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Micronit uses many different glass types that can be divided in two groups:
Borosilicate
Borosilicate glass is a very commonly used glass type. It can resist strong acids, saline solutions, chlorine, bromine, iodine and strong oxidizing and corrosive chemicals. Even for a longer period of time and at temperatures above 100 ˚C it exceeds the chemical inertness of most metals and other materials.
Borosilicate glass is a mass produced, and therefore not expensive. It is available in many different thicknesses.
Fused silica
For certain optical applications, borosilicate glass does not have the optimal specifications. Using fused silica chips can then offer a solution. The main advantages of fused silica are its transparency in the UV regime, its low autofluorescence, and its resistance to high temperatures..
Fused silica is often confused with quartz. But whereas quartz is a crystalline material, fused silica is amorphous, just like other glass types. Fused silica has excellent optical properties and an uniform chemical consistence.
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In the figure above, the typical transmittance of borosilicate and fused silica is plotted as a function of the wavelength (click on the image to enlarge). Fused silica has a high optical transmittance, even with low wavelengths. It can be used in applications with a wavelength down to approximately 190 nm. For comparison, most borosilicate glass types are only transparent down to 350 nm. Fused silica is the best material for applications that require UV transmittance or need low autofluoresence.