Sapphire Windows, often called Sapphire Glass Windows or Sapphire Optical Windows, made of single crystal synthetic sapphire (Al2O3), are becoming more and more indispensable in the exclusive fields of electro-optics due to their combination of superior optical, chemical, and mechanical properties. This article that Shalom EO presents concentrates on the optical transmission and the optical properties of sapphire windows, including the transmission wavelength range of sapphire, the transmission rate, the birefringence, and orientations. We have also analyzed the different growth methods and grades of sapphire crystals.

Laser-Induced Damage Threshold, or LIDT is the highest fluence or power density of laser radiation incident upon the optical component before any unacceptable damage occurs. This article offers a basic tutorial and explanation of laser damage threshold, including the definition of LIDT The test method of LIDT, laser-induced damage threshold for CW laser and pulsed laser, the calculation formula, the laser damage mechanisms, how to scale LIDT, the causes of laser damage, and high power laser optics/coatings.