1. Differences in basic components

(1) Ordinary glass slide

Ordinary glass slides are primarily composed of soda-lime glass and contain components such as Na⁺ and Ca²⁺, with silicon dioxide accounting for 70% to 75%. It is important to note that high borosilicate ordinary slides contain boron oxide, which results in the silicon dioxide content exceeding the 80% threshold. There are trace metal residues, and long-term storage may cause component migration.

(2) Quartz slide

The product features fused quartz, which has a purity level of ≥99.995%, and contains negligible amounts of alkali metals. It is chemically composed of a single silicon dioxide crystal and exhibits outstanding chemical inertness. Achieve total elimination of metal ion pollution and seamless adaptation to high-precision experimental scenarios.

2. Comparison of thermal performance

(1) Ordinary glass slide
The maximum temperature resistance of the general type is 400℃, and the coefficient of thermal expansion is 9×10^-6/℃. The high borosilicate type is capable of withstanding a temperature difference of 600°C, and its coefficient of thermal expansion decreases to 3.3×10^-6/°C. It is imperative that the heating and cooling rates are strictly controlled to prevent thermal shock cracking.

(2) Quartz slide

The softening point is as high as 1650°C, and the continuous working temperature can reach 1100°C. The coefficient of thermal expansion is only 5.5×10^-7/℃, which is 1/12 to 1/20 of that of ordinary glass. It is able to withstand sudden temperature changes from 50℃ to +150℃, thereby completely avoiding the risk of cracking.

3. Comparison of light transmission performance

(1) Ordinary glass slide

The regular model has a light transmission range of 350–2500nm, and its ultraviolet transmittance level is less than 10%. The ultraviolet performance of the high borosilicate type has been enhanced, though it remains inferior to that of quartz. Weak autofluorescence has been detected, and there is a possibility that this may interfere with high-sensitivity fluorescence detection.

(2) Quartz slide

The light transmission range of the regular model is 350-2500nm, and the ultraviolet transmittance is less than 10%. The ultraviolet performance of the high borosilicate type has been enhanced, though it remains inferior to that of quartz. Weak autofluorescence has been observed, and this may potentially interfere with high-sensitivity fluorescence detection.

4. Differences in chemical stability

(1) Ordinary glass slide

The standard glass slide is susceptible to erosion from acids and alkalis, and fogging may occur in a strong acidic environment. The high borosilicate has improved corrosion resistance, but it is still necessary to avoid hydrofluoric acid, which may precipitate sodium ions and affect the stability of sensitive samples.

(2) Quartz slide

It resists strong acids and strong alkalis (with the exception of hydrofluoric acid and hot phosphoric acid), is able to withstand 6 mol/L hydrochloric acid, is completely inert to organic solvents and poses no risk of leaching. The Mohs hardness scale rating for this product is 7, and its scratch resistance significantly surpasses that of the standard model.

5. Experimental adaptability

(1) Ordinary glass slide

The material is the preferred option for conventional bright-field microscope observation. It is suitable for teaching experiments, pathological sections and routine observation. This cost-effective solution is ideal for detecting the visible light region.

(2) Quartz slide

Essential components for ultraviolet fluorescence microscopes, ideal carrier for high-precision quantitative analysis (such as confocal imaging), and the only choice for experiments in extreme environments (high temperature/strong corrosion).