Quartz Glass Explained

There are 3 Main Types of Quartz Glass, each with their own specific properties. There are also various brands of Quartz with their own very specific properties.  Moncrieff is unique I that we can work with standard quartz materials, or if you prefer, we can work and process the brand of your choice.

The following is a brief summary of the main types of quartz, their properties and applications

Fused Silica Types: A Comparative Overview

Fused silica, a crucial material in optics, varies significantly based on its manufacturing process and resulting purity. Key differences lie in hydroxyl (OH) content and UV transmission, impacting applications.

• JGS1 (Ultra High Purity Synthetic Quartz):
• Characterized by high OH content (around 2000 ppm) and exceptional deep UV transmission (185nm and beyond).
• Ideal for demanding deep UV applications like lasers and specialized lenses.
• Equivalent to brands like Heraeus Suprasil 1/2, Corning 7980, and Dynasil 1100/4100.
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• JGS2 (Professional Grade Natural Quartz):
• Features lower OH content (100-200 ppm) and good UV and visible transmission.
• Suitable for general UV/visible optics and high-temperature environments.
• Equivalent to brands like Heraeus Homosil, and Dynasil 1000, 4000, 5000 and 6000.
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• JGS3 (Advanced Infrared Optimised Quartz):
• Minimized OH content, enabling broad band transmission from deep UV to mid-infrared.
• Equivalent to brands like Heraeus Suprasil 300.
• Used in wide-band optical systems.

Key Considerations:

• Purity: Impurities and defects influence optical performance.
• Thermal Stability: Fused silica's low thermal expansion ensures stability.
• Mechanical Properties: Hard but brittle.
• Cost: JGS1 is the most expensive, followed by JGS3, then JGS2.
• Optical Coatings: Enhance performance.
• Application-Specific Selection: Choosing the correct type is critical for optimal system performance.