Product Overview

The silicon carbide (SiC) prism is a high-performance optical component made from advanced SiC ceramic material. It combines excellent mechanical strength with superior infrared transmission properties. Compared with traditional optical materials such as fused silica, germanium, or zinc selenide, SiC not only performs well in the mid-to-far infrared range but also provides lightweight, high stiffness, and outstanding environmental adaptability.
This product is widely used in aerospace, infrared imaging, precision measurement, and military applications.

Key Features

1. Optimized lightweight structure design: Employs topology and honeycomb structures to reduce weight effectively.

2. Ultra-lightweight: Much lighter than conventional optical materials, ideal for weight-sensitive applications.

3. High stiffness: Maintains excellent resistance to deformation even with lightweight design.

4. Low thermal expansion: Ensures optical stability under rapid or extreme temperature changes.

5. Excellent wear resistance: With hardness close to diamond, resistant to scratches and abrasion.

6. High-precision optical finishing: Flatness and parallelism up to 1 μm.

Performance Advantages

• High hardness and modulus: Elastic modulus up to 420–450 GPa, maintaining dimensional stability under extreme conditions.

• Low coefficient of thermal expansion: Minimizes stress and deformation caused by temperature variations.

• Corrosion and thermal shock resistance: Excellent resistance to acids and alkalis, stable performance under both high and low temperatures, ensuring long service life.

• High density: Bulk density up to 3.14 g/cm³; no pores remain after precision machining, guaranteeing stable optical and mechanical performance.

Applications

• Infrared optical systems: Mid- and far-infrared imaging, thermal imaging detectors, infrared targeting and surveillance devices.

• Laser and optoelectronic systems: High-power laser windows, beam-splitting components.

• Aerospace: Satellite optical payloads, space telescopes, and airborne sensors.

• Defense & security: Infrared guidance systems, night vision, and security monitoring.

• Precision metrology: Interferometry, optical testing, and other high-precision flatness applications.

FAQ

Q1: Is SiC transparent in the visible spectrum?
A1: No. Silicon carbide is opaque in the visible range but has excellent transmission in the mid- and far-infrared regions (e.g., 3–5 μm, 8–12 μm).

Q2: How does SiC compare with germanium or ZnSe for infrared optics?
A2: SiC is lighter, harder, and more durable than germanium or ZnSe, making it more suitable for harsh environments, though its transmission window differs.

Q3: Can SiC optics withstand high-power laser applications?
A3: Yes. Thanks to its high thermal conductivity, low expansion, and strong mechanical stability, SiC is ideal for high-power and high-energy laser systems.

Q4: What is the typical flatness and parallelism achievable?
A4: After precision polishing, flatness and parallelism can reach ≤ 1 μm, meeting demanding optical system requirements.