Optical Materials and Components from Robson Scientific for UV to Infrared Applications

Robson Scientific supplies optical components made from fused quartz, borosilicate, sapphire, magnesium fluoride and calcium fluoride, covering applications from the near-infrared to the ultraviolet spectral region. Components can be fabricated as circular, square or rectangular windows in flat, curved or stepped forms. The site also lists UV-grade silica polished discs, plates and slides, sapphire and fluoride polished discs and plates, and B 270 crown glass slides. Exact transmission ranges, tolerances and coatings for each material are not stated on the page, so confirm those specifications with the company before ordering.

Materials Listed for Optical Work

The Optical Engineering section names five optical materials:

Separately, the product list includes UV-grade silica polished discs, UV-grade silica polished plates and UV-grade silica polished slides, plus B 270 crown glass slides. The site describes the overall optical range as spanning the near-infrared to the ultraviolet, but it does not publish a transmission curve or cutoff wavelength for each material on this page.

Component Shapes and Forms

According to the page, optical components can be fabricated into:

• Circular windows
• Square windows
• Rectangular windows
• Flat, curved and stepped window profiles

The catalogue also lists finished polished items by material — discs, plates and slides — which suits buyers who want a standard polished part rather than a custom window.

How the Materials Differ in Practice

The page does not give spectral data, so the following is general guidance on why these materials appear together in one supplier's range, not a statement of Robson Scientific's specifications:

• Fused quartz and UV-grade silica are typically chosen for UV-to-visible work where high purity matters. Robson Scientific states that high-purity fused quartz (99.995% SiO₂) is used throughout its manufacturing.
• Sapphire is generally selected where hardness and durability are priorities alongside broad transmission.
• Magnesium fluoride and calcium fluoride are commonly used for UV and infrared windows respectively, depending on the wavelength band.

For a specific application, ask the company for the transmission range and any grading of the material you intend to use. The site mentions a "full technical advisory service" to help customers choose the best design and application.

Matching a Product to Your Requirement

Use this sequence to narrow the catalogue:

1. Define your wavelength band (UV, visible or near-infrared). This determines whether quartz/silica, a fluoride, or sapphire is the sensible starting point.
2. Choose a form: a standard polished disc, plate or slide if one fits; otherwise a custom window in circular, square or rectangular shape.
3. Specify the profile: flat, curved or stepped, if a custom window is needed.
4. Confirm the details the page does not state — dimensions, tolerances, surface quality and coatings — directly with Robson Scientific before ordering.

What the Page Does Not Cover

The site excerpt does not list prices for optical components, transmission specifications, standard sizes, or ordering and delivery terms. The presence of a basket and checkout on the site indicates online ordering exists, but the page does not confirm which items can be bought directly versus made to order. Treat any assumption of stock availability or pricing as unverified until confirmed with the supplier.

For buyers comparing suppliers, the practical differentiator here is the combination of custom window fabrication across five materials with a stated advisory service, rather than published optical specifications. Request the data you need — transmission range, tolerance and coating options — as part of your enquiry.