Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.

Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. has developed BDX-3, a new Starveil ultra-thin cover glass for space applications that reduces radiation-induced discoloration while providing greater ultraviolet shielding performance than BDX-2. While primarily intended for low Earth orbit, BDX-3 can also be used in medium Earth orbit and high Earth orbit, making it suitable for a wider range of space environments. At 300 nm, BDX-3 transmittance is 0.1 percent versus 20 percent for BDX-2, while at 400 nm transmittance is 91 percent versus 92 percent, and at 280 nm both stand at 0.1 percent, measured at 100 micrometer glass thickness. BDX-3 shares BDX-2's 30 micrometer minimum thickness and 800 millimeter wide by 2,000 millimeter long maximum size, but is less prone to discoloration. Samples are now available for purchase, and NEG aims to achieve commercial adoption of BDX-3 in satellites and other spaceborne equipment.

Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. announced that its IR Transmitting Glass, a chalcogenide glass designated FI-02, has been adopted for Heimann Sensor GmbH's wide-angle lens unit for thermal cameras. The lens unit achieves a 120° × 68° field of view, surpassing the previous product's maximum of 92° × 59°. FI-02 combines high infrared transmittance with a high refractive index, making it highly suitable for wide-angle lens design, and it is also suitable for mass production through press molding. The glass additionally offers low dispersion and a unique composition free from hazardous substances such as arsenic and selenium. Nippon Electric Glass said the adoption marks a significant milestone for FI-02 and showcases how advanced specialty glass can meet the demanding optical and manufacturing requirements of the expanding infrared sensing market.