rus
Issue #1/2025
M. V. Agrinsky, V. M. Volynkin, D. G. Otkupman
Non-standard Materials for Optical System Development
Non-standard Materials for Optical System Development
DOI: 10.22184/1993-7296.FRos.2025.19.1.40.48
With the advances in optical technologies, the quality requirements for the optical and technical products are increasing. Therefore, there is a need to develop new optical materials that can improve the parameters and specifications of optical systems, such as transparency, lightness, strength, environmental resistance and cost efficiency. The paper considers some non-conventional optical materials and their practical application.
With the advances in optical technologies, the quality requirements for the optical and technical products are increasing. Therefore, there is a need to develop new optical materials that can improve the parameters and specifications of optical systems, such as transparency, lightness, strength, environmental resistance and cost efficiency. The paper considers some non-conventional optical materials and their practical application.
Теги: adhesives for optical components crystals gels liquids polymers radiation-resistant materials thermoplastics thermosets гели жидкости клеи для оптических деталей кристаллы полимеры радиационно-стойкие материалы термопласты термореакты
Non-standard Materials for Optical System Development
M. V. Agrinsky 1, V. M. Volynkin 2, D. G. Otkupman 3
ASTRON Optical and Mechanical Design Bureau, Moscow region, Lytkarino
Research and Production Association “Vavilov State Optical Institute”, Saint-Petersburg
Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography, Moscow
With the advances in optical technologies, the quality requirements for the optical and technical products are increasing. Therefore, there is a need to develop new optical materials that can improve the parameters and specifications of optical systems, such as transparency, lightness, strength, environmental resistance and cost efficiency. The paper considers some non-conventional optical materials and their practical application.
Key words: polymers, thermosets, thermoplastics, gels, radiation-resistant materials, liquids, adhesives for optical components, crystals
Article received: 27.12.2024
Article accepted: 31.01.2025
Introduction
The optical materials are of great importance in the development of state-of-the-art optical systems. Glass and crystals are mainly used for the refractive media. However, with the advances in science and technology, there is a need to develop new, non-conventional optical materials. The importance of developing and using such materials for the optical systems can hardly be overestimated. In the context of vigorous technological progress and increasing performance requirements to the optical systems, new materials are becoming a key factor contributing to the process of development. The materials with favorable properties not only improve the quality of available solutions, but also open up new opportunities for innovation and scientific research.
Thermosetting optical polymer composites (thermosets)
In contrast to the optical glass and crystals, the polymeric materials have reduced cost, lower density and high impact resistance. The organic glass parts are produced using the highly efficient and cost-effective technologies.
In order to expand the range of polymer optical materials for the design of achromatic lenses, the optical epoxy polymer (OEP) has been developed [1]. The material consists of epoxy resin, decalite 6, sebacylic acid dibutylester, hydroxybenzophenone, low molecular polyamide, 1‑iodonaphthalene 10. The measured refractive indices are as follows: nF′ = 1.56662; ne = 1.55852; nD = 1.55491; nC′ = 1.55148. The transparent region of the developed material and its appearance are shown in Fig. 1. An achromatic lens has been designed based on the OEP [2].
Thermoplastic optical polymers (thermoplastics)
A number of thermoplastic optical materials (TOM) with a given run of dispersion curve have been synthesized which specifications are given in Table 1. For the obtained TOMs, the reflectivity of the refractive surface is no more than 0.06 (6%); its homogeneity is no lower than 3; its attenuation is no lower than 2; its unstriae is no lower than 3B; its bubble class is no lower than 3B; its integral optical transmission coefficient in a 2 mm thick layer is no less than 0.85.
The TOM with the lowest refractive index of those provided is a condensation product of epoxy-diane resin ED‑22 with 1,4‑butanediol diglycidyl ether and sebacylic acid dibutylester at a temperature of 60 °C for 8 hours. The polyoxypropyleneamines have been used as a hardener.
The TOM with the highest refractive index of those provided is a condensation product of epichlorohydrin with tetrabromodiphenylolpropane at a temperature of 90 °C for 20 hours. The hardener used has been the reaction products of polymerized fatty acids, vegetable oils and polyethylenepolyamines.
Based on some of the materials obtained, an apochromatic lens has been designed [3].
Gel-like optical media (gels)
A number of gel-like optical media (GOM) with a given run of dispersion curve have been synthesized which specifications are given in Table 2. For the obtained GOMs, the reflectivity of the refractive surface is no more than 0.05 (5%); its homogeneity is no lower than 4; its attenuation is no lower than 3; its unstriae is no lower than 3B; its bubble class is no lower than 3B; its integral optical transmission coefficient in a 2 mm thick layer is no less than 0.85.
The GOS with the lowest refractive index of those provided is perfluorohexyl alcohol after filtration through a blue-ribbon paper filter where polyvinylpyrrolidone is dissolved for gel formation.
The GOS with the highest refractive index of those provided is a solution of polyvinyl butyral in cyclohexanone at a temperature of 60 °C for 4 hours. Then it is filtered through a white-ribbon paper filter with an introduction of polyvinylpyrrolidone for gel formation. Fig. 2 shows the Abbe diagram nd (νd) of the materials presented in Tables 1–2.
Optical materials with increased radiation resistance
To design the apochromatic lenses with increased requirements for radiation load (radiation-optical resistance to γ-radiation with the doses of 106 R), a pair of materials has been developed: 1) GOS based on organosiloxanes obtained by hydrolytic polycondensation of dichloropolyorganosiloxanes; 2) TOM, obtained by epoxy resin cleaning from the salt formed during synthesis. The temperature coefficient of the refractive index of the spectral line is as follows: D dn / dt = 3 · 10–5 K−1. The technical specifications of materials are given in Table 3.
Based on the developed materials, the optical circuits of the lenses have been designed [4, 5]. In the optical systems where the gels and thermoplastics are applied, an important design feature for reliable shape retention of the elements is the need to place them inside at least a three-lens bond made of solid materials on the sides. An example of such a layout in a radiation-resistant lens is shown in Fig. 3, where GOS-R and TOM-R are located between the lenses made of TK216 glass.
Optical fluids
The liquid optical media (LOM) with a special dispersion run (extra-dispersive) [6] have been synthesized for efficient chromatic aberration correction, since the LOM application in lenses allows obtaining apochromatic aberration correction in a 1.5–2 times larger spectral range compared to the glass analogs. In addition, birefringence is not observed in the LOM, there are no hairlines and micrograin inhomogeneities. The transparent region of the LOM is Δλ ≈ 0.4÷1 μm. Structurally, the LOM completely fills the hermetically sealed volume between the optical elements in the solid phase state.
The technical specifications of materials are given in Table 4. The LOMs with refractive indices greater than 1.5 are described in [7, 8]. Fig. 4 shows a dependency diagram of the relative partial dispersion P = and the dispersion factor ν = for the LOMs obtained. The optical systems have been developed using some of the presented LOMs [9–12].
Optical adhesive
An elastic optical adhesive has been obtained including a base and a hardener: polyoxypropyleneamine and a liquid photostable additive with 2‑hydroxy‑4‑alkoxy benzophenone. A mixture of epoxy resin UP 631 and 1,4‑butanediol diglycidylether is used as a base. The adhesive can be applied for gluing optical parts, in particular when gluing the spectacle lenses. When using the adhesive in question, the Fresnel reflection is reduced, and transmission and photostableness are increased with simultaneous advanced eye protection against dangerous UV radiation [13]. Obviously, using a bond as a spectacle lens allows for more efficient aberration elimination. This fact is shown in Fig. 5 as an example for comparison.
Crystals for reflection
The materials that have long been used in the optical systems can also be applied in a non-standard way. For example, based on the reflectivity measurement results of leucosapphire (single-crystal optical sapphire, Al2O3), it was found that it has a fairly good ability to reflect IR radiation (Fig. 6).
With due regard to this feature, the dual-spectrum lenses for simultaneous operation in the visible and IR radiation bands can be developed on the basis of leucosapphire. Fig. 7 shows such a catadioptric lens, where leucosapphire is simultaneously a refractive (lens) and reflective (mirror) element of the optical system.
Conclusion
Various non-conventional optical materials developed using new compositions and technologies with the unique properties are presented, such as thermosets, thermoplastics, gels, liquids and adhesives. Some areas of non-standard application of such materials are described. Their practical application in the optical systems is indicated.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE AUTHORS
All authors contributed to the concept and design of the study.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors herewith declare that there is no conflict of interest.
AUTHORS
Agrinsky Mikhail Vladimirovich
Deputy General Director for R & D, JSC “Optical and Mechanical Design “ASTRON”, Moscow region, Lytkarino, Russia.
magr829@yandex.ru, +7 985 987-18-93.
ORCID: 0000-0001-9692-7836
Volynkin Valery Mikhailovich,
PhD in Chemistry, Senior Researcher, JSC “Research and Production Corporation S. I. Vavilova”, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
vvolynkin@yandex.ru
ORCID: 0000-0002-6325-1507
Scopus ID: 6601999426
RSCI ID: 151354
Otkupman Dmitriy Grigoryevich,
PhD Student, Senior Lecturer, Department of Optical Electronic Devices, Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography (MIIGAiK), Moscow, Russia.
odvk@ya.ru, +7 916 620-07-08
ORCID: 0000-0003-0054-3155
Scopus ID: 57296706300
Web of Science ResearcherID: AAC‑2048-2022
RSCI ID: 1025768
M. V. Agrinsky 1, V. M. Volynkin 2, D. G. Otkupman 3
ASTRON Optical and Mechanical Design Bureau, Moscow region, Lytkarino
Research and Production Association “Vavilov State Optical Institute”, Saint-Petersburg
Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography, Moscow
With the advances in optical technologies, the quality requirements for the optical and technical products are increasing. Therefore, there is a need to develop new optical materials that can improve the parameters and specifications of optical systems, such as transparency, lightness, strength, environmental resistance and cost efficiency. The paper considers some non-conventional optical materials and their practical application.
Key words: polymers, thermosets, thermoplastics, gels, radiation-resistant materials, liquids, adhesives for optical components, crystals
Article received: 27.12.2024
Article accepted: 31.01.2025
Introduction
The optical materials are of great importance in the development of state-of-the-art optical systems. Glass and crystals are mainly used for the refractive media. However, with the advances in science and technology, there is a need to develop new, non-conventional optical materials. The importance of developing and using such materials for the optical systems can hardly be overestimated. In the context of vigorous technological progress and increasing performance requirements to the optical systems, new materials are becoming a key factor contributing to the process of development. The materials with favorable properties not only improve the quality of available solutions, but also open up new opportunities for innovation and scientific research.
Thermosetting optical polymer composites (thermosets)
In contrast to the optical glass and crystals, the polymeric materials have reduced cost, lower density and high impact resistance. The organic glass parts are produced using the highly efficient and cost-effective technologies.
In order to expand the range of polymer optical materials for the design of achromatic lenses, the optical epoxy polymer (OEP) has been developed [1]. The material consists of epoxy resin, decalite 6, sebacylic acid dibutylester, hydroxybenzophenone, low molecular polyamide, 1‑iodonaphthalene 10. The measured refractive indices are as follows: nF′ = 1.56662; ne = 1.55852; nD = 1.55491; nC′ = 1.55148. The transparent region of the developed material and its appearance are shown in Fig. 1. An achromatic lens has been designed based on the OEP [2].
Thermoplastic optical polymers (thermoplastics)
A number of thermoplastic optical materials (TOM) with a given run of dispersion curve have been synthesized which specifications are given in Table 1. For the obtained TOMs, the reflectivity of the refractive surface is no more than 0.06 (6%); its homogeneity is no lower than 3; its attenuation is no lower than 2; its unstriae is no lower than 3B; its bubble class is no lower than 3B; its integral optical transmission coefficient in a 2 mm thick layer is no less than 0.85.
The TOM with the lowest refractive index of those provided is a condensation product of epoxy-diane resin ED‑22 with 1,4‑butanediol diglycidyl ether and sebacylic acid dibutylester at a temperature of 60 °C for 8 hours. The polyoxypropyleneamines have been used as a hardener.
The TOM with the highest refractive index of those provided is a condensation product of epichlorohydrin with tetrabromodiphenylolpropane at a temperature of 90 °C for 20 hours. The hardener used has been the reaction products of polymerized fatty acids, vegetable oils and polyethylenepolyamines.
Based on some of the materials obtained, an apochromatic lens has been designed [3].
Gel-like optical media (gels)
A number of gel-like optical media (GOM) with a given run of dispersion curve have been synthesized which specifications are given in Table 2. For the obtained GOMs, the reflectivity of the refractive surface is no more than 0.05 (5%); its homogeneity is no lower than 4; its attenuation is no lower than 3; its unstriae is no lower than 3B; its bubble class is no lower than 3B; its integral optical transmission coefficient in a 2 mm thick layer is no less than 0.85.
The GOS with the lowest refractive index of those provided is perfluorohexyl alcohol after filtration through a blue-ribbon paper filter where polyvinylpyrrolidone is dissolved for gel formation.
The GOS with the highest refractive index of those provided is a solution of polyvinyl butyral in cyclohexanone at a temperature of 60 °C for 4 hours. Then it is filtered through a white-ribbon paper filter with an introduction of polyvinylpyrrolidone for gel formation. Fig. 2 shows the Abbe diagram nd (νd) of the materials presented in Tables 1–2.
Optical materials with increased radiation resistance
To design the apochromatic lenses with increased requirements for radiation load (radiation-optical resistance to γ-radiation with the doses of 106 R), a pair of materials has been developed: 1) GOS based on organosiloxanes obtained by hydrolytic polycondensation of dichloropolyorganosiloxanes; 2) TOM, obtained by epoxy resin cleaning from the salt formed during synthesis. The temperature coefficient of the refractive index of the spectral line is as follows: D dn / dt = 3 · 10–5 K−1. The technical specifications of materials are given in Table 3.
Based on the developed materials, the optical circuits of the lenses have been designed [4, 5]. In the optical systems where the gels and thermoplastics are applied, an important design feature for reliable shape retention of the elements is the need to place them inside at least a three-lens bond made of solid materials on the sides. An example of such a layout in a radiation-resistant lens is shown in Fig. 3, where GOS-R and TOM-R are located between the lenses made of TK216 glass.
Optical fluids
The liquid optical media (LOM) with a special dispersion run (extra-dispersive) [6] have been synthesized for efficient chromatic aberration correction, since the LOM application in lenses allows obtaining apochromatic aberration correction in a 1.5–2 times larger spectral range compared to the glass analogs. In addition, birefringence is not observed in the LOM, there are no hairlines and micrograin inhomogeneities. The transparent region of the LOM is Δλ ≈ 0.4÷1 μm. Structurally, the LOM completely fills the hermetically sealed volume between the optical elements in the solid phase state.
The technical specifications of materials are given in Table 4. The LOMs with refractive indices greater than 1.5 are described in [7, 8]. Fig. 4 shows a dependency diagram of the relative partial dispersion P = and the dispersion factor ν = for the LOMs obtained. The optical systems have been developed using some of the presented LOMs [9–12].
Optical adhesive
An elastic optical adhesive has been obtained including a base and a hardener: polyoxypropyleneamine and a liquid photostable additive with 2‑hydroxy‑4‑alkoxy benzophenone. A mixture of epoxy resin UP 631 and 1,4‑butanediol diglycidylether is used as a base. The adhesive can be applied for gluing optical parts, in particular when gluing the spectacle lenses. When using the adhesive in question, the Fresnel reflection is reduced, and transmission and photostableness are increased with simultaneous advanced eye protection against dangerous UV radiation [13]. Obviously, using a bond as a spectacle lens allows for more efficient aberration elimination. This fact is shown in Fig. 5 as an example for comparison.
Crystals for reflection
The materials that have long been used in the optical systems can also be applied in a non-standard way. For example, based on the reflectivity measurement results of leucosapphire (single-crystal optical sapphire, Al2O3), it was found that it has a fairly good ability to reflect IR radiation (Fig. 6).
With due regard to this feature, the dual-spectrum lenses for simultaneous operation in the visible and IR radiation bands can be developed on the basis of leucosapphire. Fig. 7 shows such a catadioptric lens, where leucosapphire is simultaneously a refractive (lens) and reflective (mirror) element of the optical system.
Conclusion
Various non-conventional optical materials developed using new compositions and technologies with the unique properties are presented, such as thermosets, thermoplastics, gels, liquids and adhesives. Some areas of non-standard application of such materials are described. Their practical application in the optical systems is indicated.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE AUTHORS
All authors contributed to the concept and design of the study.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors herewith declare that there is no conflict of interest.
AUTHORS
Agrinsky Mikhail Vladimirovich
Deputy General Director for R & D, JSC “Optical and Mechanical Design “ASTRON”, Moscow region, Lytkarino, Russia.
magr829@yandex.ru, +7 985 987-18-93.
ORCID: 0000-0001-9692-7836
Volynkin Valery Mikhailovich,
PhD in Chemistry, Senior Researcher, JSC “Research and Production Corporation S. I. Vavilova”, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
vvolynkin@yandex.ru
ORCID: 0000-0002-6325-1507
Scopus ID: 6601999426
RSCI ID: 151354
Otkupman Dmitriy Grigoryevich,
PhD Student, Senior Lecturer, Department of Optical Electronic Devices, Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography (MIIGAiK), Moscow, Russia.
odvk@ya.ru, +7 916 620-07-08
ORCID: 0000-0003-0054-3155
Scopus ID: 57296706300
Web of Science ResearcherID: AAC‑2048-2022
RSCI ID: 1025768
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