High performance optics: at the peak of progress
We offer advanced optical solutions using OptoSiC® and Boostec® Silicon Carbide to deliver exceptional precision and durability for manufacturing and aerospace.
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Introducing optoSiC® and Boostec®: high performance optics for manufacturing and aerospace
The aerospace sector presents a unique set of challenges, demanding components that not only withstand extreme conditions but also deliver unparalleled precision.
High performance optics for aerospace applications must navigate the intricacies of harsh environmental exposures, including drastic temperature fluctuations, intense vibration, and the vacuum of space, all while maintaining flawless performance. Mersen’s advanced material Boostec® Silicon Carbide offers unparalleled thermal stability and mechanical strength, ensuring reliability and precision in the harshest environments.
OptoSiC®, Mersen's innovative material, is perfectly suited for manufacturing challenges. It delivers exceptional durability and withstands harsh conditions, including high temperatures and vibrations, often encountered in manufacturing processes. This translates to reliable performance and a competitive edge for your production line.
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OptoSiC is a game-changer for laser cutting
For our high-precision laser cutting application, finding mirrors that could handle the demanding requirements was a challenge. Mersen's optoSIC® scanning mirrors provided the perfect solution. Their lightweight design and exceptional stiffness withstood the high-powered lasers, enabling us to achieve superior cutting performance.
Elena Martinez
Project Lead, Bosch Rexroth
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What are high performance optics?
High performance optics encompass advanced optical components designed for applications requiring utmost precision, durability, and reliability. At the forefront of these technologies is Mersen’s OptoSiC, which exemplifies the pinnacle of optical excellence with its unique Silicon Carbide composition. optoSIC® offers superior clarity, accuracy, and resistance to environmental and mechanical stress, making it an essential component in a multitude of industrial applications, including advanced manufacturing processes and precision machining.
In aerospace, high performance optics not only deliver exceptional performance under standard conditions, but also maintain their integrity and functionality in the face of extreme temperatures, vacuum conditions, and physical stresses encountered during space missions or high-altitude flights. These optics are crucial for a wide array of aerospace technologies, including satellite communications, telescopic observations, and navigational systems, ensuring flawless operation in the vast and unforgiving expanse of space.
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High performance optics
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Mersen range of high performance optics solutions
Mersen offers a comprehensive range of high performance optics solutions tailored to meet the demanding requirements of various industries, particularly aerospace.
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optoSIC® high performance optics
optoSIC® optics represent Mersen's commitment to high-speed and high-precision applications. These high performance optics are crafted from a unique grade of Silicon Carbide, offering:
- optoSIC® Galvo scanning mirrors
These mirrors are designed for laser systems requiring high-speed, accurate positioning of laser beams. Their low moment of inertia and high thermal stability make them perfect for high-end laser processing, including machining and marking in the aerospace industry.
- optoSIC® Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
optoSIC® FSM are pivotal for applications demanding rapid, precise adjustments of mirror orientation. Their high stiffness and ultra-light weight allow for high resonant frequencies and minimal dynamic flatness, essential in stabilizing laser beams for satellite communication and airborne laser scanning.
- optoSIC®+ MiniSiC
These high performance optics bring the benefits of Silicon Carbide to applications requiring smaller, yet highly agile and precise optical components. Their exceptional performance in a compact form factor is ideal for advanced optical stabilization and instrumentation in space technologies and UAVs.
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BOOSTEC® silicon carbide for high performance optics
BOOSTEC® Silicon Carbide stands out for its exceptional properties, making it ideal for high performance optics. Its high purity composition, isotropic physical properties, and low density ensure superior mechanical strength and stiffness. This material is uniquely suited for aerospace applications, offering insensitivity to mechanical fatigue, high thermal conductivity, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and exceptional resistance to corrosive and abrasive environments. Mersen's BOOSTEC® Silicon Carbide optics are the foundation of instruments requiring extreme precision and reliability, from telescopes operating in space to sophisticated airborne sensors.
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What are optoSIC® high performance optics used for?
optoSIC® high performance optics, with their unmatched precision and durability, serve a multitude of applications across diverse markets.
High performance optics for laser processing and manufacturing
optoSIC® high performance optics are pivotal in laser processing and manufacturing, facilitating high power laser material processing across UV to IR wavelengths. They enable directed energy systems with ultra-high power laser system resonators, playing a crucial role in additive manufacturing and microlithography. This broad spectrum of applications underscores the versatility and reliability of optoSIC® in high-tech manufacturing environments.
High performance optics for optical stabilization and instrumentation
In the realm of optical stabilization and instrumentation, optoSIC® high performance optics enhance the performance of optical instruments and cameras. They are essential for laser beam stabilization and tip-tilt applications, ensuring precise image stabilization. Furthermore, their integration into kinematic mounts and optical benches exemplifies their importance in creating stable and accurate optical setups.
High performance optics for sensing and communication
optoSIC® high performance optics significantly contribute to sensing and communication technologies. They are integral to LIDAR systems, laser point-to-point communication, and laser scanning applications. These optics enable high-speed, accurate data transmission and sensing, important for navigation, environmental monitoring, and beyond.
High performance optics for imaging and high-speed applications
For imaging and high-speed applications, optoSIC® mirrors and optics offer unparalleled capabilities. These high performance optics are used in streak cameras, targeting applications, high-speed photography, telescopes, and laser tracking. These applications benefit from the high precision and stability of optoSIC®, enabling detailed observation and fast, accurate tracking.
High performance optics for aerospace and surveillance applications
optoSIC® high performance optics are integral to aerospace and surveillance, including airborne and space scanning systems and avionic microsatellite mirrors for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Their reliability and performance are essential for security, reconnaissance, and surveillance, as well as for electro-optic systems embedded on various aerial and space vehicles.
High performance optics for medical and biomedical applications
optoSIC® high performance optics are used In medical and biomedical fields, for ophthalmology and other precision-driven applications. Their precision and reliability support advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, underscoring the importance of high performance optics in enhancing medical care and outcomes.
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What are the benefits of BOOSTEC® SiC for high performance optics for aerospace?
BOOSTEC® Silicon Carbide (SiC) offers a suite of benefits uniquely suited to the aerospace sector, where the performance and reliability of high performance optics can mean the difference between success and failure.
An exceptional resistance and stability for high performance optics for aerospace
BOOSTEC® SiC is renowned for its exceptional thermal resistance and dimensional stability under extreme conditions encountered in aerospace applications. This stability ensures that high performance optics for aerospace retain their precision without distortion, even when subjected to the rapid temperature changes and harsh conditions of space exploration.
A crack and fatigue resistance for high performance optics for aerospace
The robust nature of BOOSTEC® SiC makes it resistant to cracks and mechanical fatigue, a critical requirement for aerospace components that must endure the rigors of launch and operation in space. This durability ensures long-term reliability of optics critical for mission success.
Consistent mechanical properties for high performance optics for aerospace
BOOSTEC® SiC maintains consistent mechanical properties across a wide temperature range, providing a reliable basis for the design and operation of high performance optical systems in aerospace. This consistency is vital for components that must perform flawlessly in the variable conditions of outer space.
Boostec SiC is a non-magnetic material, useful for high performance optics for aerospace
The non-magnetic nature of BOOSTEC® SiC is particularly beneficial for aerospace applications where magnetic interference can compromise the accuracy of instruments and navigational systems. This feature allows for the creation of high performance optics for aerospace that are immune to magnetic distortions.
A high homogeneity and isotropy for high performance optics for aerospace
BOOSTEC® SiC's homogeneous and isotropic nature ensures uniform optical properties across the material, facilitating the production of high-quality optics that perform reliably in aerospace applications. This uniformity is crucial for high precision instruments that depend on the consistent behavior of optical components.
An amazing corrosion resistance and thermal stability and conductivity for high performance optics for aerospace
With its excellent corrosion resistance and thermal properties, BOOSTEC® SiC stands up to the corrosive environments and extreme temperatures of space. Its high thermal conductivity aids in the efficient management of heat, protecting sensitive high performance optics and ensuring their performance remains uncompromised over time.
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Questions about high performance optics
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Why choose Mersen for your high performance optics?
Choosing Mersen for your high performance optics ensures not only access to state-of-the-art materials and technologies but also a partnership with a leader in advanced material solutions tailored for the most demanding applications.
Mersen provide advanced Sintered Silicon Carbide (SSiC) for high performance optics
Mersen’s use of advanced Sintered Silicon Carbide (SSiC) in the creation of high performance optics sets a benchmark in the industry. This polycrystalline technical ceramic, known for its exceptional properties, such as high stiffness, thermal stability, and resistance to thermal shock, is at the core of Mersen’s optical solutions. SSiC's inherent qualities ensure that optics manufactured with this material deliver superior performance, particularly in demanding aerospace applications where reliability under extreme conditions is critical.
Mersen offer superior properties for high performance optics
Mersen’s high performance optics, particularly optoSiC®, boast superior properties that significantly outperform traditional materials like beryllium.
optoSiC® is renowned for its high thermal conductivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), remarkable mechanical strength, exceptional stiffness and lightness, which enable ultra-rapid oscillations without signal deformation, ensuring unparalleled precision in performance. This makes optoSiC® not only a more effective but also a safer and environmentally friendly alternative to beryllium, which is known for its performance limitations and health risks. optoSiC® offers these superior properties without compromising on performance, positioning it as the best choice for advanced optical applications.
As a manufacturer, Mersen knows every use of high performance optics
As the manufacturer of high performance optics solutions, Mersen possesses an in-depth understanding of their application across various industries. This expertise enables Mersen to not only provide products of exceptional quality but also to tailor solutions to the specific needs and challenges of its clients. Mersen’s comprehensive knowledge ensures that each customer receives the most effective optical solutions for their unique requirements.
Mersen is close to its customers all around the world
Mersen’s global presence and commitment to being close to its customers allow for unparalleled support and service, no matter where they are located. With facilities and experts spread across the globe, Mersen is equipped to offer responsive, localized assistance, ensuring that customers have access to the support they need, when they need it. This customer-centric approach, combined with Mersen’s advanced optics solutions, solidifies its position as a trusted partner in high performance optics worldwide.
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How do high performance optics differ from standard optics?
High performance optics are engineered to meet exceedingly stringent specifications, offering superior precision, durability, and stability compared to standard optics. They are designed for applications where optical performance critically impacts the system's overall functionality, such as in aerospace.
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How do SiC high performance optics contribute to the fabrication of semiconductors?
SiC high performance optics play an important role in the fabrication of semiconductors by providing essential components for lithography and inspection systems. The material’s high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion make it ideal for maintaining the precise geometries needed in semiconductor patterning processes. Furthermore, SiC's stiffness and resistance to wear and chemical corrosion ensure that these optics can withstand the harsh chemicals and environments typical in semiconductor manufacturing.
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What materials are used in the manufacturing of high performance optics?
The manufacturing of high performance optics frequently employs advanced materials known for their unique optical and physical properties. Sintered Silicon Carbide (SSiC), particularly Mersen's Boostec® SiC, is a favored choice due to its high stiffness, thermal stability, and resistance to thermal shock and corrosive environments.
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Can high performance optics endure extreme temperature variations, from very high to very low temperatures?
Yes, high performance optics are specifically designed to endure extreme temperature variations. The intrinsic properties of materials like SiC allow these optics to remain stable and functional across a broad temperature range. This makes them particularly suited for applications in aerospace and other fields where they may be exposed to the cold vacuum of space or the intense heat of re-entry or operational machinery.
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