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Sapphire (Al2O3) is one of the hardest minerals and optical materials available for use in the range from UV up to 5µm. Sapphire is birefringent and if its use is for critical optical application then the crystal might have to be cut along the zero degree plane, or C-Cut. Random cut is usually cut along a plane that is 60° off-axis as the growth in this direction is the easiest to grow. Random cut is anything that is not the C-Cut angle. Sapphire can fluoresce depending upon the concentration of other minerals within the lattice, for example Iron (Fe) or Chromium (Cr). Clear Sapphire might fluoresce orange when illuminated by UV light if impurities are in the crystal. Fluorescent free Sapphire has to be grown from 'pure' feedstock and seed and in an environment that cannot place impurities into the lattice. Click PDF link to read more …...

Knight Optical can offer Ground Glass Diffusers for use within Photography. We supply a range of Ground Glass Diffusers for a range of applications. All individually QA checked and metrology tested for quality to ensure parts meet customer specification. Supplied in a range of sizes and shapes with custom coatings tailored to meet your individual applications. Knight Optical supply precision optical components to customers within photography. Ground Glass Diffusers are used in to diffuse the flash from cameras to prevent photos with harsh light and hard shadows to soften and improve the appeal of the image. Diffusers are also used in lightning systems to prevent glare from computer screens, the manufacture of lightboxes for advertising, viewing x-rays, and other applications. For more information read PDF…

Sapphire is an incredibly hard crystal (HK1370kg/mm2), second only to diamond. Fluoresence free sapphire windows have high mechanical strength, thermal and chemical resistance and is scratch resistant, making it very desirable for operating in harsh conditions. Sapphire windows can be made thinner than alternative crystals thanks to its structural integrity and can operate up to 2030⁰C. The material transmits between the UV and IR at 0.15-5.5µm, and has a high refractive index of 1.75.. Knight Optical supply a range of quality Sapphire optical components including Fluoresence free sapphire windows, Sapphire lenses, Sapphire prisms, and Sapphire blanks either from stock or bespoke custom made to your specification for a range of applications.  Our current range includes Random Polarization Sapphire that can be used for most applications apart from UV use. Click link URL to read more …

Knight Optical offers a range of precision optical components for use in IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) applications. The most common usage of IPL systems are typically used as photo epilators.Custom Ceramic Reflectors are a key component for this application. The xenon flash lamp which are typically used emit light in 360 degrees. However utilising ceramic reflectors which are light reflectors with a U channel means that light which would normally be wasted i.e. shining backwards is now refocused down into the filters and light guides. Knight Optical provides ceramic reflectors which are typically moulded from alumina. This choice of material is down to its ability to withstand thermal stresses and high reflectivity values. For more information read PDF