Transmission Coeff of Window Glass vs Wavelength?

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SUMMARY

Ordinary window glass exhibits varying transmission coefficients across different wavelengths. It effectively transmits visible light but significantly limits ultraviolet (UV) transmission, which explains why tanning through a window is ineffective. Transmission below 250 nm is nearly nonexistent, while near-infrared light around 1000 nm is transmitted reasonably well. However, transmission coefficients decline sharply above 3 to 4 microns.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical wavelengths
  • Familiarity with transmission coefficients
  • Knowledge of UV and infrared light properties
  • Access to optical data sheets, such as those from Sinclair Manufacturing
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the transmission properties of different types of glass at various wavelengths
  • Explore the effects of UV light on materials and human skin
  • Investigate infrared transmission in building materials
  • Study the implications of glass transmission in architectural design
USEFUL FOR

Optical engineers, architects, material scientists, and anyone involved in the design or analysis of glass applications in various wavelengths.

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Does anyone know how ordinary window glass behaves at different wavelengths? It obviously passes the optical band, but does it pass ultra violet and infrared wavelengths equally well? How about wavelengths above 1000nm? Below 250nm?
 
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Most glasses will transmit UV light very little. That's why you can't get a tan through a window. Below 250 nm, you'll probably see almost no transmission. From the transmission curves listed on http://www.sinclairmfg.com/datasheets/transmission.htm , it appears that the near infrared transmits reasonably well for most glasses, so 1000 nm light would probably be transmitted. Above 3 or 4 microns, it looks like the transmission coefficients drop off.

Edited by moderator, Nov. 2011 -- current working link:
http://www.sinclairmfg.com/datasheets/optical3.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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