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Understanding Glass Codes in Optics

The document explains the concept of a 'glass code' in optics fabrication, which is a standardized method for classifying optical glass based on unique properties. It details the international glass code derived from refractive index and Abbe number, providing an example with N-BK7 glass. Additionally, it mentions manufacturer-specific codes from companies like Schott and Ohara, highlighting the importance of consulting datasheets for precise applications.

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20 views2 pages

Understanding Glass Codes in Optics

The document explains the concept of a 'glass code' in optics fabrication, which is a standardized method for classifying optical glass based on unique properties. It details the international glass code derived from refractive index and Abbe number, providing an example with N-BK7 glass. Additionally, it mentions manufacturer-specific codes from companies like Schott and Ohara, highlighting the importance of consulting datasheets for precise applications.

Uploaded by

Ashish
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Glass Code in Optics Fabrication

In the field of optics fabrication, a "glass code" is a standardized method for classifying
and identifying different types of optical glass. With numerous glass types available,
each possessing unique optical properties and compositions, a glass code provides a
concise way to distinguish between them.

These classification systems are often based on the catalogs of major glass
manufacturers like Schott and Pilkington. The codes can be based on the material's
composition. For instance, BK7 is the Schott Glass classification for a common
borosilicate crown glass.

The International Glass Code

The most widely recognized system is the international glass code, which is based on
the U.S. military standard MIL-G-174. This code is a six-digit number derived from two
key optical properties of the glass:

Refractive Index (nd): This value measures how much the glass can bend light.
It's measured at a specific wavelength of light (the Fraunhofer d-line, or 587.5618
nm).

Abbe Number (Vd): This number quantifies the dispersion of the glass, which is
the tendency to separate light into its constituent colors. A lower Abbe number
indicates higher dispersion.

The six-digit code is generated as follows:

1. Take the refractive index (nd), subtract 1, and round to three digits.

2. Take the Abbe number (Vd) and round it to three digits.

3. Combine these two sets of three digits, ignoring any decimal points.

Example: N-BK7 Glass

Let's take the popular optical glass N-BK7 as an example:


Refractive Index (nd): 1.51680

Abbe Number (Vd): 64.17

To derive the six-digit glass code:

1. (nd - 1) = (1.51680 - 1) = 0.51680. Rounded to three digits, this becomes 517.

2. Vd = 64.17. Rounded to three digits, this becomes 642.

Combining these two sets of three digits gives us the international glass code: 517642.

Manufacturer-Specific Codes

In addition to the international six-digit code, manufacturers often have their own
designation systems. These typically involve letters and numbers that provide more
specific information about the glass.

Schott: In the Schott system, the letter "K" often denotes crown glasses, while
"F" signifies flint glasses. For example, BK7 is a common borosilicate crown glass
from Schott.

Ohara: Ohara's system uses atomic symbols of the key chemical elements in the
glass for the first two letters of the code. The prefix "S-" indicates that the glass is
environmentally friendly, meaning it does not contain lead or arsenic. An
example is S-BSL7.

It's important to note that while different manufacturers may produce glasses with the
same six-digit international code, their properties might vary slightly. Therefore, for
precise applications, it's crucial to refer to the specific manufacturer's datasheet.

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