Sapphire glass application has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by technological advancements that have highlighted its exceptional physical and optical properties, making it a preferred material in numerous high-end applications. Sapphire is an ideal material for making high-precision optical windows due to its high hardness, high light transmittance, heat resistance and wear resistance. This article will explore the key technologies and applications of high-quality processing of sapphire windows.

1. Key technologies for high-quality processing of sapphire windows

The superior performance of sapphire windows is attributable to their high-quality processing. Here is a list of key processing technologies:

(1) Large-diameter classical ring polishing process

This process guarantees the large diameter and high flatness of the sapphire window through the precise ring polishing technology. By adjusting parameters such as the rotational speed of the polishing machine, the type and concentration of the polishing liquid, it can achieve the precise control of the sapphire window surface.

(2) Ultra-precision ion beam shaping process

Ion beam shaping technology uses an ion beam to perform micro-cutting and rolling on the surface of sapphire, thereby achieving an ultra smooth surface. This technology is capable of achieving nanoscale correction of the sapphire window surface shape, thereby ensuring surface shape accuracy that meets the requirements of high-end applications.

(3) Large-diameter and high-precision plane laser interferometry detection technology

Laser interferometric detection technology is used to measure the surface shape of a sapphire window with great precision. This is achieved by measuring the interference fringes formed after the laser is reflected on the surface of the window. This technology boasts non-contact, high precision and high sensitivity, making it an indispensable detection method in the high-quality processing of sapphire windows.

(4) Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) technology

The CMP technology combines chemical and mechanical actions to uniformly flatten the sapphire surface through abrasives in the polishing liquid and polishing pads. This technology has the capacity to address the local unevenness on the sapphire surface, enabling precise control of surface shape accuracy at a comprehensive scale.

2. Challenges and future prospects of high-quality processing of sapphire windows

Despite significant advances in sapphire window processing technology, some challenges remain. For instance, the high hardness of sapphire makes it prone to scratches and cracks during processing, which poses higher requirements for processing equipment and techniques. Furthermore, as the application fields continue to expand, the requirements for the accuracy of sapphire window surface are also increasing. It is therefore necessary to constantly explore new processing technologies and methods.