Synthetic quartz with high ultraviolet transmission.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Crystallography
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Quartz synthesis is crucial for various technological applications.
• Understanding factors affecting optical properties of synthetic quartz is essential.
• Hydrothermal synthesis offers a controlled environment for crystal growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize high-quality quartz crystals under hydrothermal conditions.
• To evaluate the optical transmission properties of synthesized quartz.
• To identify and mitigate impurities affecting optical performance.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis of quartz in silver-lined and silver-plated systems.
• Utilizing lithium nitrite (LiNO(2)) as a mineralizer.
• Characterization of optical transmission from 1500 Å to 3 µm.
• Analysis of impurity concentrations (Fe, OH) and their impact.

Main Results:

• Achieved synthesis rates of 1.78 mm/day.
• Synthesized quartz demonstrated optical transmission superior to natural quartz in certain ranges.
• Identified iron (Fe) as a cause for UV cutoff near 1500 Å.
• Demonstrated reduction of Fe and hydroxyl (OH) impurities through specific growth conditions.

Conclusions:

• Hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of LiNO(2) yields high-quality quartz.
• Optimized conditions reduce critical impurities (Fe, OH), enhancing optical transmission.
• Synthesized quartz shows potential for applications requiring superior optical properties.