Translume is the acknowledged leader in micromachining fused silica (amorphous silicon dioxide) glass. Using proprietary laser writing technology, Translume can create complex 3-D optical waveguides in the interior of a fused silica structure, without removing material. By combining this capability with proprietary etching processes, Translume can also selectively - and very precisely - remove material, to accuracies of a few microns, to create holes, grooves, channels, tunnels etc in a fused silica structure. This leads, for example, to the ability to optically interrogate (via the written waveguides) the contents of the hole, groove, channel, etc.

This same precise selective removal process can be used to create complex free-standing fused silica structures, including 3-D MEMS with moving elements. As an example, Translume has created fused silica structures that replace Invar metal structures. Invar is often used because its coefficient of thermal expansion closely matches that of glass. Of course, for fused silica, this match is exact.

Translume offers a variety of fabrication and integration services for custom applications, as well as internally developed products for specific applications. Please click on the above topics to learn - and see - more...