Each substrate material has some numerous advantages and disadvantages compared to the others. GaAs is a very tough and durable material which is useful as a protective window in laser material processing where abrasive debris particles are expected. BaF₂ has a wide transmission that extends from IR, through the visible spectrum, into deep ultraviolet (UV) without the need for an anti-reflection (AR) coating. BaF₂ can also be used in environments with temperatures up to 800°C. CdTe features a broad, flat transmission spectrum from IR to longwave IR (LWIR) and are useful with low power CO₂ laser systems or for spectroscopy applications.

KRS-5 windows feature flat transmission from IR to far IR and with resistance to chemicals (except strong acids) making them useful as protective windows for acid-sensitive applications and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. With a wavelength range from deep UV to medium wave IR (MWIR), LiF windows are excellent for use in thermal imaging applications or in X-ray spectrometry. AMTIR-1 features excellent resistance to acids, do not experience thermal runaway, and can be used in temperatures up to 300°C, making them ideal for use as protective windows for IR and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imaging systems or IR laser systems.

The table below is a brief summary of the specifications for each material type.

About EO:

Edmund Optics® (EO) is a leading global supplier of optics, imaging, and photonics technology that has served a variety of markets including Life Sciences, Biomedical, Industrial Inspection, Semiconductor, R&D, and Defense since 1942. EO designs and manufactures a wide array of optical components, multi-element lenses, imaging systems, and optomechanical equipment, while supporting OEM applications with volume production of stock and custom products. With locations in more than seven countries across the globe, EO employs over 1,000 employees and continues to expand. Customers can purchase items by calling 1-800-363-1992, via the catalog, or on the website at www.edmundoptics.com.