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CoorsTek silicon carbides are engineered and optimized for applications demanding high stiffness, low mass and thermal stability. CoorsTek SiC materials are ideally suited for mirrors and structural components for ground or space based optical systems.
Materials Engineered Specifically for Optical Systems
Silicon carbide optical systems are engineered to exhibit low complexity, low mass and a thermal designs thereby providing enhanced system performance and reliability – all while lowering system cost.
Figure 1. This Zygo® Oblique Plot illustrates the exceptional flatness achieved on a CoorsTek silicon carbide optical component
UltraSiC Single Phase Silicon Carbide
Optimized with a single-phase polycrystalline structure for ultra-stable and predictable material properties over wide temperature ranges, its low thermal expansion and high thermal conductivity allow for exceptionally stable optical figures in both transient and steady-state environments. In addition, this material’s high elastic modulus and low density allow for one of the highest stiffness-to-weight ratios of any optical substrate.
PureSiC CVD Silicon Carbide
PureSiC CVD Silicon Carbide is chemical-vapor deposited, ultra-high-purity material. Used for thin monolithic mirrors or as an optical cladding for UltraSiC material, it is polishable to under 3Å RMS.
High-Precision Manufacturing
Whether you need one or one hundred components, CoorsTek precisely forms, machines, polishes, assembles, and tests SiC optical components for a variety of visible and infrared applications in dedicated, quick-turn manufacturing facilities. CoorsTek high-precision silicon carbide components feature wave front errors and surface roughness equal to or better than traditional substrates.
Optical Coatings
Most typical optical coatings are compatible with our silicon carbide substrates.
Hands-On Engineering and Service Professionals
CoorsTek offers expert application engineering including 3D modelling, FEA analysis, materials testing, prototyping and material selection for any optical component specification.
Table 1. Properties of Silicon Carbide
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Density
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gm/cc
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ASTM-C 20
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3.15
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3.21
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Crystal Size, Average
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Microns
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Thin Section
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5
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3-10
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Flexural Strength (MOR), 20°C
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MPa
(psi X 103)
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ASTM-F417
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480(70)
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517(75)
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Elastic Modulus, 20°C
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GPa
(psi X 106)
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ASTM-C848
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410(59)
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434(63)
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Poisson’s Ratio, 20°C
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-
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ASTM-C848
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0.21
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0.21
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Compressive Strength, 20°C
|
MPa
(psi X 103)
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ASTM-C773
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3500(507)
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*
|
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Hardness
|
GPa
(kg/mm2)
|
KNOOP 1000gm
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27.5 (2800)
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27 (2750)
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Fracture Toughness, Klc
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MPa m½
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Notched Beam
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4-5
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3.5
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Thermal Conductivity, 20°C
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W/m K
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ASTM-C408
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175
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*
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CTE, 25-1000°C
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1x10-6/°C
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ASTM-C372
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4.4
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4.6
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CTE @ 20°C
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1x10-6/°C
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-
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2.1
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*
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* Not available
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