Refractive index, dispersion, Tg, water uptake, transmission band, and birefringence character for the optical polymers we run. Where polymer is the wrong answer, the watch-for line says so — that earns trust faster than overselling.
Industry-typical optical-grade properties. Specific grade choice (e.g. Zeonex E48R vs 480R, TOPAS 5013L-10 vs 6013S-04) drives Tg, flow, and water-uptake within the cyclic-olefin families; confirm against current supplier datasheets before locking process.
Optical polymers — typical properties
| Polymer | Abbr. | nd | vd | Tg | Water 24h | Transmission | Birefringence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical PMMA | PMMA | 1.491 | 57.4 | 105 °C | 0.3% / 24h | 380–1100 nm | Low–moderate; sensitive to pack/hold |
| Optical Polycarbonate | PC | 1.585 | 30.0 | 147 °C | 0.15% / 24h | 400–1600 nm | High; stress-optic coefficient is large |
| Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (TOPAS) | COC | 1.533 | 56.2 | 78–178 °C (grade-dependent) | <0.01% / 24h | 380–1600 nm | Very low |
| Cyclic Olefin Polymer (Zeonex) | COP | 1.530 | 55.8 | 123–163 °C (grade-dependent) | <0.01% / 24h | 380–1600 nm | Very low |
| Zeonex E48R | E48R | 1.531 | 55.8 | 139 °C | <0.01% / 24h | 380–1600 nm | Very low |
| OKP-1 / OKP-4 (polyester high-index) | OKP | 1.642–1.654 | 21.5–23.2 | 108–127 °C | 0.2–0.4% / 24h | 420–1600 nm | Low–moderate |
| Polysulfone | PSU | 1.633 | 23.3 | 185 °C | 0.3% / 24h | 420–1600 nm | Moderate |
| Optical Polystyrene | PS | 1.590 | 30.8 | 100 °C | 0.05% / 24h | 390–1100 nm | Moderate; orientation-driven |
Cost-driven visible imaging, illumination optics, light pipes, and consumer eyewear where environment is mild. Surface scratch resistance and humidity uptake; not for sustained high-temperature operation or outdoor UV without protective coating.
Impact-resistant covers, safety eyewear, automotive light guides, and parts that need thermal headroom. Birefringence-driven contrast loss in imaging paths; demands disciplined gating and process for low-stress molded form.
Medical and diagnostic optics, low-moisture-uptake parts, NIR sensors, and biophotonic disposables. Grade selection drives Tg over a wide range; specify the exact grade (e.g. 5013L-10, 6013S-04) before locking process.
DMS/OMS imaging in automotive, mobile camera modules, AR/VR waveguide adjacents, low-stress aspheres. Static charge handling and tool venting; chemical compatibility narrower than PMMA.
Workhorse grade for low-birefringence visible and NIR imaging; common in DMS lens stacks. Confirm grade vs newer Zeonex 480R for moisture, flow, and Tg trade-offs.
High-index flint element of a polymer doublet — pairs with COP/COC crown to control chromatic aberration without glass. Higher dispersion and slightly narrower visible transmission than COP; pair grade selection with crown polymer.
High-temperature optical and electro-optical parts (sterilization-tolerant, autoclave-survivable medical components). Amber base tint shifts color balance; not for neutral-photometric imaging without correction.
Low-cost imaging, light-pipe segments paired with PMMA as a high-index flint analogue in commodity stacks. UV yellowing and limited environmental durability; rarely the right answer outside cost-driven consumer programs.
Send the prescription and the operating envelope. We will tell you when polymer wins, when glass wins, and which grade earns its place in your stack.
