Re: ATM Lenses from natural quartz

[Bill Marriott <btk@pacbell.net>]

Dominic-Luc Webb molmed wrote:
> 
Dominic

> Does anyone here know (maybe a reference) that 
> naturally occuring quartz can be used to make optics 
> and any ideas as to how suitable it is in making high > quality lenses (i.e., UV
> transmitting, etc)?
> 
> Dominic

Before the advent of syntheticly grown crystal quartz, natural crystal
was used for both optics and piezo electric stuff. During WWII, having
difficulties getting high quality crystal from Argentina, the Germans
developed the techniques for growing crystals (So I've been told
anyway). I suspect that the yield of optical grade material was fairly
low, as compared to "electronic grade", as well as issues of orientation
of the lattice probably made it difficult to work with...

These days, for UV work, high grade optical fused silica preforms
well....

Bill Marriott
http://www.starlightoptical .com
telescope/optical stuff

PS: Nice running into you over at Chabot