ZnSe SC (Single-crystal ZnSe)
Finish state
also Irtran-4
Used as substrate and host for Cr²⁺:ZnSe / Fe²⁺:ZnSe mid-IR lasers and for lowest-scatter research optics; anisotropic, cleaves on {110}, expensive in large sizes.
Values for the SC condition
Other ZnSe tempers and conditions
ZnSe is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at ZnSe.
- SC
- CVD-MS
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SCThis page Single-crystal ZnSe | Used as substrate and host for Cr²⁺:ZnSe / Fe²⁺:ZnSe mid-IR lasers and for lowest-scatter research optics; anisotropic, cleaves on {110}, expensive in large sizes. | — | 42 | 0 | 95 HV | 19 W/m·K |
Multispectral / HIP-treated water-clear ZnSe | Pick when visible/NIR clarity and low scatter matter (0.4–14 µm multispectral windows, thermal imagers with visible channel); HIP coarsens grains so it is slightly weaker. | — | 48 | 0 | 100 HV | 18 W/m·K |
What is ZnSe SC?
ZnSe SC is ZnSe supplied in the SC condition — used as substrate and host for Cr²⁺:ZnSe / Fe²⁺:ZnSe mid-IR lasers and for lowest-scatter research optics; anisotropic, cleaves on {110}, expensive in large sizes. ZnSe SC has a tensile strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi), weaker than 60% of glass grades. The elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). ZnSe SC has a density of 5.27 g/cm³ (0.19 lb/in³), heavier than 90% of glass grades. It melts at 1,525°C (2,777 °F).
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 19 W/m·K (11 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 86% of glass grades
- Easy to machine — 35/100, better than 77% of glass grades
Limitations
- Heavy — 5.27 g/cm³ (0.19 lb/in³), worse than 90% of glass grades
- Low fracture toughness — 0.33 MPa·√m (0.3 ksi·√in), worse than 81% of glass grades
- Limited service temperature — 300°C (572 °F), worse than 80% of glass grades
ZnSe SC properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZnSe SC; 15 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZnSe reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among glass grades.
Physical5
ZnSe SC has a density of 5.27 g/cm³ (0.19 lb/in³), heavier than 90% of glass grades. It melts at 1,525°C (2,777 °F).
Mechanical10
ZnSe SC has a tensile strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi), weaker than 60% of glass grades. The elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal5
ZnSe SC is rated for continuous service to 300°C (572 °F). It conducts heat at 19 W/m·K (11 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 86% of glass grades. Thermal expansion is 7.1 µm/m·K (3.94 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZnSe SC has an electrical resistivity of 1×10¹¹ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 74% of glass grades.
Manufacturability2
ZnSe SC's machinability is fair (35/100, better than 77% of glass grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZnSe SC
Is ZnSe easy to machine?
Grind/core with diamond tooling under flood coolant or single-point diamond turn with light depth of cut; brittle and prone to edge chipping, and all dust/swarf is toxic (Se) so wet cutting with sealed extraction is mandatory.
Can ZnSe be welded?
Not weldable — a brittle ceramic; join only by optical contacting, epoxy bonding or mechanical mounting in compliant (RTV/retaining-ring) cells to avoid mount stress.
Can ZnSe be formed, bent or molded?
Formed to net shape by CVD deposition on mandrels, then HIP for multispectral grade; no plastic forming is possible, curved optics are generated and polished from blanks.
What surface finishes work on ZnSe?
Pitch or polyurethane polish to <10 Å rms, then AR coat (ThF₄/YbF₃ or ZnS/YF₃ stacks) or DLC-protect the exposed face; keep bare surfaces dry and handle with gloves — hygroscopic-free but easily scratched.
ZnSe chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Znstoichiometric ZnSe, 1:1 molar | 45 – 45.6 | 45.3 |
| impurities (C, Si, Fe, Cu, O)total metallic + carbon impurities in optical grade; low absorption depends on ppm-level control | ≤ 0.01 | 0 |
| Se | ≥ 54.4 (balance) | — |
ZnSe SC — frequently asked
What is ZnSe SC used for?
ZnSe SC is typically used for CO2 laser lenses/windows, IR camera lenses and multispectral optics. In short: standard CO2 laser optic; low 10.6 µm absorption; brittle, selenium-bearing dust.
What is the tensile strength of ZnSe SC?
ZnSe SC has a typical tensile strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) — weaker than 60% of glass grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is ZnSe SC easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (35/100, better than 77% of glass grades). Grind/core with diamond tooling under flood coolant or single-point diamond turn with light depth of cut; brittle and prone to edge chipping, and all dust/swarf is toxic (Se) so wet cutting with sealed extraction is mandatory.
Can ZnSe SC be welded?
Not weldable — a brittle ceramic; join only by optical contacting, epoxy bonding or mechanical mounting in compliant (RTV/retaining-ring) cells to avoid mount stress.
What surface finishes work on ZnSe SC?
Pitch or polyurethane polish to <10 Å rms, then AR coat (ThF₄/YbF₃ or ZnS/YF₃ stacks) or DLC-protect the exposed face; keep bare surfaces dry and handle with gloves — hygroscopic-free but easily scratched.
Can ZnSe SC be formed, bent or molded?
Formed to net shape by CVD deposition on mandrels, then HIP for multispectral grade; no plastic forming is possible, curved optics are generated and polished from blanks.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZnSe SC?
ZnSe SC is rated for continuous use to about 300°C (572 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- CVD ZnSe optical material datasheet — II-VI / Coherent (2022)
- Cleartran multispectral ZnSe properties — Dow / II-VI (2019)
- Handbook of Optical Constants of Solids — Academic Press (Palik, ed.) (1998)
- Handbook of Optical Materials — CRC Press (Weber) (2003)
- IR window and lens material property tables — Thorlabs / Edmund Optics technical notes (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.