Silicon Carbide (SiC) Optical Lens – Infrared & Laser Applications

Product Overview of Silicon Carbide (SiC) Optical Lens

Silicon Carbide (SiC) lenses are advanced optical components designed for demanding environments requiring high thermal stability, exceptional hardness, and excellent infrared transmission. Compared with traditional glass or sapphire lenses, SiC offers an unbeatable combination of mechanical strength, thermal shock resistance, and broad spectral performance.

Manufacturing Principle of Silicon Carbide (SiC) Optical Lens

SiC lenses are manufactured through the following processes:

1. Powder Synthesis & Sintering
   High-purity SiC powder is formed and densified using hot-press sintering (HPS) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD), ensuring high density and purity.

2. Precision Machining
   Due to the material's extreme hardness, ultra-precision diamond grinding and CNC polishing are employed to achieve optical surface accuracy (up to λ/10).

3. Surface Finishing & Coating
   Final finishing may include plasma polishing, AR coatings (for infrared or visible light), or protective films to reduce reflectance and enhance durability.

Technical Specifications of Silicon Carbide (SiC) Optical Lens

Applications of Silicon Carbide (SiC) Optical Lens

SiC lenses are used in extreme optical environments where other materials fail:

• Infrared Imaging Systems (e.g., defense-grade IR sensors)

• High-Power Laser Optics (for CO₂ or solid-state lasers)

• Space and Aerospace Systems (due to resistance to thermal shock)

• Semiconductor Equipment (such as UV exposure or ion implantation)

• Spectroscopy and Analytical Devices

• High-speed optical scanners in LiDAR

FAQ of Silicon Carbide (SiC) Optical Lens

Q1: Why choose SiC over sapphire or optical glass lenses?
A: SiC offers superior mechanical strength, lighter weight, higher thermal conductivity, and better resistance to extreme conditions. It outperforms sapphire in thermal shock and has a broader usable IR range than standard glasses.

Q2: Can SiC lenses be coated for visible or infrared transmission?
A: Yes, anti-reflective coatings such as DLC, ZnSe, or MgF₂ can be applied to tailor performance for specific wavelengths.

Q3: What’s the lead time for custom SiC lenses?
A: Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on shape complexity, size, and surface specs.

Q4: Is CVD-SiC better than sintered SiC?
A: CVD-SiC offers superior purity and is preferred for space optics and extreme UV applications, while sintered SiC is more cost-effective for general use.

Q5: Do you support aspherical or off-axis SiC lens shapes?
A: Yes, we provide custom-shaped lenses, including cylindrical, toroidal, and freeform surfaces.