Opticel bench

Low thermal expansion coefficient which can significantly reduce the influence of temperature fluctuations

A major problem with precision optics is the thermal expansion of almost all known materials. In the event of temperature change often optical components displace (for example lenses, prisms) within the optics system, which reduce the imaging accuracy or have to be compensated by complex measures.
In addition to their special suitability for lightweight structures and mechanics, silicon nitride-based ceramics in particular offer the advantage of a low thermal expansion coefficient which can significantly reduce the influence of temperature fluctuations on the image accuracy of optical systems. In special individual cases materials based on silicon carbide are also suitable for optical bench applications.