Substrate Selection for Optical Glass Mirrors: Zerodur, BK7, and Fused Silica Options
Substrate Selection for Optical Glass Mirrors: Zerodur, BK7, and Fused Silica Options Introduction Choosing the right substrate for an optical glass mirror is rarely a casual decision. The substrate determines how the mirror holds its figure under thermal load, how it responds to mechanical stress, and ultimately how well your system performs over years of service. Many engineers default to whatever material was used in their last project, but that habit can cost you dearly in precision applications. Traditional approaches often fail because they treat substrate selection as an afterthought. A mirror that works perfectly at 20°C may distort beyond tolerance at 60°C. A lightweight design that saves mass may sag under its own weight. The three dominant options — Zerodur, BK7, and fused silica — each bring distinct trade-offs in thermal stability, cost, and manufacturability. This guide walks through the selection process step by step, comparing these substrates on the metrics that a...