The light-receiving surface of the light source on the photochemical reactor is called the optical window, commonly known as the light window.
The light window needs to maintain the spectrum and optical power density of the incident light source to ensure that the illuminating light enters the reactor in its "original form."
Quartz has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, good thermal stability, good transparency, and good electrical insulation performance, making it a common material for light windows.
Figure 1. Transmittance Spectrum of Quartz Window
In addition to considering specifications and materials, the selection of quartz windows also needs to consider the interface type.
The common interface types of quartz windows are flat and sloped.
Flat quartz window refers to a quartz flat plate with a vertical end surface, which is often used in conjunction with butterfly reactor clamps. By vertically fixing multiple reactor clamps, the rubber O-ring deforms to ensure the airtightness of the reactor.
Sloped flange quartz window refers to a quartz flat plate with a certain sloped surface at one end, which is often used in conjunction with multi-joint chain clamps. Force is applied around the circumference to deform the O-ring and ensure the tightness of the reactor. Compared with the combination of flat quartz window and butterfly reactor clamp, the combination of sloped flange quartz window and multi-joint chain clamp is more convenient and the force on the reactor port is more uniform.
Figure 2. (a) Flat Window and Sloped Window (b) Reactor
