BK7 optical glass
BK7 is a widely used optical glass known for its high transmission and clear, colorless appearance. Composed primarily of silica and boron oxide, BK7 is popular in a broad range of optical applications, including lenses, prisms, and windows. It exhibits good mechanical properties and can be easily polished to a high optical quality. While it is not as resistant to thermal shock or chemical corrosion as some specialized glasses like borosilicate or fused silica, it is considerably less expensive, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications. Its relatively high refractive index and low dispersion make it suitable for a variety of optical systems, particularly those operating in the visible spectrum. Because of its versatility and cost-effectiveness, BK7 is often considered the "go-to" material for general-purpose optical components.
Analogs of BK7 glass produced by different makers
| Maker |
Glass |
| SCHOTT |
N-BK7 |
| OHARA |
S-BSL7 |
| HIKARI |
J-BK7A |
| CDGM |
H-K9L |
| HOYA |
BSC7 |
| SUMITA |
K-BK7 |
| LZOS |
K8 |
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Lytkarino Optical Glass Factory (LZOS)
Lytkarino Optical Glass Factory (LZOS) is a Russian company specializing in the production of high-quality optical glass and optical components. Located in Lytkarino, near Moscow, the factory has a rich history dating back to the Soviet era and has been a key player in the Russian optics industry. LZOS produces a broad range of optical materials, including various types of crown and flint glasses, which are used in telescopes, microscopes, and other high-precision optical systems. The company is known for its meticulous quality control and rigorous manufacturing standards, attributes that have garnered it both domestic and international clientele. Over the years, LZOS has expanded its capabilities to include not just the manufacturing of optical glass, but also the development and production of complex optical systems, such as lenses and mirrors for astronomical observatories. With a reputation for technical excellence, Lytkarino Optical Glass Factory is a respected name in the global optics community, providing specialized solutions for projects that demand the highest levels of optical performance and reliability.
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Glass
Glass is a versatile, amorphous material that has been an essential component in optical technologies for centuries. Comprising mainly of silica along with various additives like soda, lime, or boron, glass can be engineered to exhibit a wide range of optical properties, such as refractive indices and dispersion characteristics. In the optical industry, specialized types of glass like crown, flint, and extra-low dispersion (ED) glasses are used for manufacturing lenses, prisms, and other optical elements. These glasses are precisely formulated to offer specific properties, such as low chromatic aberration or high light transmittance across different spectral ranges. Glass can also be coated with thin layers of materials like anti-reflective coatings to enhance its optical performance. More recently, advances in photonics and nanotechnology have led to the development of innovative glass types, such as photonic crystal and metamaterial glasses, which exhibit unique light-manipulating properties. It is crucial to note that the optical properties of glass, including its refractive index, can vary depending on its composition and temperature, making it important to consult specific data for particular applications. Overall, glass remains a foundational material in optics, its wide applicability owed to its tunable properties and general robustness.
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