Optical glasses and glass ceramics for large optical systems

Schott has delivered blanks for large lenses and prisms since many decades. Glass and glass ceramics objects with dimensions above 300 mm diameter or edge lengths will remain challenges for a glass manufacturer. This holds especially when the quality specifications exceed the standard level significantly. Optical glass blocks of more than half a ton have been produced with outstanding internal quality. Although the manufacturing process is well controlled there are restrictions on the availability of such objects (glass types, long process times e.g.). Implications of the glass production process are presented as a guideline for designers in order to avoid unnecessary time losses. The similarity of the production process of the glass ceramic ZERODUR to that of optical glasses results in high homogeneity with regard to the coefficient of thermal expansion as well as to the optical properties. This qualifies ZERODUR for even higher demanding applications especially when reproducibility in series production is required.