ZBLAN fluoride glass

Glasses, oxides and dielectrics

1 dataset, together covering 0.365–3.5 µm. Default: Gan 1995: n 0.365–3.50 µm.

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Datasets

Gan 1995: n 0.365–3.50 µm n 0.365–3.5 µm default

Use it in Lightsmith

Load this data in Python, simulate in one more line

pip install lightsmith

import lightsmith as ls

# ZBLAN fluoride glass: Gan 1995: n 0.365–3.50 µm
zblan = ls.fetch_refractiveindex("glass", "ZBLAN", "Gan", ref="c5c2f188e848453def5970e347399d653df2ffc2")
print(zblan.range_nm)  # (365, 3500) nm
eps = zblan.eps([633])  # complex permittivity

Downloads the original record once (pinned to the imported snapshot) and caches it.

import json, urllib.request
import lightsmith as ls

url = "https://materials.lightsmith.dev/v1/datasets/ds_95d44232242c/lightsmith"
zblan = ls.Tabulated.model_validate(json.load(urllib.request.urlopen(url)))
print(zblan.source)  # citation and provenance travel with the data

Any dataset here, as the library's Tabulated material (zblan/gan-1995).

# ... load zblan as above, then:
sim = ls.Simulation(
    particles=[ls.Particle(shape=ls.Sphere(radius_nm=50), material=zblan)],
    medium_index=1.0,
    wavelengths=ls.WavelengthRange(start_nm=400, stop_nm=1000, num=81),
)
res = ls.solve(sim)  # exact Mie for a sphere
print(res.q_ext)     # extinction efficiency at each wavelength

Same spec runs with DDA, FDTD, BEM or T-matrix: ls.compare(sim, ["mie", "dda"]).

import json, urllib.request
import lightsmith as ls

url = "https://materials.lightsmith.dev/v1/datasets/ds_95d44232242c/lightsmith?model=drude_lorentz"
zblan_dl = ls.DrudeLorentz.model_validate(json.load(urllib.request.urlopen(url)))

A dispersive Drude–Lorentz model for time-domain solvers.

Materials guide Open a sphere of it in Studio Quick start Ask the community

Lightsmith is open source (MIT): Mie, T-matrix, BEM, DDA, FDTD, RCWA, TMM, mode solvers and inverse design behind one spec, on CPU or GPU. GitHub.

About ZBLAN fluoride glass

ZBLAN is a type of heavy-metal fluoride glass composed primarily of zirconium, barium, lanthanum, aluminum, and sodium fluorides. It is distinguished by its exceptional transmission capabilities in the mid-infrared range, often far superior to that of silica-based glasses. ZBLAN glass is renowned for its low levels of optical scattering, low refractive index variations, and low optical losses, making it an ideal material for fiber-optic applications, especially for those operating in the infrared spectrum. It also boasts a broad transmission window, from the ultraviolet through to the mid-infrared, and is often used in applications like spectroscopy, laser transmission, and sensing where these properties offer distinct advantages. However, ZBLAN can be challenging to manufacture and work with due to its sensitivity to impurities and crystallization. Despite these challenges and its relatively high cost, the unique optical properties of ZBLAN make it indispensable for specialized applications where conventional optical materials fall short. Typical composition: 53% ZrF₄, 20% BaF₂, 20% NaF, 4% LaF₃, 3% AlF₃

API: /v1/materials/mat_b797e9564686 · slug zblan