Optical Analysis

We are experts in determining all optical characteristics of all types of glass: optical glass, technical glass, special glass, and glass ceramics. We determine the refractive index, dispersion, and transmission using various methods, including precision accuracy, to accommodate large measuring ranges and different sample geometries. We look forward to hearing about your specific requirements and the accompanying challenges.
Typical questions

Typical questions

  • Determination of refractive index and dispersion
  • Determination of spectral transmission
Methods in detail

Methods in detail

Refractive index and dispersion with precision accuracy (prism method)

<h3>Refractive index and dispersion with precision accuracy (prism method)</h3>
Refractive index and dispersion determination using the prism method (accredited)

Procedures

Calculation of spectral refractive indices from

  • Measured values of the refractive angle of the prism
  • Measured values of the angles of spectral minimum deviation at the prism

Applications

  • Determination of the refractive index for transparent materials, which typically are in a refractive index range of 1.4 ≤ nd ≤ 2.2.
  • Accuracy >4*10^-6

Refractive index and dispersion with high accuracy (V-block method)

<h3>Refractive index and dispersion with high accuracy (V-block method)</h3>
Refractive index and dispersion determination using the V-block method (accredited)

Procedures

Light from spectral lamps is refracted at media boundaries. The spectral refractive indices are calculated from the angles of spectral light deflection.

Applications

  • Determination of the refractive index or dispersion of optical glass, colored glass, and glass ceramics.
  • The wavelength range is between 365 nm and 1014 nm.
  • Accuracy >2*10 ^-5

Refractive index and dispersion using prism coupler refractography with standard accuracy

<h3>Refractive index and dispersion using prism coupler refractography with standard accuracy</h3>
Refractive index measurement of thin glass using laser couplers in prism couplers (accredited)

Procedures

Optical modes are generated in the boundary area between the test specimen and the coupling prism using a laser beam. Their spectral, angle-dependent reflection is measured, and the refractive index is calculated from this. 

Applications

Determination of the refractive index or dispersion between 1.3 and 2.5 for 

  • Transparent and colored glasses
  • Glass ceramics
  • and polymers

in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 1550 nm

  • Accuracy: >3*10-4

Determination of spectral transmittance

<h3>Determination of spectral transmittance</h3>
Spectral transmittance (accredited)

Procedures

Optical modes are generated in the boundary area between the test specimen and the coupling prism using a laser beam. Their spectral, angle-dependent reflection is measured, and the refractive index is calculated from this.

Applications

Determination of the refractive index or dispersion between 1.3 and 2.5 for 

  • Transparent and colored glasses
  • Glass ceramics
  • and polymers

in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 1550 nm

List of our methods

Our methods of optical analysis

  • Determination and application of optical properties using spectroscopy (UV to IR) for transmission, reflection, and diffuse reflection (remission), in some cases at various sample temperatures up to 700°C (accredited)
  • Measurement of fluorescence properties (excitation, emission, quantum yield, and decay time), in some cases at various sample temperatures up to 500°C (accredited)
  • Refractive index determination on bulk glass and coatings using prism couplers and ellipsometry for a wavelength range of 400–1600 nm (accredited)
  • Performing radiation-induced changes (solarization) and identifying their causes regarding discoloration and scattering (accredited)
  • Optical stress analysis of chemically and thermally tempered glass (accredited)
  • Determination of the stress-optical coefficient (SOK), measurement of stress birefringence and body stress of glass (accredited)
  • Special optical measurement technology according to customer requirements
Highlights
Procedure
Contact

Contact our experts

Whether you want to develop innovative products or ensure compliance with regulations in regulated industries, the expertise of the accredited SCHOTT laboratory ensures your success through measurable excellence.
Dr. Axel Engel

Dr. Axel Engel

Head of Optical Analysis

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