Ultraviolet Transmitting Glass Composition for Deep UV Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultraviolet transmitting glasses have low transmittance for wavelengths of 200 to 280 nm (deep ultraviolet light) and are costly, with existing phosphate and borosilicate glasses not meeting the desired high transmittance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A glass composition with 55 to 80% SiO2, 12 to 27% B2O3, 4 to 20% alkali metal oxides, 0 to 3.5% Al2O3, 0 to 5% alkaline earth metal oxides, 0 to 10% ZrO2, and 0 to 5% Ta2O5, achieving 70% or more transmittance at 254 nm and 80% or more at 365 nm, while minimizing Al2O3 and alkaline earth metal oxides to enhance deep ultraviolet light transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If quartz glass is used for ultraviolet light transmission, then high transmittance is achieved, but manufacturing cost becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive quartz glass with a cost-effective glass composition containing specific ratios of SiO2, B2O3, and alkali metal oxides. This alternative glass material achieves comparable ultraviolet transmittance performance at lower manufacturing cost, effectively substituting a premium material with an economical alternative that meets the functional requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite glass system combining multiple oxide components (SiO2, B2O3, alkali metal oxides, and optional additives like Al2O3, ZnO, ZrO2, Ta2O5) in specific proportions. This composite formulation synergistically achieves high ultraviolet transmittance while controlling manufacturing cost and improving durability, rather than relying on a single material component
2Ease of manufacture
If phosphate glass or borosilicate glass is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but deep ultraviolet light transmittance becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of borosilicate glass by precisely controlling the ratios of B2O3 (12-27%), SiO2 (55-80%), and alkali metal oxides (4-20%). This parameter optimization transforms conventional borosilicate glass into a high-performance material that achieves both cost-effectiveness and superior deep ultraviolet transmittance (70% or more at 254 nm), resolving the trade-off between cost and performance
3Reliability
If Al2O3 and alkaline earth metal oxides are increased to improve glass stability, then durability is enhanced, but deep ultraviolet light transmittance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and controls critical compositional parameters, limiting Al2O3 to 0-3.5% and alkaline earth metal oxides to 0-5% of the total composition. By precisely controlling these parameters within specific ranges rather than using high concentrations, the patent achieves adequate glass stability and weather resistance while maintaining high deep ultraviolet transmittance, resolving the contradiction between durability and optical performance
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 glass achieves high deep ultraviolet light transmittance with reduced manufacturing costs and improved durability, maintaining transmittance and weather resistance under ultraviolet irradiation, suitable for various ultraviolet light applications.
Implementation Method 1
transmittance at a wavelength of 254 nm in terms of spectral transmittance at a plate thickness of 0.5 mm is 70% or more
Data Source
AI summary
An ultraviolet transmitting glass containing, in mole percentage based on oxides, 55 to 80% of SiO2, 12 to 27% of B2O3, 4 to 20% of R2O (where R represents an alkali metal selected from a group consisting of Li, Na, and K) in total, 0 to 3.5% of Al2O3, 0 to 5% of R′O (where R′ represents an alkaline earth metal selected from a group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) in total, 0 to 5% of ZnO, and 0 to 10% of ZrO2, wherein transmittance at a wavelength of 254 nm in terms of spectral transmittance at a plate thickness of 0.5 mm is 70% or more. The glass with high ultraviolet light transmittance, in particular, high deep ultraviolet light transmittance is provided.