (10 ns, 10 Hz) upon request.
Do you supply interferometric test reports with each unit?
Yes—every Meg1068 window ships with a metrology report including Zygo GPI interferometer data (PV, RMS, Zernike coefficients), spectral transmission scan, and visual inspection log per ISO 10110-7.
What is the maximum operating temperature for continuous exposure?
The substrate remains structurally stable up to 1000 °C in inert atmospheres; for optical applications, sustained operation above 600 °C may induce slight birefringence due to thermal stress—consult engineering support for high-temp system integration.
