23 Optical Glass Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for optical glass as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 23 optical glass manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked optical glass companies as of November, 2024: 1.Albemarle Corp., 2.SCHOTT North America, Inc, 3.HOYA CORPORATION USA Optics Division.
Table of Contents
What Is Optical Glass?
Optical glass is glass made of silica stone or silica sand, mainly composed of silicon (silicon), and contains very few impurities that could compromise its transparency.
Because it is homogeneous and has few air bubbles or scratches, it is used in optical devices that transmit light, such as lenses and prisms. BK7 is used mainly in the visible region, while fused quartz or synthetic quartz is used in the ultraviolet region.
There are various grades of synthetic quartz, and it is important to note that the transmittance, especially in the ultraviolet region, varies depending on the material and grade.
Uses of Optical Glass
Optical glass is often used for optical elements that transmit light, such as lenses, prisms, optical filters, and window plates for detectors. It is also used for light propagation in light guides and optical fibers. Optical glass is also used in exposure devices, which are important equipment in semiconductor manufacturing.
As the integration of semiconductor devices increases, the purity and precision of optical glass must be further improved. Radiation shielding window glass, which shields only against radiation, is also used in a variety of fields, as glass properties can be changed by additives.
Applications in research and experiments are as follows:
1. Basic Research
In basic research, optical glass can be used as a substrate, and samples can be coated or deposited on the glass for spectroscopic measurements. Graphene, a two-dimensional material that has attracted much attention in recent years, has also been transferred onto optical glass and is now available for sale. Graphene is usually fabricated on copper substrates. However, by transferring it onto glass substrates, it can be used in various spectroscopic studies due to its ability to observe transmitted light.
2. Optical Experiments Using Lasers
Optical glass may also be used in optical experiments using lasers. For example, optical glass is used as a reflector. In general, glass has a higher refractive index at the wavelength of blue light compared to red light, and of the light that passes through it, blue light travels faster than red light.
Therefore, optical glass can also be used to control the wavelength dispersion of pulsed light in pulsed lasers to increase (chirp) or decrease the pulse width when dealing with light that exists in a specific region on the time axis, as in pulsed lasers.
Principles of Optical Glass
Among types of optical glass, synthetic fused silica has no internal bubbles or scratches, is highly transparent, and can transmit light in the ultraviolet region. Synthetic quartz used to be the optical element for transmitting ultraviolet light in the past. However, recent technological advancements have enabled the development of products that achieve ultraviolet light transmission through resin.
In addition to transmittance at each wavelength and foreign matter, optical glass is important not only for its transmittance but also for its non-uniformity of refractive index. This is caused by the linear or layered formation of glass material with a refractive index that differs from the principal refractive index. For example, consider a lens, which is an optical component that bends and focuses light. The greater the difference in refractive index between the lens and air, the more light bends, and the closer the lens can focus light (shorter focal point), the smaller the optical system can be.
Cutting and polishing are the most common manufacturing methods. However, for fused silica glass, which has a low melting point, molding or press molding may be used for inexpensive mass production. Whether optical polishing is applied to one or both sides is selected at the time of order placement, and prices vary.
Other Information on Optical Glass
Refractive Index of Optical Glass
The refractive index of optical glass is larger in the ultraviolet region than in the infrared region and has a smooth dispersion. This dispersion varies depending on the glass material and is very important in optical experiments using the refractive index.
For example, the refractive index of synthetic quartz is approximately 1.48 at wavelengths around 340nm, 1.457 at 650nm, and 1.452 at 900nm. The refractive indices of BK7 are approximately 1.54 near 340nm, 1.514 near 650nm, and 1.509 near 900nm. The dispersion of the refractive index can be checked in advance, as each manufacturer provides it.
The wavelength dispersion of the pulsed light of a pulsed laser is affected by the above difference in refractive index. The group velocity dispersion of the pulses can be controlled by the material and the thickness of the glass. Therefore, the pulse shape can be designed based on the information of the difference in refractive indices of each wavelength.
List of 23 Optical Glass Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
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- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
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- United States of America
- China
- Germany
- Japan
- United Kingdom
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Albemarle Corp.
Optical Products and Glass
Manufacturer Overview
Albemarle Corp., founded in 1887 and headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a manufacturer specializing in catalyst solutions and performance chemicals. It operates under three distinct segments: lithium, bromine, and catalysts. The lithium business offers materials, including lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, lithium chloride, and lithium specialties and reagents. The bromine segment provides fire safety solutions and specialty chemicals. The Catalysts segment encompasses product lines like Clean Fuels Technologies (CFT), fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts, and performance catalyst solutions (PCS). The company serves diverse end markets, including energy storage, petroleum refining, consumer electronics, construction, pharmaceuticals, and more.
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Coresix Precision Glass, Inc.
Optical Glass
Manufacturer Overview
Coresix Precision Glass, Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer of custom glass components founded in 2002 and headquartered in Virginia, USA. The company specializes in precision glass solutions, including custom components and products. It offers glass wafers, display glass, optical glass, solar cover glass, and sheet glass. The company also provides custom glass manufacturing services, such as glass cutting, edging, and polishing, as well as laser marking, glass inspection, and chemical strengthening. It serves the aerospace, avionics, biotechnology, optics, and semiconductor industries.
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United Lens Co., Inc.
OPTICAL GLASS
Manufacturer Overview
United Lens Co., established in 1916 and based in Southbridge, Massachusetts, is a vertically integrated manufacturer of optical components. Its diverse product range includes thin-film coatings, stocked optics, and test plates/mirror blanks. Certified with the ISO 9001:2008 certification standards and the ITAR registration, its products also meets MIL-PRF-13830B, MIL-I-45208, and ISO-10110 standards. These components find use in optical instruments, laser technology, industrial processes, as well as in military and defense, and photonics.
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Sydor Optics, Inc.
OPTICAL GLASS
Manufacturer Overview
Sydor Optics, Inc., a pioneer manufacturer in double-sided grinding and polishing, boasts US polishing machines for comprehensive plano optics solutions. Founded in 1964 by optics pioneer Stefan Sydor, the company blends traditional craftsmanship and top-notch customer service. Stefan's legacy is carried on by his son, Jim Sydor, and grandsons, Matthew and Jonathan. With unwavering attention to detail and modern fabrication tech, Sydor Optics produces high-precision optics for varied needs. The incomparable service is reflected in their consistently high quality and on-time delivery record.
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HOYA CORPORATION USA Optics Division
Optical Glass
Manufacturer Overview
Hoya Corporation USA Optics Division, established in 1972, is a supplier of advanced optical materials and components, operating from Milpitas, in the USA. The company provides optical materials and components including color filter glass and photosensitive glass, glass polarizers, aspherical lenses and specialty glass and components. Industries served include aerospace, biomedical, semiconductor and telecommunications. Capabilities include fabrication, grinding, polishing, shaping, tempering and coating. Its global network of R&D enables it to offer end-to-end solutions unmatched by competitors. Since its establishment as Japan’s first specialty manufacturer of optical glass in 1941, it has diversified into new business domains.
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SCHOTT North America, Inc
OPTICAL GLASS
Manufacturer Overview
SCHOTT North America, Inc., founded in 1884 and located in Rye Brook, New York, is a manufacturer of specialty glass and glass-ceramics. They offer a diverse range of products that include ambient light, borofloat, glass door systems, pharmaceutical type I glass tubing, and nextrema. SCHOTT's specialty glass and glass-ceramics offer unique properties such as high heat resistance, chemical durability, optical clarity, and thermal shock resistance, making them crucial components in technological and manufacturing processes. Their products have diverse applications across industries, including lighting and illumination, laboratory and pharmaceutical settings, home appliances, industrial and process equipment, electronics, and optics.
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Tintometer GmbH
W600 Optical Glass
Manufacturer Overview
Tintometer GmbH is a manufacturer of water testing and color measurement products founded in 1885 and headquartered in Dortmund, Germany. The company offers water testing solutions, including a range of colorimeters, comparators, and water testing kits. It also provides visual and automated color measurement instruments, such as spectrophotometers, colorimeters, and color comparators. The company’s products are sold under the trademark Lovibond in over 140 countries worldwide. It adheres to ASTM, DIN, AOCS, and ISO international standards, serving various industries, including water treatment, food and beverage, oils, and more.
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VY Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.
Optical glass ZK9
Manufacturer Overview
VY Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of different kinds of optical precision element and photographic lens &accessory. The company is located in Jilin, China and is founded in The company product portfolio includes laser optics, imaging lenses, optical component, lasers. The company integrate lens design, production and sales. Application of the company’s items are very extensive and involves in military, aerospace, industry, scientific, medical instrument, photoelectric device, optical communication and mechanical equipment and so on.
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Crystran Ltd
Optical Glass (N-BK7 and others)
Manufacturer Overview
Crystran Ltd was founded in 1993 and is a manufacturer of crystal-based optical components based in Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom. The company's product portofolio includes windows, lenses, dispersing prisms, and ATR spectroscopy prisms. Custom-made optical products requests are also accepted by the company to adhered to the customers' specification. The company has been certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001 to provide quality and environmental industry standards expected by the customers.
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TOYOTEC Co., Ltd
Optical Glass Lens
Manufacturer Overview
Toyotec Co., Ltd., founded in 1960, is a manufacturer of optoelectronics based in Japan. The company manufactures optics (opto) mechanical (precision machinery) electronics (electronic technology) products such as plastic lenses, glass lenses, hybrid lenses, and mechanical parts. In addition, the company has an integrated production in Japan from high precision tooling fabrication to optical coating manufacturing to ensure clients receive products that meet a certain standard. The company also provides services including customer support and after sales services.
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OHARA INC
Optical Glass for Polished Lenses
Manufacturer Overview
OHARA INC., established in 1935 and headquartered in Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa, Japan, is a manufacturer of optical glass products. Its diverse product range encompasses optical glass for polished lenses, Low Tg Optical Glass, and glass ceramics. These materials find application across various industries, particularly in optical and electronic equipment. The company's products are utilized in a wide range of applications, making them an essential component in the manufacturing of quality lenses and optical systems.
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SUMITA
Optical Glass Materials
Manufacturer Overview
SUMITA New Glass & Fiber Optics, established in 1953, is a manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Saitama, Japan, specializing in the production and distribution of light and optical glass products. The company's range of products includes optical glass materials, aspherical/specialty lenses, optical devices, small lens units, and fiber optic components. These products find applications in industrial equipment, automobiles, medical devices, energy, and measurement devices. They hold certifications such as ISO9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, and ISO14001:2015.
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Abrisa Technologies
Glass Materials
Manufacturer Overview
Abrisa Technologies, established in 1948 in Santa Paula, California, USA, is a premier manufacturer and supplier of custom glass fabrication and thin film optical coatings. The company's diverse product portfolio includes a wide range of glass materials and ultra-thin fabrication coatings used in various industries such as displays, electronics, aerospace, and more. These precision coatings enhance optical performance and durability in critical applications. Abrisa Technologies aims at pushing the boundaries of optical technology, delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower industries to achieve enhanced visual experiences, advanced technologies, and superior functionality.
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Jiangyin Deli Laser Solutions Co., Ltd
Optical glass/ cover windows/ optical filter
Manufacturer Overview
Jiangyin Deli Laser Solutions Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer of laser micromachining tools established in 2011 and based in Jiangyin City, China. The company's product lineup includes laser drilling machines for creating micro holes in various materials, laser cutting machines for precision microfabrication of products such as LED chips, and laser etching machines for detailed surface modification processes. It also offers custom micromachining services for unique client projects. The company's products are commonly used in the manufacture of consumer electronics, semiconductors, and medical devices.
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Telco
Glass Fibre Optics
Manufacturer Overview
Telco Sensors, established in 1975 and headquartered in Brovst, Jammerbugt, is a designer, developer, and manufacturer of industrial automation and sensing products. Some of its products include photoelectric sensors, photoelectric amplifiers, light curtains, and optical fork sensors. These products find application in various industrial processes and machinery for object detection, safety, and automation. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and all of its products carry a 3-year warranty. The company's network spans six continents and provides around-the-clock service.
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WEINERT industries AG
Optical glass fiber bundles
Manufacturer Overview
WEINERT Industries AG is a manufacturer of fiber optic solutions and special components, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Neuhaus-Schierschnitz, Germany. The company offers ultrapure fused silica, preforms, and rods, as well as optical fibers, cables, assemblies, polishing discs and films, and various accessories. It also provides fiber manufacturing and engineering, development and consulting, and fiber services. The company has a global distribution network spanning Europe, America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It serves the transportation, marine, data communications and network, optical metrology, and healthcare sectors.
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Advanced Optics, Inc.
OPTICAL GLASS FABRICATION MATERIALS
Manufacturer Overview
Advanced Optics, Inc., established in 1966 and based in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, is a manufacturer of optical mirrors, optical flats, and windows. Some of its products include precision optical mirrors, commercial-grade optical windows, custom optical flats, dichroic optical filters, and optical lenses. The products are useful in several industries, including astronomy, aerospace, commercial avionics, security/defense, and life sciences. The company manufactures all its products in the United States and can custom-make them and assist with prototyping for large and small projects. No product leaves the company unless it has 100% passed the quality assurance process.
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Tovaoptec
Optical Glass Products
Manufacturer Overview
Tovaoptec is a Korean manufacturer of optical glass founded in 2005. The company manufactures optical glass for electronic devices with the use of optical thin film deposition technology. It provides optical glass products such as anti-reflection glass and plastics, AC glass, UV cut glass, anti-fingerprint nano-coating glass, and tempered glass. These products are mostly offered to business owners in the fields of commercial, medical, automotive, as well as AVIONICS and military industries.
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OMG CO.,LTD
Opticla Glass Material
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Artifex Engineering GmbH & Co. KG
Optics
Company Overview
Artifex Engineering GmbH & Co. KG, a company established in 2001 and based in Emden, Niedersachsen, is a manufacturer and supplier of measuring instruments and optical components. Its specialization is manufacturing measuring instruments such as optical power meters, trans-impedance amplifiers, integrating spheres, and pulsed laser diode drivers. It also manufactures optical components, including beamsplitters, optical filters and lenses, polarization optics, laser lighthouses, and composite optics. The company has obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification. Its manufactured products are utilized for industrial and metrological industries across Germany and the UK.
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ISUZU GLASS LTD.
Optical Colored Glass
Distributor Overview
ISUZU GLASS LTD. founded in 1905 and headquartered in Izumisano, Osaka, is an ISO 14001 certified manufacturer and supplier of optical colored glass. The company's product range includes Opal diffusing glass, UV transmitting filters, UV transmitting and visible absorbing filters, and Heat absorbing filters. These products are commonly used in applications that require specific light filtering and diffusion capabilities. They serve industries such as Medical, Sensor, UV LED, Laser, 3D Printer, and Projector sectors. Beyond its core manufacturing, the company offers design, customization, and after-sales support for its range of optical products.
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Präzisions Glas & Optik GmbH
Optical and Technical Glasses
Distributor Overview
Präzisions Glas & Optik GmbH was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, as a supplier of specialty technical glass for the optoelectronics and semiconductor business. Included in the delivery program are thin and ultra-thin glass materials, as well as microsheets designed for electronic packaging. They manufacture glass components, coated optics, and glass ceramics for various markets and applications. The extensive range of products includes multiple optical components such as bespoke coatings, optical filters, optical windows, optical substrates, and other related items.
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Optical Glass Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albemarle Corp. |
9.9%
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| 2 | SCHOTT North America, Inc |
9.5%
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| 3 | HOYA CORPORATION USA Optics Division |
6.9%
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| 4 | Coresix Precision Glass, Inc. |
6.4%
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| 5 | Tovaoptec |
6.0%
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| 6 | United Lens Co., Inc. |
5.4%
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| 7 | Sydor Optics, Inc. |
5.4%
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| 8 | Crystran Ltd |
5.1%
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| 9 | OMG CO.,LTD |
4.8%
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| 10 | Glass Fab, Inc |
4.7%
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Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the optical glass page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- SCHOTT North America, Inc: 17,300
- OHARA INC: 478
- SUMITA: 380
Newly Established Company
- VY Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.: 2010 (14 years ago)
- Tovaoptec: 2005 (19 years ago)
- Coresix Precision Glass, Inc.: 2002 (22 years ago)
Company with a History
- SCHOTT North America, Inc: 1884 (140 years ago)
- Tintometer GmbH: 1885 (139 years ago)
- United Lens Co., Inc.: 1916 (108 years ago)
Optical Glass Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Albemarle Corp.
- Coresix Precision Glass, Inc.
- United Lens Co., Inc.
- Sydor Optics, Inc.
- HOYA CORPORATION USA Optics Division
- SCHOTT North America, Inc
- Glass Fab, Inc
Global Distribution of Optical Glass Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
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United States of America
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7 | 46.7% |
Japan
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4 | 26.7% |
Germany
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2 | 13.3% |
China
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1 | 6.7% |
United Kingdom
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1 | 6.7% |
List of Optical Glass Products
6 products are listed.
A -Kay Corporation Co., Ltd.
Compatible with plate materials (strip products, fine ant products), gobs, etc. optical glass (gifts)
40+ people viewing
We will sell the glass materials of domestic and overseas optical glass manufacturers. Depending on the customer's application, we will support pla...
A -Kay Corporation Co., Ltd.
Calcogenide glass from glass material to lens finished with AR
30+ people viewing
■ Characteristics ・ Belgian UMICORE (Yumikore), SCHOTT, Gosuzu Seiko Glassha, Shinkohisa, China, and Calcogenide Glasses with different characteri...
A -Kay Corporation Co., Ltd.
Wide processing compatible quartz glass
30+ people viewing
From general heat -resistant parts using molten quartz to optical parts using high -grade synthetic quartz, and semiconductor photo mask boards, we...
Kita Nippon Electric Wire Co., Ltd.
Excellent beam position accuracy light device lens array
20+ people viewing
■ Overview ・ Realization of the lens is assembled by assembling the refractive index distribution type lens (GI lens) on a glass substrate with V ...
