SCHOTT launches new high-powered laser glass with improved thermomechanical strength and optical performance

APG-760, a phosphate glass, features impressive thermomechanical strength and superior optical capabilities. It is ideal for laser shot peening and other material processing applications.

Laser shot peening is a method of strengthening metal materials through the use of high-powered lasers. It improves fatigue, corrosion and cracking resistance, and is commonly used in jet engines, airplane wings, manufacturing equipment, and medical implants. 

Typically, laser glass for high-powered applications involves trade-offs between the strength of glass and laser output. Improved glass strength results in reduced laser output, but improved laser strength requires stronger glass. 

Researchers at SCHOTT’s North American Research and Development Center in Duryea, Pennsylvania, developed a glass composition that found a middle ground, resulting in APG-760, which maintains the thermal performance of APG-1, the standard-bearer for laser peening applications, while producing up to 20% more laser output. 

“Glass is the heart of the laser. The release of APG-760 addresses a long-standing need for high-powered laser glass,” said Dr. Simi George, Product Manager, Laser Components at SCHOTT. “The result is a glass capable of speeding up material processing.”

APG-760 is available with dielectric coatings and a full range of precision polishes and coatings. The glass is available with Nd3+ concentrations in the range of 0.5- 4% by weight.

SCHOTT also showcased work by renowned sculptor Christopher Ries. As SCHOTT artist-in-residence, Ries employed SCHOTT’s Duryea, PA facilities in the creation of some of the world’s largest monolithic glass sculptures. These sculptures are featured in leading museums and private collections all over the world. Sculptures by Ries, including the work on display at SPIE Optifab, are available for purchase.

SCHOTT is a leading international technology group in the areas of specialty glass and glass-ceramics. The company has more than 130 years of outstanding development, materials and technology expertise and offers a broad portfolio of high-quality products and intelligent solutions. SCHOTT is an innovative enabler for many industries, including the home appliance, pharma, electronics, optics, life sciences, automotive and aviation industries.