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Sapphire (Al2O3) is one of the hardest minerals and optical materials available for use in the range from UV up to 5µm. Sapphire is birefringent and if its use is for critical optical application then the crystal might have to be cut along the zero degree plane, or C-Cut. Random cut is usually cut along a plane that is 60° off-axis as the growth in this direction is the easiest to grow. Random cut is anything that is not the C-Cut angle. Sapphire can fluoresce depending upon the concentration of other minerals within the lattice, for example Iron (Fe) or Chromium (Cr). Clear Sapphire might fluoresce orange when illuminated by UV light if impurities are in the crystal. Fluorescent free Sapphire has to be grown from 'pure' feedstock and seed and in an environment that cannot place impurities into the lattice. Click PDF link to read more …...

Knight Optical can offer transmit and receive windows and mirrors for LIDAR systems using visible, NIR (0.9 to 1.5µm) and Mid-Waveband Infra-Red (MWIR, 3 to 5µm) light. Since the 1960s, scientists have used LIDAR (light detection and ranging) to study the atmosphere. Short pulses of laser light are used to detect particles or gases in the atmosphere, like a radar bounces radio waves off rain drops in clouds. A telescope collects and measures reflected laser radiation, like a radar dish collects the radar signal, leading to a profile of the atmosphere's structure along the path of the laser beam. Researchers can then determine the location, distribution, and nature of atmospheric particles and molecular species using an advanced LIDAR method called the Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) technique. Read PDF for more information

Knight Optical offer a range of Stock N-BK7 Precision Grade Windows, for use with Thermal Imagining Cameras. Infrared radiation is characterised by the wavelengths ranging from 750nm to 1000µm. Although typically used for the visible range, N-BK7 does have transmission within the near infrared spectrum also. Where IR materials such as Germanium are limited to a small band in the IR spectrum, N-BK7 works well throughout the entire visible and into the NIR, making it a perfect material for a protective window for using within a Thermal Imaging Camera. A low cost material, it is perfect substrate for your protective window. We can supply both stock and custom N-BK7 windows to protect your thermal imaging application. The high optical quality and uniform transmission of N-BK7 as well as low absorption in the entire visible wavelength range is a key feature for this application. For more information read PDF

Exhaled Breath = 78.04% Nitrogen + 13.6%-16% Oxygen = CO2 Car Exhaust = Carbon Dioxide + Carbon Monoxide + Sulphur Dioxide + Nitrogen Oxides + Hydrocarbons How do we know this? Gas detection in Continuous Emission Systems (CEMS), combustion analysers and environmental monitoring are key to ensuring that the world we live in is monitored for its pollution and environments we work in are safe to do so as gases can be detrimental to life. Knight Optical provide a number of optical components that are used in Gas Detection Systems. We can also provide interference bandpass filters that work within the IR, front surface mirrors, gas cells and singlet lenses and window made from Germanium (Ge), Calcium Fluoride (CaF2), Silicon (Si), Quartz/ Fused Silica, Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) and Sapphire (Al2O3). Read PDF for more information ….

Knight Optical can offer Telecom Grade Windows for use within Fibre Optic Applications. We supply a range of Telecom Grade Windows for a range of applications. All individually QA checked and metrology tested for quality to ensure parts meet customer specification. Supplied in a range of sizes and shapes with custom coatings tailored to meet your individual applications. Knight Optical supply precision optical components to customers within Fibre Optic Applications. Our Telecom Grade Windows are coated to minimise reflection in the telecoms waveband. These windows are optimized for fibre optic applications in the S and C bands between 1460nm to 1565nm while maintaining excellent transmission out of the operating wavelength. For more information read PDF…

Knight Optical can offer UV Fused Silica Windows for Vacuum Applications. UV Fused Silica is a relatively hard optical glass with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. This means that it is a good choice for us in Vacuum applications, as any difference in temperature will not affect the optical performance. In addition to the above, UV FS has high transmission from UV to NIR meaning that there is little loss of image when it is used for a Vacuum Window/viewport and therefore the quality of the optical system is not compromised. All our UV Fused Silica Lenses are fully inspected on their quality in our ISO 9001 certified, state-of-the-art Metrology laboratory, using our Trioptics Optispheric, and Starrett AV300 and Zygo Verifire XPZ. This allows us to work to the highest QA standards and meet the tolerance specifications on these precision components Read PDF for more info

Our precision grade N-BK7 windows are often used to seal optical enclosures & act as a protective window for the optical and electrical component behind the window, particularly within CCTV and ANPR systems where there is a risk of damage. N-BK7 provides excellent transmission in the visible and near infrared spectrum which can be enhanced still with our Anti Reflective coatings. Our stock range of ¼ wave N-BK7 or equivalent windows are supplied either uncoated or with the option of an Anti-Reflective coating on both faces with extended BBAR for visible and NIR applications within the 450-900nm wavelength range. We can also offer custom solutions for your application, whether it is a custom size or a coating to optimise a different wavelength range, beamsplitter coated or mirror coated to meet your bespoke requirements. Read PDF for more data

Knight Optical offer a range of Stock BK7 Windows, for use within Wind Monitoring LiDAR Systems. These LiDAR systems are used in monitoring wind speeds and wind direction. The data accumulated can be used to generate a Digital Terrain Model or a Digital Elevation Model which are 3D representations of terrain. BK7 is one of the most widely used optical glasses available for use in the range from visible up to the near infrared. Making it ideal as a protective optical window for Wind LiDAR systems which operate at 1500-1560nm. The BK7 can offer an uncoated average transmission of 92% between 300nm and 2000nm. SEE PDF for Full Details

Knight Optical offer a range of Stock BK7 Windows, for use within Wind Monitoring LiDAR Systems. These LiDAR systems are used in monitoring wind speeds and wind direction. The data accumulated can be used to generate a Digital Terrain Model or a Digital Elevation Model which are 3D representations of terrain. BK7 is one of the most widely used optical glasses available for use in the range from visible up to the near infrared. Making it ideal as a protective optical window for Wind LiDAR systems which operate at 1500-1560nm. The BK7 can offer an uncoated average transmission of 92% between 300nm and 2000nm. SEE PDF for Full Details

Knight Optical offer a range of Stock N-BK7 Dome Windows, for use with Underwater Lighting. A dome is an optical window composed of two parallel curved surfaces. Domes are commonly used in defence applications and often in extreme environments such as Submersible ROV’s. The shape of the window creates a naturally strong shape that gets tougher under pressure. Using a curved dome optical surface allows for an increased beam angle, therefore allowing a greater area to be lit from one light source. For visible applications, N-BK7 with its high optical quality and uniform transmission and low absorption in the visible spectrum makes it an ideal material for underwater lighting. A tough and cost effective solution which allows for good transmission of the light source in the underwater environment will both protect the light source as well as transmitting from 300nm up to 2µm. For more information read PDF

Knight Optical can offer Lithium Fluoride Windows for use within UV Applications. We supply a range of lithium fluoride windows for a range of applications. All individually QA checked &metrology tested for quality to ensure parts meet customer specification. Supplied in a range of sizes & shapes with custom coatings tailored to meet your individual applications. Knight Optical supply precision optical components to customers using UV optics such as UV lasers. UV lasers are beneficial in some applications as opposed to longer wavelengths such as infrared or visible light as they do not heat the areas around the target. This allows the laser the cut materials by breaking atomic bonds, rather than melting the material. Due to the large band gap for Lithium fluoride, it’s crystals are more transmittive to short wavelength UV radiation than any other material and are ideal for use in X-Ray monochromators, as for use in VUV, UV, Vis and IR spectrums. Read PDF for more info….

Knight Optical can offer Barium Fluoride Windows for use within Medical Imaging. We supply a range of barium fluoride windows for a range of applications. All individually QA checked and metrology tested for quality to ensure parts meet customer specification. Supplied in a range of sizes and shapes with custom coatings tailored to meet your individual applications. Knight Optical supply precision optical components to customers in the medical industry for applications such as medical thermology and thermography. Barium fluoride optics are used in the detection and screening of breast cancer and for screening for atypical pneumonia (SARS) and monitoring respiratory conditions. Due to barium fluoride’s high radiation resistance, it is ideal for use in high radiation (x-ray/gamma rays) environments. Other applications include cryogenically cooled thermal imaging systems, infrared spectroscopy and high energy neutron detection. Read PDF for more information…

Optical flats are single precision flat surfaces. They are used as reference surfaces to compare flatness of a substrate where flatness is unknown. When a high quality optical flat is placed on top of a polished substrate and used in conjunction with a monochromatic light source light bands are formed. The light bands that are present are known as interference fringes and their shape represents how flat the part being tested measures. Dependent on how many rings are formed or how straight the presented lines are is an indication of how flat the tested part is. Optical flats are used for testing gauge blocks. Optical flats are also used in interferometers and high quality flat optical mirror and window sub-straights for laser applications. This range of quartz optical flats are single-sided. Quartz has low thermal expansion properties and is very durable and cost effective solution over UV grade fused silica. Read PDFs for more information

Knight Optical has successfully launched a range of Stock Optical Domes for Submersible ROVs underwater imaging, sensing and exploration applications, where protection of electronic sensor systems from harsh liquid and gas environments is essential. A dome is essentially a window that has two parallel curves faces. Our domes ensure high clarity and transmission in the UV-NIR and FarIR spectrums allowing for accurate measurement. Knight Optical is a trusted, established and reliable supplier to manufacturers of underwater ROVs for surface and deep water exploration. With our excellent record delivering quality, metrology tested optical domes & windows; we like to think we are your best solution for custom ROV dome and window solutions. Our products are used by satisfied customers in the ROV industry worldwide. Contact our experts and find out why! For more information read PDF