Coefficients of Expansion and Densities of Optical Materials
Material
|
Coefficient of Expansion
(×10−6 per °C)
|
Density
(lbs/cubic in.)
|
|
Aluminum
|
23.8
|
0.10
|
|
Brass (cast)
|
18.8
|
0.30
|
|
Carbon (diamond)
|
1.2
|
0.25
|
|
Carbon (graphite)
|
7.9
|
—
|
|
Copper
|
16.2
|
0.32
|
|
Germanium
|
5.9
|
0.20
|
|
Glass (optical)
|
|
maximum
|
15.0
|
0.22
|
|
minimum
|
4.0
|
0.08
|
|
average
|
8.0
|
0.11
|
|
Gold
|
14.0
|
0.70
|
|
Invar (36% Ni)
|
0.9
|
0.30
|
|
Iron (cast)
|
10.0
|
0.27
|
|
Iron steel
|
13.2
|
0.28
|
|
Lead
|
28.0
|
0.41
|
|
Magnesium (cast)
|
27.0
|
0.06
|
|
Nickel
|
12.6
|
0.32
|
|
Plastics (optical)
|
65.0
|
0.04
|
|
Platinum
|
9.0
|
0.77
|
|
Pyrex
|
3.5
|
0.10
|
|
Quartz, fused
|
0.6
|
0.08
|
|
Rubber (hard)
|
80.0
|
0.04
|
|
Silicon
|
2.33
|
0.08
|
|
Steel, stainless
|
12.0
|
0.30
|
|
Zinc sulfide (ZnS)
|
7.9
|
0.15
|
|
Zinc selenide (ZnSe)
|
7.6
|
0.20
|
Source: Walker Associates
Glossary
- optical materials
- Optical materials refer to substances or compounds specifically chosen for their optical properties and used in the fabrication of optical components and systems. These materials are characterized by their ability to interact with light in a controlled manner, enabling applications such as transmission, reflection, refraction, absorption, and emission of light. Optical materials play a crucial role in the design and performance of optical systems across various industries, including...
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