Transparent Ceramics

Key Features of Transparent Ceramics (MgAl₂O₄)

• Outstanding scratch resistance – tougher than all natural materials except diamond and ruby
• Exceptional durability – 20 to 80 times longer lifespan compared to conventional glass
• Superior heat conductibility – significantly higher than standard glass materials
• High temperature resistance – withstands temperatures over 1,000°C (note: thermal shock may occur if temperature differentials exceeds 180°  between inner and outer surfaces)
• Excellent chemical resistance – resistant to all kinds of acids and alkalis across a wide range of concentrations, temperatures, and exposure times (except prolonged exposure to hydrofluoric acid)
• High optical transmission in Visible & IR range – compatible with a variety of coatings for enhanced performance
• No birefringence – ensures optical clarify and stability under stress
• High di-electric constant – suitable for specialized electrical and RF applications

Applications of Transparent Ceramics (MgAl₂O₄)

• Ballistic protection – protective composites for civil and military protection
• Machine windows – blast cubicles, observation ports, and safety windows
• Mobile device components – phone and camera covers, head-up displays, and protective screens
• Scanner systems – protective windows for document scanners and imaging systems
• Sensors – durable covers for optical and environmental sensors
• Watch components – cover glasses, case backs, bridges, bezels, and housings
• Architectural applications – floor lighting panels, illuminated stair treads, skywalks, etc
• Available Dimensions of Transparent Ceramics (MgAl₂O₄) 
• Standard plate sizes – from 90 x 90 x (0.5 -14) mm³ up to 140 x 110 x (0.5 – 2) mm³
• Tolerances – ± 0.01mm for length and width/diameter, ± 0.05mm for thickness
• Any geometries or disc formats within these measurements are feasible.
• Laminating onto a carrier glass or bonding multiple plates is possible to reach larger geometries.

Please contact us to discuss your application and request a quote of our Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics (MgAl₂O₄).

Frequently Asked Questions About Transparent Ceramics

What are the key properties that make Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics ideal for high-performance applications?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics (MgAl₂O₄) are ideal for high-performance applications because they combine exceptional optical clarity with outstanding mechanical and thermal properties. Key properties include:

• Extreme Hardness and Scratch Resistance – tougher than nearly all natural materials except diamond and ruby, ensuring long-term durability.
  
• Exceptional Durability – lasting 20 to 80 times longer than conventional glass under demanding conditions.
  
• High Thermal Stability – capable of withstanding temperatures over 1,000°C, making them suitable for high-heat applications.
  
• Excellent Chemical Resistance – stable against acids and alkalis across a wide range of concentrations and temperatures.
  
• Superior Optical Performance – high transmission in the visible and IR ranges, with no birefringence for clear and stable optics.
  
• Electrical and RF Compatibility – high dielectric constant allows use in specialized electrical and sensor applications.
  

These combined properties make Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics a robust, versatile, and reliable solution for advanced applications requiring strength, transparency, and long-term performance.

How does the scratch resistance of Transparent Ceramics compare to other materials?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics have exceptional scratch resistance, making them far tougher than most natural and synthetic materials. On the Mohs hardness scale 8-9, they resist scratches and wear much better than conventional glass or quartz in many applications. This extreme hardness ensures that surfaces remain clear, durable, and free from abrasion over long-term use, making Transparent Ceramics ideal for protective windows, mobile device covers, optical components, and other high-wear environments.

What makes Transparent Ceramics more durable than conventional glass?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics are significantly more durable than conventional glass due to their superior mechanical strength, hardness, and chemical stability. With hardness several times greater than glass and superior resistance to scratches and wear, transparent spinel ceramics retain optical clarity and structural integrity in demanding environments. They also tolerate elevated temperatures and aggressive chemicals better than typical glasses.  As a result, in many harsh industrial applications, Transparent Ceramics have service lives many  times longer than conventional glass, making them ideal for applications that demand long-term reliability and durability under harsh conditions.

How high of a temperature can Transparent Ceramics withstand?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics can withstand temperatures of over 1,000°C (1,832°F), making them suitable for high-heat and demanding industrial applications. However, care must be taken with rapid temperature changes, as thermal shock may occur if the temperature difference between the inner and outer surfaces exceeds 180°C. Their combination of high-temperature resistance and thermal stability allows Transparent Ceramics to maintain mechanical strength, optical clarity, and chemical resistance even under extreme heat conditions.

What thermal limitations should be considered when using Transparent Ceramics?

When using Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics, the main thermal limitation to consider is thermal shock. While these ceramics can withstand temperatures over 1,000°C (1,832°F), rapid or uneven temperature changes can cause stress and cracking. Specifically:

• Temperature Differential – If the difference between the inner and outer surfaces exceeds 180°C, thermal shock may occur.
  
• Gradual Heating and Cooling – Components should be heated or cooled gradually to avoid sudden expansion or contraction.
  
• High-Heat Applications – Ensure mounting, supports, or adjacent materials can accommodate expansion and avoid localized stress points.
  

By managing these thermal considerations, Transparent Ceramics can maintain their strength, optical clarity, and durability even in demanding high-temperature applications.

How resistant are Transparent Ceramics to acids, alkalis, and other chemicals?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics exhibit excellent chemical resistance, making them highly durable in harsh environments. They are stable against a wide range of acids and alkalis across various concentrations, temperatures, and exposure times. This resistance ensures that the material maintains its mechanical strength, optical clarity, and surface integrity even under prolonged chemical exposure. The main exception is prolonged contact with hydrofluoric acid, which can damage the ceramic. Overall, this chemical stability makes Transparent Ceramics ideal for industrial, medical, and laboratory applications where exposure to aggressive chemicals is common.

What optical properties make Transparent Ceramics suitable for visible and IR applications?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics are highly suitable for visible and infrared (IR) applications due to their exceptional optical properties:

• High Optical Transmission – They allow a large percentage of light to pass through across both the visible and IR spectra, enabling clear imaging and accurate light transmission.
  
• No Birefringence – The absence of birefringence ensures that light passes through without distortion, maintaining optical clarity and stability even under mechanical stress.
  
• Compatibility with Coatings – Transparent Ceramics can be coated with anti-reflective or protective layers to enhance performance for specific optical systems.
  
• Durability Under Stress – Unlike glass, they retain their optical clarity even after exposure to scratches, impacts, high temperatures, and chemical environments.
  

These properties make Transparent Ceramics ideal for optical windows, sensor covers, protective screens, and imaging systems that require reliable, high-performance transmission in both visible and IR ranges.

How does the absence of birefringence benefit optical performance?

The absence of birefringence in Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics ensures that light passes through the material without splitting into two separate rays, which can otherwise cause distortion, double images, or changes in polarization. This provides several benefits for optical performance:

• Clear and Accurate Imaging – Maintains sharpness and fidelity in cameras, sensors, and imaging systems.
  
• Stable Optical Properties Under Stress – Even under mechanical pressure or temperature changes, the material does not introduce optical artifacts.
  
• Consistent Light Transmission – Enables reliable performance in precision optical applications such as laser systems, protective windows, and optical instruments.
  

Overall, the lack of birefringence ensures high-quality, distortion-free optics, making Transparent Ceramics ideal for demanding optical and imaging applications.

Can Transparent Ceramics be used in electrical or RF applications?

Yes, Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics are suitable for electrical and RF (radio frequency) applications because they combine excellent electrical insulation with stable dielectric properties and very low dielectric loss.These characteristics allow the material to:

• Act as an insulator – Preventing unwanted current flow in high-voltage or sensitive electronic components.
  
• Perform reliably at high frequencies – Making it compatible with RF and microwave devices.
  
• Maintain stability under thermal and mechanical stress – Ensuring consistent electrical performance even in demanding environments.
  

These properties make Transparent Ceramics ideal for applications such as sensor covers, optical windows in RF systems, high temperature  electronics, high-frequency devices, and advanced communication systems where both optical clarity and electrical performance are required.

What types of applications are Transparent Ceramics commonly used for?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics are used in a wide range of high-performance applications where strength, transparency, and durability are critical. Common applications include:

• Ballistic Protection – Protective composites for civil and military use.
  
• Machine Windows – Blast cubicles, observation ports, and safety windows in industrial settings.
  
• Mobile Device Components – Phone and camera covers, head-up displays, and protective screens.
  
• Scanner Systems – Durable protective windows for document scanners and imaging devices.
  
• Sensors – Covers for optical, environmental, and industrial sensors.
  
• Watch Components – Cover glasses, case backs, bridges, bezels, and housings.
  
• Architectural Applications – Illuminated floor panels, stair treads, skywalks, and other structural or decorative elements.
  

These applications leverage Transparent Ceramics’ combination of mechanical strength, optical clarity, chemical resistance, and thermal stability for reliable long-term performance.

How are Transparent Ceramics used in ballistic protection or safety windows?

In ballistic protection and safety windows, Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics are used as a hard, impact-resistant layer that can absorb and dissipate energy from projectiles, blasts, or mechanical impacts. Key aspects include:

• High Hardness and Scratch Resistance – Helps prevent penetration and surface damage from bullets, shrapnel, or debris.
  
• Exceptional Durability – Maintains protective performance over long-term use, even under repeated impacts.
  
• Optical Clarity – Allows visibility through safety windows, blast cubicles, or armored panels without distortion.
  
• Layered or Laminated Designs – Often combined with carrier glass or multiple ceramic layers to achieve greater thickness, impact resistance, and energy absorption.
  
• Thermal and Chemical Stability – Ensures the protective window remains reliable under high temperatures or exposure to harsh environments.
  

These properties make Transparent Ceramics ideal for military armor, law enforcement shields, industrial safety windows, and blast-resistant observation ports where both visibility and protection are critical.

Can Transparent Ceramics be used for mobile device components like phone or camera covers?

Yes, Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics are ideal for mobile device components such as phone screens, camera covers, and head-up displays. Their extreme hardness and scratch resistance protect delicate surfaces from everyday wear and impact. Additionally, they offer high optical clarity, ensuring that displays and camera lenses deliver sharp, accurate images. Their thin, durable form allows integration into compact devices, while chemical and thermal stability ensures long-term performance, even with frequent handling, exposure to sunlight, or temperature variations. This combination of protection, clarity, and durability makes Transparent Ceramics a premium material for modern mobile electronics.

Are Transparent Ceramics suitable for scanner systems and sensor covers?

Yes, Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics are highly suitable for scanner systems and sensor covers due to their combination of optical clarity, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. Key benefits include:

• High Optical Transmission – Ensures accurate light passage for imaging, scanning, and sensor detection.
  
• No Birefringence – Maintains stable and distortion-free optical performance under stress.
  
• Extreme Hardness – Protects delicate scanner lenses and sensor surfaces from scratches and wear.
  
• Chemical and Thermal Resistance – Provides durability in industrial, laboratory, or outdoor environments.
  
• Customizable Shapes and Sizes – Can be fabricated to fit specific sensor housings or scanner windows.
  

These properties make Transparent Ceramics an excellent choice for document scanners, imaging systems, environmental sensors, and other precision optical devices that require both protection and high-performance light transmission.

How are Transparent Ceramics applied in watches or other precision instruments?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics are used in watches and precision instruments for components that demand durability, scratch resistance, and optical clarity. Typical applications include:

• Cover Glasses – Protect watch faces from scratches and impacts while maintaining clear visibility.
  
• Case Backs and Bridges – Provide structural strength and aesthetic transparency for high-end watch designs.
  
• Bezels and Housings – Combine mechanical toughness with sleek, polished surfaces for long-lasting wear.
  
• Precision Instrument Windows – Used in measurement devices or scientific instruments where clarity, hardness, and chemical stability are essential.
  

Their hardness, optical performance, and chemical resistance ensure that watches and instruments maintain functionality and appearance over time, even under daily wear, environmental exposure, or repeated handling.

Can Transparent Ceramics be used in architectural or lighting applications?

Yes, Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics are well suited for architectural and lighting applications due to their combination of strength, durability, and optical clarity. Common uses include:

• Illuminated Floor Panels and Stair Treads – Provide long-lasting, impact-resistant surfaces that transmit light effectively.
  
• Skywalks and Walkways – Transparent panels that support weight while maintaining visibility and safety.
  
• Decorative or Functional Lighting Elements – Light-diffusing panels, signage, or architectural features that require clarity, chemical resistance, and thermal stability.
  
• Laminated or Bonded Assemblies – Multiple plates or bonding to carrier glass can create larger, custom shapes for design flexibility.
  

These properties allow Transparent Ceramics to deliver durable, visually appealing, and high-performance solutions for both functional and aesthetic architectural or lighting projects.

What standard sizes and dimensions are available for Transparent Ceramics?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics are available in a variety of standard plate sizes to suit different applications. Typical dimensions include:

• Small Plates: From 90 × 90 × 0.5–14 mm³
  
• Larger Plates: Up to 140 × 110 × 0.5–2 mm³
  

These sizes can accommodate various geometries or disc formats within the specified measurements. Additionally, multiple plates can be laminated or bonded to carrier glass to achieve larger custom dimensions, providing flexibility for both standard and specialized applications.

What dimensional tolerances can be achieved for plates and discs?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics can be manufactured with precise dimensional tolerances to meet demanding application requirements:

• Length and Width/Diameter: ±0.01 mm
  
• Thickness: ±0.05 mm
  

These tight tolerances ensure that plates and discs fit accurately in assemblies, maintain optical performance, and are suitable for high-precision applications such as optics, sensors, mobile devices, and protective windows.

Are custom dimensions or disc formats available for Transparent Ceramics?

Yes, Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics can be fabricated in custom dimensions and disc formats to meet specific application requirements. Within the standard size ranges, AdValue Technology can produce unique cutouts, and contours tailored for optical components, protective windows, sensors, or other specialized devices. Custom fabrication ensures that the ceramics fit precisely, maintain optical clarity, and meet mechanical and thermal performance needs for demanding applications.

Can Transparent Ceramics be laminated onto carrier glass or bonded to multiple plates?

Yes, Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics can be laminated onto carrier glass or bonded to multiple plates to create larger or more complex assemblies. This allows designers to:

• Achieve Larger Geometries – Extend the size of transparent surfaces beyond individual plate dimensions.
  
• Enhance Mechanical Strength – Layered constructions can provide added durability and impact resistance.
  
• Maintain Optical Clarity – Proper bonding techniques preserve high transmission and low distortion.
  
• Customize for Specific Applications – Enable use in architectural panels, machine windows, ballistic protection, or other high-performance systems.
  

This flexibility makes Transparent Ceramics suitable for applications where large, durable, and optically precise surfaces are required.

How do Transparent Ceramics compare to sapphire and conventional glass in terms of performance and fabrication?

Perlucor® Transparent Ceramics offer a unique balance of performance and manufacturability compared to sapphire and conventional glass:

• Performance vs. Glass:
  
  • Much harder and more scratch-resistant, lasting 20–80 times longer than conventional glass.
    
  • Higher thermal stability and resistance to chemical attack, making them suitable for harsher environments.
    
  • Superior optical transmission in visible and IR ranges, with no birefringence for stable, distortion-free optics.
    
• Performance vs. Sapphire:
  
  • No birefringence, and no polarization distortion.
    
  • Comparable hardness and durability, but easier and more cost-effective to fabricate into larger components.
    
  • Sapphire conducts heat better, but Perlucor Transparent Ceramics tolerates thermal shock better.
    
• Fabrication Advantages:
  
  • Can be machined, polished, or bonded more readily than sapphire.
    
  • Supports custom geometries, laminations, and larger assemblies that are challenging or expensive with sapphire.
    

Overall, Transparent Ceramics combine high durability, optical performance, and thermal/chemical resistance with greater ease of fabrication, offering a practical and high-performance alternative to both conventional glass and sapphire for advanced applications.