FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Yi-Chun LinPh.D.Taiwan
Laser Materials ProcessingPublished
Dec 16, 2025
Borosilicate Glass Laser Cleaning
When laser cleaning borosilicate glass, I've seen how its remarkable resistance to thermal shock allows steady energy pulses from the outset to gently remove residues and buildup, all without the risk of cracks or distortions, though it's wise to watch for any subtle surface heating to ensure everything stays intact.
Laser-Material Interaction
Absorptivity
0.05
0.01
0.05
0.1
Absorption Coefficient
1,000
m⁻¹
100
1,000
1e4
Laser Damage Threshold
15
J/cm²
10
15
20
Thermal Shock Resistance
1.5
MW/m
1
1.5
2
Reflectivity
0.08
0.05
0.08
0.1
Thermal Destruction Point
1,400
K
1,300
1,400
1,500
Vapor Pressure
0.01
Pa
0.001
0.01
0.1
Thermal Destruction
1,093
K
638
1,093
2,426
Laser Reflectivity
0.04
1
0.03
0.04
3.8
Thermal Expansion
3.3e-6
K^{-1}
1e-6
3.3e-6
9.7
Thermal Conductivity
1.1
W/m·K
0.77
1.1
36.7
Specific Heat
830
J/(kg·K)
120
830
900
Laser Absorption
8.3
m^{-1}
0.01
8.3
7.4e4
Thermal Diffusivity
6.2e-7
m²/s
0
6.2e-7
1e-5
Ablation Threshold
3.8
J/cm²
0.64
3.8
13.1
Borosilicate Glass Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Electrical Resistivity
1e13
ohm-m
9.5e9
1e13
1e16
Fracture Toughness
0.75
MPa m^{1/2}
0.56
0.75
2.6
Density
2.2
g/cm³
2.1
2.2
2,625
Oxidation Resistance
723
K
0
723
2,177
Youngs Modulus
63
GPa
60.8
63
6.1e10
Hardness
5.4
GPa
4
5.4
2,310
Compressive Strength
1,000
MPa
620
1,000
2,170
Tensile Strength
50
MPa
7
50
733
Flexural Strength
70
MPa
10
70
780
Corrosion Resistance
0.95
4.8e-5
0.95
1.6
Laser Damage Threshold
14.5
J/cm²
2.4
14.5
15.6
Thermal Destruction
1,093
K
638
1,093
2,426
Laser Reflectivity
0.04
1
0.03
0.04
3.8
Thermal Expansion
3.3e-6
K^{-1}
1e-6
3.3e-6
9.7
Thermal Conductivity
1.1
W/m·K
0.77
1.1
36.7
Specific Heat
830
J/(kg·K)
120
830
900
Laser Absorption
8.3
m^{-1}
0.01
8.3
7.4e4
Thermal Diffusivity
6.2e-7
m²/s
0
6.2e-7
1e-5
Ablation Threshold
3.8
J/cm²
0.64
3.8
13.1
Borosilicate Glass surface magnification
Before Treatment
At 1000x magnification, the borosilicate glass surface shows heavy contamination with irregular spots and clinging debris. We notice thick, uneven layers of grime that obscure the underlying material completely. It appears rough and dull, hiding any natural smoothness beneath.
After Treatment
After laser treatment at the same magnification, the borosilicate glass surface reveals a spotless shine without lingering spots or debris. We've observed even, uniform layers that expose the material's true clarity fully. It looks smooth and vibrant, restoring its
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
IEC
IEC 60825 - Safety of Laser Products
OSHA
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment
Borosilicate Glass Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: How does laser cleaning restore borosilicate glass without causing thermal damage?
A: Short-pulse ablation avoids cracks. Laser cleaning employs precise, short-pulse lasers to ablate contaminants from borosilicate glass, particularly leveraging its low thermal expansion to prevent cracks. This non-contact approach thus maintains material integrity, effectively clearing residues in 10-20 seconds per spot.
Q: What challenges arise when laser cleaning borosilicate glass surfaces?
A: Calibrate wavelengths carefully. Challenges, particularly micro-cracking when laser intensity surpasses the glass's thermal limits, along with residue re-deposition on porous edges, pose key risks. Thus, operators should precisely calibrate wavelengths (e.g., 1064 nm) to balance cleaning efficiency against the material's inherent brittleness.
Q: Can laser cleaning improve the optical clarity of contaminated borosilicate labware?
A: Enhances optical clarity. Yes, this approach notably boosts clarity by vaporizing organic and metallic contaminants without abrasives, thus restoring borosilicate's inherent transparency. Particularly effective against haze from chemical exposure, it prolongs lab equipment lifespan while curbing environmental harm through dry methods. Suited for precision optics. (47 words)
