Although Silicon is primarily grown for semiconductor applications, it is the most economical IR material available. For optical uses, Silicon is produced by the CZ Crystal growth method or by the Float Zone growth method. Both P-type and N-type are acceptable for IR optics provided that they offer transmission greater than 50% in the 1.5 to 6 micron wavelength.
For N-type Silicon, typically the resistivity should be greater than 20 ohm-cm and, for P-type, greater than 40 ohms-cm. For use in the near IR, the resistivity is not critical, but for applications for the far IR, resistivity can be critical. Float Zone Silicon almost always meets criteria for optical use.
Valley Design stocks N-type, P-type and Float Zone Silicon, but recommends that customers with optical applications, check a small sample for transmission before making a larger purchase. Other polished infrared materials available from Valley Design are Germanium (Ge), Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) and Zinc Sulfide (ZnS).
Return to Home Page Optical polishing, lapping, dicing and optical components polishing
Updated: 27 September 2008
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