Material Properties: Silica vs. Quartz
While often used interchangeably, Fused Silica is a synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO₂) produced via flame hydrolysis or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Quartz typically refers to naturally occurring crystalline silica.
Fused Silica is preferred for semiconductor and optical applications due to its high purity, low thermal expansion, and superior transmission in the UV spectrum.
The amorphous structure of Fused Silica (left) prevents birefringence, making it ideal for precision optics compared to the crystalline structure of Quartz (right).
Optical Grades & Transmission
We stock three primary grades of Fused Silica, defined by their spectral transmission range:
- JGS1 (UV Grade): Synthetic silica with excellent transmission in the deep UV (185nm - 2500nm). Ideal for lithography and UV sterilization optics.
- JGS2 (Optical Grade): The standard for visible and near-IR applications. Contains microscopic bubbles but offers good transmission from 220nm - 2500nm.
- JGS3 (IR Grade): Vitreous silica with reduced OH content, extending transmission deep into the Infrared (260nm - 3500nm).
This chart illustrates the "water absorption band" (OH peak) around 2700nm found in JGS1/JGS2, which is minimized in JGS3 for IR applications.
Sample Inventory & Pricing
Below is a selection of our in-stock Double Side Polished (DSP) wafers. Prices are per wafer based on quantity tiers.
| Item ID | Diameter | Thickness | Grade | Price (1-5 qty) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U01-120920-3 | 50.8mm (2") | 500µm | JGS2 | $24.90 |
| U01-120920-4 | 76.2mm (3") | 500µm | JGS2 | $29.90 |
| U01-120920-5 | 100mm (4") | 500µm | JGS2 | $34.90 |
| U01-120924-4 | 76.2mm (3") | 100µm (Ultra-Thin) | JGS1 | $129.90 |
| U01-120924-5 | 100mm (4") | 180µm | JGS1 | $159.90 |
Surface Quality (Scratch/Dig)
Our standard wafers are polished to a 60/40 Scratch/Dig surface quality or better. For laser applications, we offer 20/10 or 10/5 precision polishing.