Nye Lubricants: Optical & Photonic Applications

Optical Gels and Fluids

Overview

Nye's optical gels and fluids are designed to serve as a "bridge" for light signals. When applied between two solid materials, such as transparent plastics and glasses, they minimize reflection of light by matching the refractive index of the mating materials, thereby optimizing light transmission.

Also known as "index-matching" gels and fluids, these optical couplants offer other advantages. Unlike optical epoxies, Nye's optical gels allow pliable mechanical connections between rigid parts. They are viscoelastic and can take up the differential thermal expansion of precision optical parts without inducing excessive stresses or delamination.

Nye's optical gels and fluids are ultraclean, non-yellowing, and unaffected by x-ray, ultraviolet, or sunlight exposure. They have extremely low outgassing and volatility characteristics, and are free from light-absorbing microscopic particulates. Formulated with chemically stable, non-toxic, wide-temperature synthetic materials, Nye's optical products are designed for reliability and long service life.



Related Documents

SmartGel®: Optical Coupling Technology SmartGel®: Optical Coupling Technology

Our growing family of silicone-based optical couplants that are used to improve lumen output, ensure signal reliability, and increase the dependability and performance of light-based technology.

SmartGel® FAQ SmartGel® Tutorial

Answers to frequently asked questions about SmartGels and how they improve the performance of optical devices.

Index Refraction Chart Index Refraction Chart

Identifies the refractive index of engineering plastics, glasses, optical gels and fluids, and other transparent materials.
Opticals Gels for Fiber-Optic Connectors and Splices – A Tutorial Opticals Gels for Fiber-Optic Connectors and Splices – A Tutorial

Review optical gels, their parameters, the interconnect problems they address, and how some of the biggest names in the lightwave business are incorporating the new optical gel technology into their products.

SmartGel®: Index-matching gels for LEDs SmartGel®: Index-matching gels for LEDs

The optical couplant that helps LEDs shine brighter, last longer, and survive extreme environments.



Related Technical Articles

Index Matching Gel and Mechanical Fiber Splice Technology for Last Mile FTTH

Optical Gels: A Light Bridge to the Future

Seeing the Light by Jay Weikel

Application Note – Using Optical Fluids and Gels

Application Note – Working with Curing Optical Gels