Description

N-BK7 windows are precision optical components fabricated from Schott N-BK7 borosilicate crown glass, a widely adopted material in the optics industry for its balanced performance and cost-effectiveness. As a parallel flat glass element, N-BK7 windows do not alter the magnification of optical systems or the propagation angle of light beams, primarily serving to protect core optical components from dust, moisture, and contamination while ensuring stable and undistorted light transmission.The material exhibits excellent optical homogeneity with low bubble and impurity content, making it ideal for visible and near-infrared (NIR) applications.

Factory Custom High Transmittance Optical N-BK7 Glass Window

Specifications

Substrate Material: N-BK7
Diameter (or Largest Dimension): 12.7 mm
Thickness: 1 mm
Antireflection Coating: Coated, Uncoated
Surface Quality (Scratch-Dig): 60-40
Surface Flatness: <= Lambda/4
Diameter Tolerance: +0/-0.1mm
Thickness Tolerance: ±0.1mm
Parallelism: ≤ 3 arcmin
Clear Aperture: >90%

Got questions about specs? Use the inquiry form to ask.

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Features

  • Broad Spectral Compatibility: Optimized for visible and near-infrared (NIR) bands, enabling stable light transmission with minimal distortion across the applicable wavelength range
  • Low Optical Loss: Uncoated versions feature minimal surface reflection loss, while broadband antireflection (AR) coatings further reduce reflectance for enhanced light throughput
  • Precision Manufacturing: Crafted with high surface flatness, superior surface quality, and tight parallelism to ensure minimal beam distortion in optical systems
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Delivers reliable visible/NIR performance at a competitive price point, outperforming premium alternatives like fused silica and sapphire in cost efficiency for routine use
  • Easy Integration: Compatible with standard optical mounting accessories and stress-free retaining solutions, facilitating secure and convenient installation into existing systems
  • Balanced Durability: Boasts moderate mechanical strength and stability, well-suited for the demands of routine laboratory and industrial operating environments

Applications

  • Scientific Research & Laboratory: Used in optical setups, spectrometers, interferometers to shield sensitive components while maintaining beam integrity for high-precision measurements
  • Laser Systems: Ideal for laser cavities, beam delivery systems, and processing equipment; 1.0 mm thin windows for ultrafast lasers, AR-coated versions minimize energy loss in high-power setups
  • Industrial Automation & Sensing: Applied in machine vision, optical sensors, and inspection equipment to protect optics from dust/humidity without degrading image/signal quality
  • Medical Devices: Integrated into endoscopes, diagnostic spectrometers, and therapeutic devices, relying on optical clarity and material stability
  • General Optics: Used as protective windows in microscopes, telescopes, consumer optics, and educational instruments, leveraging cost-effectiveness and reliable performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Besides round windows, what other N-BK7 optical components does UM Optics offer?
UM Optics provides a comprehensive range of N-BK7 components beyond round windows, including round drilled windows, rectangular windows, and rectangular drilled windows.
How does N-BK7 compare to fused silica and sapphire for window applications?
N-BK7 balances cost and performance: it is more affordable than fused silica and sapphire, easier to fabricate, and performs well in visible/NIR ranges. Fused silica offers extended UV transmission (200 nm - 3.5 μm) and lower thermal expansion but at higher cost. Sapphire provides broader wavelength coverage (200 nm - 5.0 μm), superior hardness, and thermal stability but is expensive and difficult to process.
Are custom-sized or coated N-BK7 windows available?
Yes, UM Optics provides custom dimensions (round/rectangular), thicknesses, and specialized AR coatings for specific wavelength ranges.

Got more questions? Use the inquiry form to ask the supplier directly.

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