Sapphire Windows | Swiss Jewel

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Explore our extensive selection of stock parts and order online today. Need something custom? We specialize in creating a wide range of custom optical and mechanical components, from internal holes and tapers to outer flanges, angles, and surface finishes. Contact us for a consultation and we’ll create a custom component that meets all your specifications.

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Circular Sapphire Windows

Our extensive stock list includes a wide range of diameters and thicknesses. They have standard S/D 80/50 or better and random orientation. We also offer our expertise in developing precision customized sapphire windows manufactured to your project’s specifications, including orientations, surface finishes and materials.

Typical Applications: Gas & Air Analyzers/Monitors, UV & IR Detectors, Endoscopes, High Intensity Lamps, Bar Code Readers, Photodiodes, View Ports

Model	Diameter	Thickness	Material
W1.60	.062/.063”	.010/.012”	Sapphire
W75.20	2.948/2.952"	..077/.081"	Sapphire
W63.25	2.490/2.510"	.248/.252"	Sapphire
W51.00	1.998/2.002”	.245/.255”	Sapphire
W50.00	1.998/2.002”	.123/.127"	Sapphire
W40.00	1.565/1.585"	.075/.083"	Sapphire
W41.30	1.620/1.630”	.039/.041”	Sapphire
W49.95	1.998/2.002”	.038/.042”	Sapphire
W35.00	1.368/1.388"	.035/.043"	Sapphire
W33.00	1.365/1.385”	.165/.175”	Sapphire
W38.00	1.490/1.510”	.039/.041”	Sapphire
W38.10	1.490/1.510”	.124/.126"	Sapphire
W28.60	1.250/1.252”	.019/.021”	Sapphire
W30.00	1.171/1.191"	.035/.043"	Sapphire
W31.80	1.245/1.255"	.039/.041”	Sapphire
W26.67	.998/1.002”	.039/.041”	Sapphire
W26.75	.999/1.001”	.079/.081"	Sapphire
W26.90	.995/1.005”	.370/.380"	Sapphire
W26.80	.999/1.001”	.124/.126"	Sapphire
W25.50	.995/1.005”	.019/.021”	Sapphire
W25.65	.998/1.002”	.085/.092"	Sapphire
W25.00	.982/.986”	.088/.092"	Sapphire
W24.76	.973/.978”	.039/.041”	Sapphire
W23.80	.936/.938”	.039/.041”	Sapphire
W22.50	.895/.905”	.194/.199"	Sapphire
W22.23	.866/.868”	.0386/.0409"	Sapphire
W22.20	.855/.866”	.0740/.0838	Sapphire
W20.00	.7854/.7894"	.0747/.0827"	Sapphire
W19.25	.748/.752"	.250/.252"	Sapphire
W19.05	.745/.755"	.035/.045"	Sapphire
W17.78	.695/.705"	.038/.042”	Sapphire
W19.02	.748/.756"	.0185/.0209"	Sapphire
W17.27	.675/.680"	..077/.081"	Sapphire
W16.00	.623/.627"	.1855/.1895"	Sapphire
W15.88	.624/.626”	.079/.081"	Sapphire
W15.75	.624/.626”	.039/.041”	Sapphire
W15.50	.624/.628"	.018/.022”	Sapphire
W15.00	.5906/.6004"	.0748/.0827"	Sapphire
W14.30	.557/.567"	.038/.042”	Sapphire
W13.25	.500/.502”	.0885/.0906”	Sapphire
W13.15	.499/.501”	.061/.063”	Sapphire
W13.08	.500/.515”	.018/.022”	Sapphire
W13.50	.498/.502"	.123/.127"	Sapphire
W12.77	.497/.503”	.038/.042”	Sapphire
W12.75	.499/.501”	.019/.021”	Sapphire
W12.65	.499/.501”	.024/.026”	Sapphire
W12.57	.495/.505”	.010/.012”	Sapphire
W12.55	.487/.497”	.037/.041”	Sapphire
W12.00	.468/.472”	.008/.012”	Sapphire
W11.11	.433/.441"	.018/.022”	Sapphire
W10.00	.3937/.4017”	.038/.042”	Sapphire
W9.53	.370/.380"	.015/.025”	Sapphire
W9.58	.373/.377”	.038/.042”	Sapphire
W10.16	.399/.401”	.055/.057”	Sapphire
W9.35	.3661/.3700”	.1830/.1870”	Sapphire
W9.30	.3661/.3700”	.0275/.0323”	Sapphire
W9.10	.357/.363”	.009/.011”	Sapphire
W7.87	.308/.312”	.060/.065”	Sapphire
W7.85	.309/.313”	.018/.022”	Sapphire
W7.75	.297/.301”	.018/.021”	Sapphire
W7.62	.291/.301”	.009/.010"	Sapphire
W7.00	.2746/.2766”	.019/.021”	Sapphire
W7.49	.293/.297”	.014/.016”	Sapphire
W7.10	.280/.282”	.0045/.0055”	Sapphire
W7.05	.272/.278"	.037/.043"	Sapphire
W6.34	.244/.250”	.060/.065”	Sapphire
W6.60	.260/.264”	.009/.011”	Sapphire
W6.36	.249/.251”	.0898/.0906”	Sapphire
W6.35	.249/.251”	.148/.152”	Sapphire
W5.00	.1969/.2008”	.0374/.0413”	Sapphire
W6.33	.249/.251”	.019/.021”	Sapphire
W6.30	.247/.249”	.030/.032”	Sapphire
W4.07	.159/.161”	.019/.021”	Sapphire
W4.75	.186/.188”	.0332/.0352”	Sapphire
W4.62	.182/.192”	.019/.021”	Sapphire
W3.81	.145/.155”	.039/.041”	Sapphire
W3.43	.1345/.1355”	.048/.052”	Sapphire
W2.48	.0980/.0984”	.0179/.0215”	Sapphire
W0.94	.0365/.0375”	.0034/.0046”	Sapphire

Circular Sapphire Window Cross Section

Swiss Jewel Sapphire Circular Windows Diagram

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We specialize in creating a wide range of custom optical components and custom mechanical components including a variety of shapes - from internal holes and tapers to outer flanges, angles and surface finishes. Contact us (800-922-0118) and we will consult with you to create a custom component that meets all of your specifications.

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Rectangle Sapphire Windows

We carry a variety of rectangle sapphire window dimensions. We also offer our expertise in developing precision customized sapphire windows manufactured to your project’s specs and tolerances.

Typical Applications: Gas & Air Analyzers/Monitors, UV & IR Detectors, High Intensity Lamps, Bar Code Reader, Photodiodes, View Ports, Optical Applications

Model	Length	Width	Thickness	Type
SP-110-2	1.49/1.51"	.999/1.001"	.009/.011"	polish both sides
SP-110-1	1.49/1.51"	.999/1.001"	.009/.011"	polish one side only
SP-112	.361/.369"	.311/.319"	.0061/.0098"	sapphire window
SP-114	1.118/1.126"	.921/.929"	.014/.018"	sapphire window
SP-103	.484/.516"	.130/.132"	.027/.037"	sapphire window
SP-103A	.484/.516"	.115/.122"	.027/.037"	sapphire window

Rectangle Sapphire Window Cross Section

Swiss Jewel Sapphire Rectangle Windows Diagram

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Square Sapphire Windows

From stock we offer two square sapphire window sizes for quick delivery. We also offer our expertise in developing precision custom sapphire windows manufactured to your project’s specs and tolerances.

Typical Applications: Gas & Air Analyzers/Monitors, UV & IR Detectors, High Intensity Lamps, Bar Code Reader, Photodiodes, View Ports, Optical Applications

Model	Length	Width	Thickness	Type
SP-124	.495/.499"	.495/.499"	.038/.040"	sapphire window
SP-128	.995/1.000"	.995/1.000"	.038/.040"	sapphire window

Square Sapphire Windows Cross Section

Swiss Jewel Sapphire Square Windows Diagram

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Comparison of Materials

Property	Sapphire	Fused Silica (Quartz)	Borosilicate Glass	Silicon Carbide (SiC)	Zinc Selenide (ZnSe)	Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2)
Optical Transparency	Excellent (UV to IR)	Excellent (UV)	Good	Poor	Excellent (IR)	Excellent (UV & IR)
Thermal Stability	Excellent	Good	Moderate	Excellent	Moderate	Good
Mechanical Strength	Very High	Moderate	Low	Very High	Low	Low
Chemical Resistance	Excellent	Good	Good	Excellent	Moderate	Good

The information presented is a synthesis of data from multiple sources and is intended to provide a general overview. It may not represent absolute values or reflect the latest developments. For the most accurate and current information, please refer to the original sources.

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Technical Specifications and Characteristics of Sapphire Windows

Material Properties

Chemical Composition: Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide)
Hardness: Mohs 9 (second only to diamond)
Density: 3.98 g/cm³
Melting Point: 2040°C
Thermal Conductivity: 25 W/mK at 300K
Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 5.3 x 10⁻⁶ /°C

Optical Properties

Transmission Range: 0.15 to 5.5 µm (UV to mid-IR)
Refractive Index: 1.76 at 550 nm
Optical Clarity: High transmission with minimal absorption across a wide wavelength range
Surface Quality: Can achieve scratch-dig specifications of 10-5 and surface roughness ≤ 0.3 nm RA

Mechanical Properties

Compressive Strength: 2,000 MPa
Young's Modulus: 400 GPa
Fracture Toughness: 2.3 MPa·m¹/²
Flexural Strength: 500 MPa
Tensile Strength: 300 MPa

Chemical Resistance

Chemical Stability: Resistant to most chemicals except for very hot caustics and fluorine
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and other corrosive substances

Thermal Properties

Maximum Operating Temperature: Up to 2030°C
Thermal Shock Resistance: High resistance to rapid temperature changes
Cryogenic Performance: Retains high thermal conductivity at cryogenic temperatures, outperforming copper

Environmental Durability

Pressure Resistance: Withstands pressures up to 10,000 psi
Abrasion Resistance: Extremely resistant to wear and scratching
Environmental Factors: Durable against harsh environments such as saltwater, sand, and high-speed particulates

Key Features

High Optical Transmission: Clear visibility across a wide wavelength range
Exceptional Hardness: Superior resistance to scratching and abrasion
Thermal Stability: Operates effectively across a wide temperature range, including extreme conditions
Chemical Inertness: Maintains integrity in harsh chemical environments
Mechanical Strength: High resistance to pressure and mechanical stress
Customization: Available in various shapes and sizes, with custom fabrication options including stepped edges, elliptical shaping, and mounting features

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What are sapphire optical windows?

Sapphire optical windows are transparent optical components made from synthetic sapphire. They are used in applications requiring high durability, optical clarity, and resistance to extreme conditions.

What are the main benefits of using sapphire optical windows?

The main benefits include:

High hardness and scratch resistance
Excellent optical clarity and transmission
Wide transmission range from UV to IR (0.15 to 5.5 microns)
High thermal conductivity
Chemical resistance to acids and alkalis
High mechanical strength

Material Properties

What is the hardness of sapphire?

Sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it the second hardest natural material after diamond.

What is the transmission range of sapphire optical windows?

Sapphire windows have a transmission range from approximately 150 nm (UV) to 5.5 microns (IR), with high transmission in the visible spectrum (85% to 90%).

How does the thermal conductivity of sapphire compare to other materials?

Sapphire has high thermal conductivity (approximately 25 W/m·K at 300 K), making it suitable for high-temperature applications.

Technical Specifications

What are the typical thickness tolerances for sapphire windows?

Thickness tolerances typically range from ±0.1 mm to ±0.01 mm, depending on the specific requirements of the application.

What surface quality can be expected from sapphire windows?

Surface quality specifications are often given as scratch-dig numbers, such as 60-40, 40-20, or 20-10, indicating the maximum allowable scratch width and dig diameter.

Can sapphire windows be coated to enhance performance?

Yes, sapphire windows can be coated with anti-reflective (AR) coatings, high-reflective (HR) coatings, or other custom coatings to improve optical performance.

Applications

In which industries are sapphire optical windows commonly used?

Sapphire optical windows are used in various industries, including:

Aerospace and defense
Semiconductor manufacturing
Medical and scientific instruments
Industrial inspection and sensors
High-power lasers and optics

Can sapphire windows withstand harsh environmental conditions?

Yes, due to their chemical inertness, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, sapphire windows can withstand harsh environments, including high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and high-pressure conditions.

Ordering and Product Customization

Does Swiss Jewel stock standard size sapphire windows?

Yes, Swiss Jewel has a catalog of stock windows in a wide range of sizes, we offer three forms circular, rectangular or square.

Can I order custom-shaped sapphire windows from Swiss Jewel?

Yes, custom shapes, sizes, and thicknesses can be manufactured to meet specific application requirements. Customizations include flat windows, domes, and prisms.

Can Swiss Jewel provide special fabricated windows?

Swiss Jewel can provide windows with holes or notches and other machined customizations.

What is the smallest size window Swiss Jewel Company can supply?

Our offering includes a wide range of Sapphire Window stock parts as well as sapphire window customization opportunities. The smallest sapphire window from stock is Circular and has a diameter of 0.037” (0.94mm). We can customize to smaller specs if needed.

What tolerances do you typically hold?

Tolerance will depend on the end-product in the application. Here are several product types with tolerances to use as a guideline.

Balls: Diameter +/- 0.0001” (2.5um)/Sphericity: < 0.000025” (0.625um)
Sapphire Windows: Diameter +/- 0.002” typical/Thickness +/- 0.001” Typical/Surface Finish: Scratch/Dig 80/50 or better
Orifice Jewel: Inner Diameter (ID) +/-.0001”

Swiss Jewel has extensive experience in a wide range of applications. The best way to ensure that the tolerances will meet your needs is to contact us and review the product and application.

Does Swiss Jewel do smaller run production runs?

Swiss Jewel can handle smaller production runs that range from singles to thousands. Typically, five pieces to 100 pieces will constitute a smaller run. There are no extra fees or charges for this service.

Do you offer smaller Research & Development (R & D) runs?

At Swiss Jewel, we understand that providing the “proof of concept” is a critical component to bring a new product to the market. We can work with engineering and production teams to create parts that accommodate specs and tolerances for a project then supply small R&D runs. Depending on the part, this can range from a few pieces up to approximately 100 pieces.

Can Swiss Jewel supply OEM volume production?

Swiss Jewel can supply OEM volume, including finished, in-stock products for “Just-In-Time” (JIT) delivery. The company features a complete product offering with capabilities that range from supplying smaller OEM customers with quantities in the 100’s; to the large OEM with product requirements in the millions.