Aixtron ZnSe witness sample dichroic mirror

Product Description

Aixtron ZnSe Witness Sample Optical Window – 1″ Diameter, Custom-Coated Dichroic Mirror for Laser and IR Systems

This premium Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) witness sample from Aixtron, a top-tier producer of advanced semiconductor and optical deposition equipment, offers exceptional value for R&D, prototyping, or optical system upgrades. As a quality-verification piece from a coating run, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to custom-ordered optics without sacrificing performance.

Aixtron is a world-leading provider of deposition equipment for the semiconductor and optical industries, and their witness samples represent the same high-quality standards used in their production tools.

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Key Specifications

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Advanced Custom Coatings

This witness sample features two distinct, custom-designed coatings, making it a true dichroic optic:

These coatings enable selective reflection of near-IR light while transmitting mid-IR wavelengths, making it an ideal dichroic optic for multi-spectral applications.

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Material Advantages – Laser-Grade Zinc Selenide

The genuine CVD-grown ZnSe material boasts a distinctive yellow-orange translucence and wide transmission range from 0.6 μm to 22 μm. Key properties include:

• Broadband IR Transmission: Covers all key IR bands including the 3-5µm MWIR and 8-14µm LWIR atmospheric windows .

• Low Absorption: Exceptionally low absorption coefficient (<0.0005 cm⁻¹ at 10.6 µm) minimizes thermal lensing and power loss in high-power applications .

• High Thermal Shock Resistance: ZnSe can withstand rapid temperature changes, making it suitable for demanding environments .

• Non-Hygroscopic: Unlike some IR materials, ZnSe does not absorb moisture, ensuring long-term stability .

• Visible/NIR Transmission: Partial transmission in the visible spectrum (600-900nm) allows for easy alignment with visible lasers (e.g., HeNe at 633nm) .

Important Safety Note: ZnSe is a toxic material. Always handle with rubber or plastic gloves to avoid contamination. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Never ingest or inhale dust .

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What is a Witness Sample?

A witness sample is a small optical flat coated simultaneously with production optics to:

• Verify coating quality without touching primary optics

• Measure thickness and uniformity via spectrophotometry

• Test environmental durability (humidity, adhesion, abrasion)

• Validate spectral performance before product shipment

• Archive coating runs for traceability and quality assurance

This practice is standard in precision optical coating, where primary optics are too valuable to risk for destructive or contact testing.

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Applications

Laser Systems:

• Efficient beam combining and splitting in Nd:YAG (1.06 μm) setups for materials processing, medical tools, or rangefinding

• Dichroic separation of pump and signal beams in solid-state lasers

Thermal Imaging and FLIR:

• Windows or filters in mid-IR cameras (3-5 μm) for surveillance, environmental analysis, or maintenance diagnostics

• Beam combining in multi-spectral imaging systems

Infrared Spectroscopy:

• Essential for gas analyzers, chemical sensors, or FTIR systems demanding low absorption and high clarity

Photonics R&D:

• Great for lab experiments, alignment fixtures, or custom builds in compact, angle-optimized designs

• Prototyping multi-spectral optical systems

Defense and Aerospace:

• Dichroic optics for missile seekers, target designation, and surveillance payloads

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Condition

GENTLY USED AS WITNESS SAMPLE
MINOR SURFACE MARKS – COSMETIC ONLY
SMALL CENTRAL SPOT – DOES NOT AFFECT FUNCTION
OTHERWISE TOP FUNCTIONAL CONDITION
SHIPS IN ORIGINAL PROTECTIVE PACKAGING
RMI COMPLIANT FOR RESPONSIBLE SOURCING

⚠ HANDLING NOTE: Handle with care – clean with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloth using proper optical cleaning techniques. ZnSe is brittle; avoid drops or exposure to contaminants. Always wear gloves when handling.