Synthetic Quartz Glass Diffuser for UV Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diffuser materials, such as Spectralon, exhibit changing optical properties over time, low mechanical stability, and limited temperature stability, failing to meet requirements for high corrosive, mechanical, and thermal loads, as well as UV radiation resistance.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser material made from synthetically produced quartz glass with a hydroxyl group content of at least 200 wt. ppm and pores with at least 80% having a maximum dimension of less than 20 μm, ensuring Lambertian behavior, high UV radiation resistance, and mechanical and thermal stability, produced through a method involving comminution of quartz glass, wet grinding, and sintering in a neon atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Spectralon (sintered PTFE) is used as diffuser material, then diffuse reflectivity and Lambertian behavior are achieved, but mechanical stability and temperature stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from PTFE plastic to synthetically produced quartz glass, fundamentally altering the material composition to achieve both high diffuse reflectivity and superior mechanical/thermal stability. The quartz glass material maintains the optical scattering properties while providing enhanced mechanical strength and temperature resistance up to 1000°C.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining synthetically produced quartz glass particles with controlled pore formation. The material consists of glass particles with interconnected pores filled with air or other gases, creating a composite structure that provides both optical scattering (diffuse reflectivity) and mechanical stability through the glass matrix.
2Reliability
If Spectralon (sintered PTFE) is used as diffuser material, then diffuse reflectivity is achieved, but temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from PTFE plastic to synthetically produced quartz glass, fundamentally altering the material composition to achieve both high diffuse reflectivity and superior mechanical/thermal stability. The quartz glass material maintains the optical scattering properties while providing enhanced mechanical strength and temperature resistance up to 1000°C.
3Reliability
If porous structure is created for diffuse reflection, then Lambertian behavior is achieved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a porous structure formed from synthetically produced quartz glass particles. The pores are created during the sintering process, forming an interconnected network that scatters light effectively for Lambertian behavior. The glass matrix provides structural support, maintaining mechanical stability despite the porous architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining synthetically produced quartz glass particles with controlled pore formation. The material consists of glass particles with interconnected pores filled with air or other gases, creating a composite structure that provides both optical scattering (diffuse reflectivity) and mechanical stability through the glass matrix.
4Strength
If synthetic quartz glass is used instead of Spectralon, then mechanical and thermal stability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-sintering the quartz glass particles before final forming. The synthesis process involves multiple staged sintering operations where particles are progressively densified and bonded. This preliminary sintering creates a green body that can then be easily formed into final shapes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from PTFE plastic to synthetically produced quartz glass, fundamentally altering the material composition to achieve both high diffuse reflectivity and superior mechanical/thermal stability. The quartz glass material maintains the optical scattering properties while providing enhanced mechanical strength and temperature resistance up to 1000°C.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The diffuser material achieves stable diffuse reflectivity and transmissivity over a wide wavelength range, enhanced UV radiation resistance, and improved mechanical and thermal stability, suitable for high-stress applications including spectroscopy and space applications.
Implementation Method 1
The porous structure creates multiple internal reflections on the surface and within a thin layer below said surface, so that light impinging on the surface is diffusely reflected
Implementation Method 2
The ideally diffusely reflecting surface is non-specular and reflects optical radiation according to Lambert's law
Implementation Method 3
the green body is processed by sintering into the diffuser material
Implementation Method 4
The diffuser material achieves stable diffuse reflectivity and transmissivity over a wide wavelength range, enhanced UV radiation resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser material of synthetically produced, pore-containing quartz glass and a method for the manufacture of a molded body consisting fully or in part thereof. The diffuser material has a chemical purity of at least 99.9% SiO2, a cristobalite content of not more than 1%, and a density in the range of 2.0 to 2.18 g/cm3. Starting therefrom, to indicate a diffuser material which is improved with respect to diffuse reflectivity with Lambertian behavior over a wide wavelength range, high material homogeneity and UV radiation resistance, the quartz glass has a hydroxyl group content in the range of at least 200 wt. ppm and at least 80% of the pores have a maximum pore dimension of less than 20 μm.