Zerodur

Zerodur is a microcrystalline glass-ceramic material, exhibiting a light yellow-brown appearance and characterized by an exceptionally low thermal expansion coefficient. This material is produced by Schott GmbH in Germany. Its thermal expansion can be considered negligible, even in the presence of substantial fluctuations in external temperature. Consequently, Zerodur is the material of choice for applications such as ring laser gyroscopes, astronomical telescopes, and specific laser components, demonstrating performance that is comparable to ultra-low expansion (ULE) glass. Jundro Ceramics is a global manufacturer of advanced materials, offering a diverse range of high-quality and complex products that significantly enhance performance for our customers' engineering requirements. Our extensive service offerings encompass material selection, precision machining, surface treatment, and quality inspection to ensure optimal results.

Zerodur Data Table

Zerodur Advantages

Can perform high-precision mechanical processing
Its average coefficient of thermal expansion is about 0 ± 0.007 · 10-6/K
Has strong stability to temperature changes
Zerodur has a uniform internal structure
Minimum deformation under load
Has good resistance to chemical substances such as acids and bases
Zerodur performs well in vacuum compatibility
Can provide transparency over a wide wavelength range

What can Zerodur be used for

Reflection mirror and bracket of laser gyroscope
X-ray mirror in synchrotron
Interferometer, optical table, length measurement system
Optical components of spectrometer
Laser interferometer
Planar wavefront sensor
Gravitational wave gravitational component
Optical satellite system
Astronomical telescope lenses (such as the main mirror of the Hubble Space Telescope)

Products

Performance of ZERODUR®		ZERODUR®
item	unit	Typical value
Physical property
colour		Translucent yellow
density	g/cm³	3.26
Gas permeability		-
hydroscopicity		-
Mechanical property
Knoop hardness	HK	620
Rockwell hardness	HRA	-
Vickers Hardness (Hv50)	Gpa(kg/mm)	-
Bending strength (20 °C)	Mpa	690
Compressive strength (20 °C)	Mpa	2940
Modulus of elasticity	Gpa	470
Poisson's ratio (20 °C)		0.25
Fracture toughness (20 °C)	MPa*1/2	30
Thermal performance
Thermal conductivity (20 °C)-400°C	W/(m·K)	1.46
Thermal expansion	10-6/℃	0.72
Maximum service temperature	°C	600
Electronic property
Dielectric medium	KV/mm	-
Dielectric constant	Er	1.4
Dielectric loss Angle (1MHz)		-

When processing precision materials like Zerodur, it is necessary to master some processing techniques, select suitable cutting tools, control cutting speed, and avoid material damage caused by overheating. After processing, careful inspection is required to confirm that the surface of the part is free of cracks or broken edges. If necessary, further ultra precision polishing treatment is required.

Jundro Ceramics excels in utilizing years of processing experience to produce high-quality precision Zerodur components that meet or exceed customer pre orders, ensuring the needs of daily use and special performance. If you need to machine Zerodur components, please contact our experts

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What is Schott zerodur used for?

Schott Zerodur is a specialized glass-ceramic material renowned for its exceptional thermal stability and minimal expansion coefficient, making it ideal for applications requiring precise dimensional stability under extreme temperature variations. Originally developed for astronomical telescope mirrors, Zerodur is utilized in high-precision optics, semiconductor lithography systems, and aerospace components where maintaining shape and optical performance in demanding environments is crucial. Its unique properties enable the construction of instruments that can withstand the rigors of space, maintain accuracy in laser systems, and ensure the reliability of scientific measurements in diverse fields.

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What are the characteristics of Schott zerodur

Schott Zerodur is a highly specialized glass-ceramic material renowned for its exceptional thermal and dimensional stability, making it ideal for precision applications in extreme environments. Its ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion, near-zero, ensures minimal distortion or deformation over a wide temperature range, crucial for demanding optical and scientific instruments like telescopes and lithography equipment. Zerodur's remarkable homogeneity and resistance to thermal shock make it invaluable in maintaining precise optical alignments and minimizing image degradation. These characteristics make it a material of choice for applications requiring uncompromising precision and stability.

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What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Schott zerodur?

The thermal expansion coefficient of Schott zerodur is an extremely zero-order expansion coefficient, and when ZERODUR® is heated, the microcrystals of its two-phase microscopic system contract while the glass matrix surrounding it expands. This results in an overall expansion close to zero, with accuracy as low as 0 ± 7 ppb/K at ambient temperatures

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Application areas of SCHOtt zerodur

ZERODUR®

Zero expansion transparent glass-ceramics

Special attribute

Very low coefficient of thermal expansion

Excellent material uniformity and purity

High operating temperature

High CTE uniformity

Excellent chemical stability

Typical application

Ultra-precision optics

Large telescope mirror substrate

The base plate of an X-ray telescope

Application of ring laser gyroscope

Optical components of the comet probe

Planar optics and optical planar devices

Space technology

Low expansion laser optics

Glass standards for precision measurement techniques

Mechanical laser resonator assembly

Optical fiber components and brackets

Lightweight cellular satellite mirror holder

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What are the ingredients of Schott zerodur?

The inorganic, non-porous lithium aluminum silicon oxide glass-ceramic, ZERODUR® is characterized by its extremely low thermal expansion, which is homogeneous throughout the entire volume. Additionally, it possesses a very low rate of imperfections, high strength compared to other glass-ceramics and is transparent to visible light. Smooth surfaces with a roughness in the sub-nm range are also achievable.

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Density of Zerodur

Zerodur boasts an impressively low density, approximately 2.53 grams per cubic centimeter, facilitating its use in lightweight yet durable optical and precision engineering applications.

Zerodur

Zerodur Advantages

Products

Zerodur Material Properties

How to Machining Zerodur

Industry Applications

Semiconductor - Schott 0-expansion microcrystalline glass

Astronomical Telescope - Schott 0 Expanded Glass

Optical field - Schott 0-expansion microcrystalline glass

Application of Schott Microcrystalline Glass in the Chemical Industry

Schott microcrystalline glass used in the aviation industry

Frequently Asked Question