Quartz Glass

## Why buyers start here Quartz glass is one of the most versatile high-purity silica materials used across optics, semiconductor manufacturing, laboratory instrumentation, and high-temperature industrial processes. Its near-zero thermal expansion coefficient (5.5 × 10⁻⁷/°C) makes it resistant to extreme thermal shock that would shatter ordinary glass. ## Key specifications to verify | Property | Typical Range | Why It Matters | |----------|--------------|----------------| | SiO₂ purity | ≥ 99.95% | Higher purity means fewer impurities affecting optical and thermal performance | | Operating temperature | Up to 1,200°C (continuous) | Determines suitability for high-temperature processes | | UV transmission | > 85% at 254nm (transparent grade) | Critical for UV optics and semiconductor lithography | | Thermal expansion coefficient | 5.5 × 10⁻⁷/°C | Near-zero expansion prevents cracking under rapid temperature changes | | OH content | 5–1,200 ppm | Affects IR absorption and high-temperature viscosity | | Refractive index | 1.4585 at 589nm | Determines optical behavior in lenses and windows | ## Glass types and their uses **Transparent quartz glass** offers the highest optical clarity with excellent UV and IR transmission. It is used in optical lenses, semiconductor wafer carriers, UV lamps, sight glasses, and precision cuvettes. This grade has the tightest impurity and bubble specifications. **Translucent quartz glass** allows diffuse light transmission but not clear imaging. It is used in infrared heaters, furnace sight tubes, and thermal insulation components where some light transmission is needed without optical precision. **Opaque quartz glass** contains fine bubbles that scatter light, providing excellent thermal insulation. It is used in furnace linings, radiant tubes, and heater sheaths where thermal resistance and insulation are more important than optical clarity. ## Common applications - **Semiconductor manufacturing**: Wafer carriers, diffusion tubes, bell jars, and lithography optics - **Optics and photonics**: Lenses, prisms, windows, and beam splitters for UV, visible, and IR wavelengths - **Laboratory ware**: Crucibles, cuvettes, reaction tubes, and sample holders - **Lighting industry**: UV lamps, halogen lamp envelopes, and LED encapsulation - **High-temperature processes**: Furnace windows, sight glasses, and thermal shielding - **Chemical processing**: Reaction vessels, flow cells, and corrosion-resistant sight glasses ## What to clarify before inquiry Share the target application, required glass type (transparent, translucent, or opaque), SiO₂ purity grade, dimensional specifications (diameter, wall thickness, length), OH content requirement, and expected monthly volume. If uncertain about the specific grade, describe the operating environment and ask the supplier to recommend the appropriate glass type.