What does "index-matched" mean for an optical adhesive?

Index-matched means the adhesive is formulated so its refractive index closely matches that of the glass or optical substrate it bonds — typically n=1.52–1.56 for crown glass. When the refractive indices are matched, there is no reflective interface at the bond line, which eliminates signal loss, back-reflection, and ghost images in precision optical systems.

Does Optik™ meet NASA outgassing requirements?

Yes. Select Optik™ grades meet NASA outgassing requirements (ASTM E595), with total mass loss (TML) below 1.0% and collected volatile condensable material (CVCM) below 0.1%. This qualifies them for space, satellite, and vacuum chamber applications where outgassed volatiles could contaminate optics or sensors.

Can Optik™ be used for active lens alignment?

Yes. High-flow Optik™ grades with 450–5,000 cP viscosity and effectively infinite open working time allow assemblers to perform six-axis active alignment of lenses, camera modules, and sensor assemblies before triggering UV cure. This UV-on-demand approach locks the alignment in place without the drift associated with mechanical clamps or slow-curing thermosetting adhesives.

Is there a dual-cure grade for shadowed bond areas?

Yes. Optik™ dual-cure UV/thermal grades are available for barrel assemblies, camera modules, and housings where some portions of the bond line are in shadow and cannot be directly UV-exposed. UV-irradiated zones cure instantly; shadowed areas cure fully via the thermal secondary mechanism at a modest post-cure temperature, ensuring complete cure across the entire assembly.

How does Optik™ prevent birefringence in prism bonds?

Birefringence in bonded prisms is caused by residual stress induced by adhesive shrinkage or stiffness mismatch. Optik™ low-shrinkage grades are formulated to minimise volumetric change during cure, dramatically reducing the stress transferred to the optic. For large or thick bonded elements, flexible grades with lower modulus are selected to allow the adhesive to accommodate thermal expansion differentials without loading the glass.

What refractive index range do Optik™ grades cover?

Optik™ grades span a refractive index range from approximately n=1.47 to n=1.56, covering the majority of optical glass and plastic substrate types used in precision assembly — including crown glass, borosilicate, fused silica, polycarbonate, and PMMA. Contact our team with your substrate refractive indices and we will recommend the closest matching grade.

UV Optical Adhesives — Optik™

UV-curable adhesives engineered for precision optical assembly — delivering optical clarity, refractive index matching, and low outgassing for lens bonding, prism mounting, camera module active alignment, and fiber optic interconnects. Cure on demand and lock optical components in position instantly, eliminating drift and mechanical mount complexity.

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>99% Light Transmission at Bond Line

Crystal-clear, non-yellowing bond lines maintain >99% light transmission — critical for lens doublets, prisms, and display assemblies where signal integrity and visual quality cannot be compromised.

Infinite Open Time for Sub-Micron Alignment

Low-viscosity and thixotropic grades offer infinite open time before UV triggering, allowing active positioning of optical components to sub-micron precision without time pressure or fixture constraints.

NASA Low Outgassing

Select Optik™ grades meet NASA ASTM E595 low-outgassing standards, making them qualified for vacuum environments, space-grade optics, and sensitive detector assemblies where molecular contamination is not acceptable.

Product Range

Technical Specifications

Applications

Built for Precision Optical Assembly

Optik™ formulations are specified across photonics, defense, consumer electronics,
and medical imaging wherever optical clarity, dimensional stability, and low outgassing are required.

Close-up of camera lens aperture ring and optical elements for Optik™ UV lens bonding and doublet assembly

Lens Bonding & Doublet Assembly

Index-matched formulations bond singlet and doublet lenses with zero reflective loss at the bond interface. Non-yellowing chemistry maintains optical performance through thermal cycling, UV exposure, and 85/85 damp heat conditioning.

$Macro photograph of glass refracting white light into rainbow spectrum for Optik™ UV prism and beamsplitter mounting$

Prism & Beamsplitter Mounting

Low-shrinkage grades prevent stress-induced birefringence and wavefront distortion when bonding prisms and beamsplitters to optical benches. UV trigger gives full control during active alignment before the adhesive is locked.

Camera Module Active Alignment

High-flow grades with infinite working time enable six-axis active alignment of camera modules before UV lock-in. Dual-cure UV/thermal grades accommodate shadowed regions, ensuring full cure across complete barrel assemblies.

LiDAR Sensor Module Assembly

Bonds emitter and receiver optics within LiDAR housings with dimensional stability across wide temperature swings. Optik™ dual-cure grades maintain focus calibration without drift, ensuring ranging accuracy in automotive and robotics deployments.

Bundle of illuminated fiber optic cables with blue light for Optik™ UV fiber optic splicing and coupling

Fiber Optic Splicing & Coupling

Ultra-low viscosity grades penetrate fiber ferrule gaps to bond bare fiber to connectors with minimal air inclusion. Index-matched chemistry eliminates back-reflection at splice points, preserving signal integrity in telecom and sensing applications.

Macro close-up of LED display pixel matrix with blue and teal hues for Optik™ UV display lamination and sensor assembly

Display Lamination & Sensor Assembly

Optically clear laminating grades bond cover glass to display panels and touch sensors with a zero-air-gap bond line that eliminates reflections and improves contrast. Flexible grades accommodate CTE mismatches between glass, metal, and polymer substrates.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Optik™ UV optical adhesives for precision assemblies.

Index-matched means the adhesive is formulated so its refractive index closely matches that of the glass or optical substrate it bonds — typically n=1.52–1.56 for crown glass. When the refractive indices are matched, there is no reflective interface at the bond line, which eliminates signal loss, back-reflection, and ghost images in precision optical systems.
Yes. Select Optik™ grades meet NASA outgassing requirements (ASTM E595), with total mass loss (TML) below 1.0% and collected volatile condensable material (CVCM) below 0.1%. This qualifies them for space, satellite, and vacuum chamber applications where outgassed volatiles could contaminate optics or sensors.
Yes. High-flow Optik™ grades with 450–5,000 cP viscosity and effectively infinite open working time allow assemblers to perform six-axis active alignment of lenses, camera modules, and sensor assemblies before triggering UV cure. This UV-on-demand approach locks the alignment in place without the drift associated with mechanical clamps or slow-curing thermosetting adhesives.
Yes. Optik™ dual-cure UV/thermal grades are available for barrel assemblies, camera modules, and housings where some portions of the bond line are in shadow and cannot be directly UV-exposed. UV-irradiated zones cure instantly; shadowed areas cure fully via the thermal secondary mechanism at a modest post-cure temperature, ensuring complete cure across the entire assembly.
Birefringence in bonded prisms is caused by residual stress induced by adhesive shrinkage or stiffness mismatch. Optik™ low-shrinkage grades are formulated to minimise volumetric change during cure, dramatically reducing the stress transferred to the optic. For large or thick bonded elements, flexible grades with lower modulus are selected to allow the adhesive to accommodate thermal expansion differentials without loading the glass.
Optik™ grades span a refractive index range from approximately n=1.47 to n=1.56, covering the majority of optical glass and plastic substrate types used in precision assembly — including crown glass, borosilicate, fused silica, polycarbonate, and PMMA. Contact our team with your substrate refractive indices and we will recommend the closest matching grade.

UV Optical Adhesives — Optik™

Technical Specifications

Built for Precision Optical Assembly

Frequently Asked Questions

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