Knight Optical’s best-selling optical components in July 2026
In July, we saw strong demand for products supporting spectroscopy, laser alignment, microscopy, and other precision optical applications. While the products themselves differ significantly, they share a common theme: helping engineers, researchers, and manufacturers achieve reliable optical performance.
This month’s top three bestsellers were calcium fluoride windows, colour glass filters, and shear-plate collimation testers. Read on to discover what these products do, where they’re used, and why they continue to be trusted by customers across scientific, laser, manufacturing, and space industries.
Colour glass filters
Manufactured by adding coloured dyes into the substrate, colour glass filters offer stable, angle-independent transmission characteristics and a cost-effective solution for optical systems.
We supply bandpass, longpass, and shortpass filters in 25 mm diameter and 50 x 50 mm square formats, with mounted options available from UV to NIR wavelengths. Custom dimensions and coatings can also be provided. Typical applications include microscopy and astronomical filters.
Calcium fluoride windows
Calcium fluoride (CaF2) windows offer high transmission from UV to IR wavelengths and high refractive index homogeneity over these wavelengths.
We offer standard, UV, and Raman grade calcium fluoride windows in diameters from 8 mm, including rectangular spectroscopic windows with drilled and undrilled options. Custom dimensions and anti-reflective coatings are available. Common applications include Raman spectroscopy and excimer laser windows.
Shear-plate collimation testers
Shear-plate collimation testers are interferometric alignment tools used to examine and adjust beam collimation by producing a lateral-shearing interference pattern. By aligning the system, they help optimise its performance.
Shear-plates designed for 633 nm and 1550 nm are available, each designed and optimised to offer 5-6 interference fringes. Apertures from 75 mm to 150 mm are available. Custom aperture sizes, wavelength optimisation, and AR coating options are also available. Typical applications include laser alignment and optical system alignment.
Need something different?
In addition to our extensive stock range, we offer custom optical components and assemblies designed to meet specific performance, size, and environmental requirements. Our experienced team can support projects at any stage, from initial concept through to production.
Contact our technical sales team to discuss your requirements.