Near IR Quartz Cells (NIR) 220-3500NM

Spectrocell NIR cells are used where tests are being conducted in the visible wavelengths only, that is, from 220-3500 nanometers. Fused Silica, Fused Quartz, and Quarts Glass all refer to glass composed of greater than 99 percent silicon dioxide (S0₂).  The difference is in how the material is produced.  Fused quartz refers to quartz glass made from naturally occurring quartz crystal.  These crystals are mined and cored to obtain their relatively pure centers, which are then melted in an electric arc furnace. This melting destroys the crystalline structure and results in a completely isotropic quartz glass, meaning, there is no preferred optical axis as is the case with crystalline quartz.

Fused silica is made from pure silicon dioxide powder, either in an electric arc furnace or a melt tower.  The result is the same, a completely isotropic quartz glass of very high purity.

The resulting quartz glass, from either process, is the hardest glass.  It is more inert and chemically resistant than any other glass.  Its optical properties are excellent and, unlike other glasses, it continues to transmit into the UV range (see charts).  It is also much more thermally stable and resistant to thermal shock than softer glass.