Zerodur is used as a substrate material for precision optics in optical measuring systems due to its exceptional thermal properties. Due to its extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion, this material is ideal for applications with disturbing temperature fluctuations. It is therefore used as an optical element in astronomical telescopes, precision measurement techniques and space missions.
Man-made glass ceramics such as Zerodur were discovered in the mid-1950s. It is an inorganic, non-porous material with a key property of low coefficient of thermal expansion and high thermal shock resistance, achieved by the distribution of crystalline structures in a glass matrix. When the temperature rises, the crystals contract while the glass matrix expands. It is thus a material that does not change shape or size with temperature changes, at least not within a limited temperature range.
Artificially produced glass-ceramics such as Zerodur were discovered in the mid-1950s. It is an inorganic, non-porous material with a key property, a low coefficient of thermal expansion and high thermal shock resistance, which is achieved by the distribution of crystalline structures in a glass matrix.
Thermodynamically exceptionally stable
When the temperature rises, the crystals contract while the glass matrix expands. It is therefore a material that does not change shape or size when the temperature changes, at least not within a limited temperature range.