Fused silica, a specialty industrial glass composed solely of silicon dioxide (SiO2), stands as a cornerstone material in modern technology due to its exceptional physical and chemical properties. Renowned as the "King of Glass" by experts in the field, Fused silica is indispensable in strategic sectors such as information technology, optics, photovoltaics, semiconductors.
Composition and Bonding
Fused silica is uniquely composed of pure silicon dioxide, with its Si-O bonds exhibiting a short-range order and long-range disorder structure. Given the high bond energy and stability of Si-O bonds, Fused silica boasts several remarkable properties:
Property | Description |
High Softening Temperature | Maintains structural integrity under extreme thermal conditions (withstands temperatures up to 1580°C) |
Broad Spectral Transmission | Exceptional transparency across wide spectrum: 160nm (far UV) to 5μm (far IR), surpassing conventional optical glass performance |
Low Thermal Expansion & Conductivity | Thermal expansion coefficient of 0.55×10-6/K and electrical resistivity >1016Ω·cm ensures dimensional stability |
Chemical & Radiation Resistance | Maintains 99.6% original transmittance after 108rad gamma exposure, resistant to acids (except HF) and alkalis |
These properties make Fused silica a preferred material for critical applications in optics, space exploration, and advanced technology.
Fused Silica Applications in Advanced Technologies
Application Field | Material | Key Properties | Application Examples |
Optical Fibers & Telecommunications | Fused Silica | High resistance to interference | Fiber-optic communication systems |
Optical Components (New Energy) | High-purity Silica | UV-transparent (180-2500nm wavelength) | "Shen Guang-III" laser components: |
Micro-Optics | Fused Quartz | Broad spectral transmission (UV to IR) | Smartphone cameras |
Fused silica's significance in semiconductor, and precision instrument industries is profound, directly influencing the resolution, accuracy, stability, and reliability of related equipment. Despite its excellent radiation resistance, prolonged exposure to high-energy charged particles in space can degrade Fused silica's optical and other properties, impacting component longevity.
Therefore, investigating the effects of space ionizing radiation on Fused silica materials is crucial. Such research can inform strategies to mitigate radiation-induced degradation, ensuring the continued reliability and performance of Fused silica in space applications.
