Sapphire Optical Dome – High-Precision Optical Protection

Product Overview

The Sapphire Optical Dome is a premium-grade optical protection component designed to meet the most demanding requirements in high-performance imaging and sensor applications. Fabricated from synthetic single-crystal sapphire (Al₂O₃), the sapphire optical dome combines outstanding optical clarity, exceptional durability, and thermal stability within a single component. Unlike conventional glass or polymer domes, the sapphire optical dome maintains excellent transmission across ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) spectra, making it indispensable for systems operating in extreme environments such as aerospace, marine exploration, and industrial laser systems.

Key Features and Advantages

Wide Spectral Transmission: High optical transmittance from 200 nm to 5000 nm, covering UV, visible, and IR ranges for versatile applications.

Superior Hardness and Scratch Resistance: With a Mohs hardness of 9, the sapphire optical dome is highly resistant to surface damage, ensuring consistent optical performance over time.

Thermal Resistance: Operates reliably in continuous high-temperature environments up to 1000°C, supporting use in aerospace and industrial laser applications.

Pressure and Impact Resistance: Exceptional mechanical strength allows the sapphire dome to withstand high-pressure underwater environments and dynamic mechanical stress.

Chemical Durability: Resistant to seawater, strong acids, alkalis, and other corrosive substances, ensuring stable performance in challenging conditions.

Applications

Aerospace and Defense: IR optical domes for missile seekers, airborne sensors, and targeting systems.

Marine Exploration: Protective domes for ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), underwater cameras, and sonar optical sensors.

Industrial and Scientific Research: Laser systems, spectroscopy equipment, and high-speed imaging devices requiring durable optical windows.

Why Choose Our Sapphire Optical Dome?

We employ state-of-the-art crystal growth, precision CNC machining, and optical polishing to manufacture sapphire domes with superior surface accuracy (λ/10 flatness) and low birefringence, ensuring unmatched optical performance. Optional anti-reflective (AR), diamond-like carbon (DLC), or hydrophobic coatings can be applied for enhanced functionality.

FAQ

What makes a sapphire optical dome superior to a glass dome?
Sapphire offers much higher hardness, scratch resistance, and temperature stability, making it ideal for harsh environments where glass would fail.

Can you provide custom sizes and coatings?
Yes, we offer custom diameters, thicknesses, and coatings to match specific optical and environmental requirements.

Is the sapphire optical dome suitable for deep-sea use?
Absolutely. Its high compressive strength and corrosion resistance make it an excellent choice for underwater imaging.

What is the lead time for custom sapphire domes?
Lead times vary by specification, but we typically deliver within 3–6 weeks for custom orders.