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Title
Fused Silica Optical Components, Diffusers and Ceramics in Optics, Astronomy and High-Power Laser Systems
Abstract
Optical materials enable new scientific and astronomical instruments and space missions as well as high-power laser systems. The unique optical properties of fused silica in the ultraviolet and near-infrared spectra, e.g., highest transmission, best homogeneity, and lowest absorption, enable extremely low photon count observations and high-energy laser system in nuclear fusion energy systems and directed energy laser weapons. High-performance fused silica glass overcomes light absorption in the range >800 nm that limits the performance of IR spectrographs. Micro-bubbles, metallic impurities and OH groups embedded in the fused silica matrix are reduced to achieve best operation.
Opaque fused silica material is used as an almost perfect Lambertian diffuser in space missions for calibration of the instrument. With hydrogen loading the radiation hardness of fused silica is increased dramatically for space and particle accelerator applications. Also, new developments with ceramic material offer unique properties for the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
Bio
Wolfgang Schlichting manages US sales of fused silica in science & research optics for Heraeus Conamic. He studied physics at the University of Tübingen and received his M.Sc. degree in Optical Sciences from the University of Arizona in 1993 with research focusing on laser systems, optical data storage, magneto-optical materials, and magnetic circular dichroism. He also holds an MBA degree in Global Business from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Before joining Heraeus, he managed New Business Development of laser, Faraday and other crystals, isolators, and optical coatings for Northrop Grumman Synoptics. He also founded the market research & consulting company Wolf Research LLC and worked for IDC, NPD Solarbuzz and Reveo Inc. in the areas of optical data storage, photovoltaics, and cholesteric liquid crystals.