MATERIALS SELECTION GUIDE

Silicone for Photonics

Maximize Light Output and Minimize Signal Loss
From LEDs to fiber optics, NuSil Technologys LightSpan brand product line delivers the most comprehensive line of
refractive index matching adhesives, encapsulants and thermosets available. NuSil also offers testing services for optical
materials characterization, including UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometric transmission and refractive index vs. wavelength and
temperature. No matter how large or small the batch, NuSil guarantees the same high-quality care and commitment to
excellence - thats a promise.
If a feature or requirement is not available in an existing product line, NuSil will work toward formulating a unique silicone
system for your specialized application while keeping critical regulatory considerations in mind.
ISO-9001 certified since 1994, NuSil operates state-of-the-art laboratories and processing facilities in North America and
Europe, providing on-site, in-person application engineering support worldwide.

The benefits of silicone include the following:

Thermal Stability
Low Ionic Species
Maintain Optical Clarity (90% minimum @ 400nm)
Low Moisture Absorption (<0.4%)
Optimization for UV Resistance
Adjustable Cure
Low Outgassing
Low Shrinkage, <1%
Low Modulus: Stress reduction for bonding materials
with different coefficients of thermal expansion

Applications
Optoelectronics
Gel encapsulants for phosphor dispersion and protection
Silicone lens material for overmolding or curing individually
Displays and Other Optical Interfacing
Fluids
Gels at various refractive indices and hardness
Clear, tough encapsulants
Operating Temperature
T h e operating temperature range of a silicone in any application is dependent on many variables, including but not limited
to: temperature, time of exposure, type of atmosphere, exposure of the materials surface to the atmosphere, and mechanical
stress. In addition, a materials physical properties will vary at both the high and low end of the operating temperature range.
Silicone typically remains flexible at extremely low temperatures and has been known to perform at -140 C as well as resist
breakdown at elevated temperatures up to 315 C. The user is responsible to verify optical and mechanical performance of a
material in a specific application.

Each product undergoes optical characterization that is provided on LightSpan product profiles.

1064 nm

1550 nm

1300 nm

Optical Absorption (dB/cm)

Optical Absorption (%/mm)

NEAR INFRARED WAVELENGTHS

VISIBLE

Near
UV

Optical Absorption
Absorption spectrum for our
optical materials, displaying low
optical absorption in the
visible region.

0
400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Wavelength (nm)

Refractive Index, n, at 25.0o C

Near
UV

Refractive Index vs. Wavelength

Shows how light is directed
at various wavelengths.

NEAR INFRARED WAVELENGTHS

VISIBLE

1064 nm

1300 nm

1550 nm

Dispersion curve fit:

1.62

1.62
n = 1.541 + (1.028e+4) -2 + (-5.959e+8) -4 + (8.952e+13) -6

1.60

1.60
Measured Data:
(nm)
n

1.58

411
589
833
1306
1550

1.56

1.58

1.5999
1.5682
1.5551
1.5475
1.5453

1.56

1.54

1.54
400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Refractive Index

Wavelength, (nm)

1.62

Linear Regression Fit for

Thermo-optic Coefficient (dn/dT):

1.62

1.60

(nm)
411
589
833
1306
1550

1.60

1.58
1.56

dn/dT
- 3.92 x 10-4 /oC
- 4.07 x 10-4 /oC
- 3.58 x 10-4 /oC
- 3.65 x 10-4 /oC
- 3.11 x 10-4 /oC

1.58

Refractive Index vs. Temperature

1.56

The Thermo-Optic Coefficients

(dn/dT) is represented for each LS material
allowing the engineer to incorporate into the
design if needed.

1.54

1.54

1.52

1.52

1.50

1.50

1.48

1.48

20

25

30

35

40
o

Temperature ( C)

45

50

55

MATERIALS

Product Name Legend

Index Matching

The key properties of NuSil Technologys LightSpan Materials can easily be distinguished by the product name.

LightSpan materials are very effective for index matching of common materials used in Optical Applications.
Some common materials, shown in the table below, use the following LS products for index matching.

The first digit of the product name represents the hardness of the optical silicone.
Material Type

Optical Gels (Soft to 00 Durometer): LS-3XXX

Optical Thermosets (Type A and D durometer): LS-6XXX
Optical Fluids (do not cure): LS-5XXX

Acronym
MgF2
SiO2
PMMA
BK
COC, COP

Magnesium Fluoride
Fused Silica
Acrylate
Borosilicate
Cyclic Olefin

For all materials, excluding primers, the last 2 digits of the product name are the last 2 digits of the refractive index
measured at 589 nm.

Refractive Index
1.38
1.46
1.49
1.52
1.52

LS Products
LS-3238
LS-3246
LS-3249
LS-3252
LS-3252

For example: LS-3351 is an optical gel when cured and the refractive index is 1.51.
General
Purpose

NuSil
Product
Number

OPTICAL GELS

L S -3 2 3 8

Resistant to Hydrocarbon Solvents

Low Volatility, Penetration 0.4 mm, non-phenyl containing
Very Soft, Penetration 9.0 mm, non-phenyl containing
Firm and Tacky Gel, Penetration 0.4 mm, non phenyl containing
Soft and Tacky Gel, Penetration 5 mm
Index matches to glass such as fused silicates (Glass, Quartz)
Index matches to acrylates such as PMMA
Use with Phosphor,Index matches to Crown Glass such as BK7
Index matches to plastics such as COC
Low Viscosity and 1.52 RI, Index Matches BK7, GlassUse with Phosphor,
Index matches to plastic such as COC
Use with Phosphor
Contains adhesion promoter, use with Phosphor
Contains adhesion promoter, use with Phosphor
Longer work time for dispensing applications, 80 C minimum cure

L S -3 1 4 0
L S -3 4 4 0
L S -3 4 4 1
L S -3 4 4 3
L S -3 2 4 6
L S -3 2 4 9
L S -3 3 5 1
L S -3 2 5 2

OPTICAL OPTICAL
PRIMERS GREASES

OPTICAL
FLUIDS

OPTICAL ADHESIVES
AND ELASTOMERS

L S -3 3 5 4
L S 2 -3 3 5 4
L S 3 -3 3 5 4
L S 4 -3 3 5 4
L S -6 1 4 0
L S 1 -6 1 4 0
L S 2 -6 1 4 0

L S -6 9 4 1
L S 1 -6 9 4 1
L S 2 -6 9 4 1
L S -8 9 4 1
L S -6 1 4 3
L S -6 9 4 3
L S -6 9 4 6

Non-phenyl containing
Tough, Tensile 750 psi, Tear 80 ppi
Low viscosity, non-phenyl containing
High Durometer to reduce tackiness, non-phenyl containing
Broad opearting temperature range
Broad opearting temperature range
Primed Lap Shear 510 psi, Youngs Modulus 425 psi

L S -5 2 3 8

Resistant to Hydrocarbon Solvents, available in 350 cPs & 1000 cPs

L S -5 2 4 6
L S -5 2 5 2
L S -5 2 5 7

Work
Time

Durometer

1 .3 8

11 h

0 0 / 0 0 0
15 / NA

1 .4 0
1 .4 0
1 .4 1
1 .4 3
1 .4 6
1 .4 9

> 24 h
> 24 h
8 h
48 h
160 m
(1 .2 xV i)

1 .5 1

Low Volitility, non-phenyl containing

LS-6140 with longer work time for dispensing, 80 C minimum cure
Primerless version of LS1-6140

Viscosity
cP/mPa-sec

Cure Time/
Temp C

Tensile
psi (MPa)

Elongation
%

CTE
ppm/ C

Mix
Ratio

Application

Index Matches MgF2, AR Coating

1 ,5 0 0

30 m / 150

1 :1

MBP
MBP
*31)
MBP
*31)
MBP
10 / NA
60

A:16,000/B:8,500
535
1 4 ,5 0 0
A:500/B:650
1 ,0 0 0
-

30 m / 150
60 m / 100
30 m / 150
30 m / 100
60 m / 65
60 m / 75

411
300
300
-

1 :1
1 :1
1 :1
1 :1
1 :1
1 :1

NA / 55

6 ,0 0 0

60 m / 100

1 :1

*31)
*32)

Encapsulant, Potting
Encapsulant, Potting
Encapsulant, Potting
Encapsulant, Potting
Index Matches Silica, Optical Fiber, Glass, LCD Bonding
Bonding, Encapsulant
Excellent for Dispersing Phosphor

1 .5 2

6 h

10 / 65

425

30 m / 150

1 :1

1 .5 4
1 .5 4
1 .5 4
1 .5 4

9 0 m (2 xV i)
2 h m in (2 xV i)
8 0 m (2 xV i)
-

65 / 65
15 / 53
60 / 55
60

5 ,4 0 0
6 ,0 0 0
5 ,2 0 0

60 m / 70
60 m / 70
60 m / 70
60 m / 70

1 :1
1 .1
1 :1

Excellent for Dispersing Phosphor

Excellent for Dispersing Phosphor
Excellent for Dispersing Phosphor

1 :1

Excellent for Dispersing Phosphor

1 .4 0
1 .4 0
1 .4 1
1 .4 1
1 .4 1
1 .4 1
1 .4 1
1 .4 3
1 .4 3
1 .4 6

3 h
4 h
>24 h
5 .5 h
>24 h
2 h
2 h

Type A
50
50
45
50
50
30
80
40
40
30

15 m / 150
60 m / 150
60 m / 150
15 m / 150
30 m / 150
30 m / 150

850 (5.9)
900 (6.2)
1,039 (7.2)
1,300 (9.0)
7 5 0 (5 .2 )
1 2 0 ( 0. 8 )
1 ,2 5 0 (8 .6 )
6 0 0 (4 .1 )

90
90

400
500

1 :1
1 :1
1 :1
1 0 :1
1 :1
1 :1
1 :1

Bonding, Encapsulant, Dispersing Phosphor

Bonding, Casting or Injection Molding
Bonding, Casting or Injection Molding
Bonding, Encapsulant
Lenses made by Injecting or Compression Molding
Lower Durometer where Stress is Concerned
Bonding, Encapsulant
Bonding, Encapsulant
Bonding, Molding

1 .3 8

1 .4 6
1 .5 2
1 .5 7

A:40,000/B:35,000
3 5 0 o r 1 ,0 0 0
1 ,5 5 0
575
1 ,4 0 0

1 0 :1
1 0 :1
1 :1

4 ,2 0 0
A:3,700/B:2,550
A:3,450/B:2,500
A:2,900/B:1,716
5 ,3 0 0
A:75,000/B:50,000
A :1 ,2 0 0 /B :8 0 0
A:27,500/B:25,000
A :3 ,6 0 0
5 ,4 0 0

151
95
305

337

100
65
125

490

9 0 0 (6 .2 )
6 7 5 (4 .7 )

120
275

360

30 m / 150
4 h / 65
60 m / 100
30 m / 150

Excellent for LCD Display and LED Encapsulation

Lenses made by Injecting or Compression Molding

Index Matches MgF2, AR Coating

Index Matches Silica, Optical Fiber, Glass
Index Matches BK7, Glass
Assemblies, Ionizing Radiation, Infrared Illumination

L S -1 2 4 6

Flows Under Pressure, Non-Slumping, Non-Curing

1 .4 6

L S 1 -3 2 0 0

All Purpose Primer for Optical Applications

1 .4 to 1 .4 2 5

1 .0

Adheres to Various Substrates

L S 2 -3 2 0 0

Improves Adhesion to Difficult Substrates

1 .4 to 1 .4 2 5

1 .0
1 .0

Improves Adhesion to Difficult Substrates

L S 3 -3 2 0 0

11

Refractive
Index
589 nm

Comments

Maintains Transparency at 400 nm

= Designed for Broad Operating Temperatures

M B P = M easured by P enetration
Tested per N uS il TM 017
*32)
Tested per N uS il TM 036
*31)

1 .4 to 1 .4 2 5

Index Matches Silica, Optical Fiber, Glass

Adheres to Difficult Substrates

d = day
h = hour
m = m inutes

12

Optical Transmission vs. Wavelength of LS-6140

1000 hr.

100

95

95
pre
1 hr
3 hr
21 hr

90

90

13 days
22 days
30 days
37 days

85

85

43 days

80

Transmission (% in 2 mm path)

Transmission (% in 2 mm path)

100

MATERIALS SELECTION GUIDE

UV Resistance
Compared to other materials used in photonics
applications, silicone can be formulated to resist
optical degradation after exposure to UV light.*

80
400

500

600

700

Wavelength (nm)

UVB

* UV Exposure Testing Conditions

UV-Vis 61 mW/cm2
UV-A 52 mW/cm2
UV-B 23 mW/cm2
UV-C 0 mW/cm2

UVA

315

220 240 260 280 300 320 340 360 380 400
UV Flood Light Bulb Spectrum

420 440

460

Optical Transmission vs. Wavelength of LS-6140

672 hr. @ 150C

95

95

Transmission (% in 2 mm path)

100

pre
1 day
7 days

90

90

19 days
28 days

85

80
300

85

80
400

500
Wavelength (nm)

600

700

Transmission (% in 2 mm path)

100

Temperature Resistance
In addition to optical stability after
exposure to UV radiation, silicone can
also be formulated to minimize or resist
optical degradation due to prolonged
exposure to high temperature.

General LED Footprint

Compression
Molded Silicone
Lens

Dispensed Silicone Encapsulant

with phosphor

PLCC Substrate

S ilico n e
P h osp ho r
Coating

Injection Molded Silicone

Ceramic Substrate

Leadframe,
PPA substrate

Lenses
Silicone lenses offer photonic device packagers unparalleled compatibility with softer silicone encapsulants.
They resist degradation in high temperatures, yellowing under UV exposure and can be molded into unique
optical shapes. NuSil and FMI Inc. have teamed up to provide silicone lenses to the photonics industry.
NuSils LightSpan line of high quality, optically characterized silicone materials offer different choices for
lenses. FMIs molding experience with silicones, particularly small intricate parts, can provide customers with
quality optical lenses. Acronym Refractive Index LS Products

Phosphor Coatings
NuSil Technology has specifically designed higher viscosity silicone Optical Gel
Encapsulants in order to keep the dense phosphor powders suspended for extended
periods of time during dispensing. They are excellent for low to high power LED
applications and are available in refractive indices ranging from 1.51 to 1.54.
Application Notes
Avoiding Cure Inhibition and Bubbles with
LightSpan Optical Materials
Choosing a Silicone Primer / Adhesive System
Converting a Two-part LightSpan Optical
Gel or Thermoset to a One-part Material
Curing LightSpan Optical Gels the
Relationship between Temperature, Viscosity,
Durometer and Cure
Improving Light Extraction from LEDs Using
LightSpan Optical Gels & Thermosets
Index Matching Using Optical Polymers
For more details and to view the above Application Notes or for additional technical resources please see our
website at: www.nusil.com/whitePapers/resources.

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NuSil Technology USA
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+1 (805) 684-8780
+1 (805) 566-9905 Fax
silicone@nusil.com
www.nusil.com

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Le Natura Bt2
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+33 4 92 96 93 31
+33 4 92 96 06 37 Fax
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www.nusil.com

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#44-01
Suntec Tower 1
Singapore 038987
+ 65 64306690
+ 65 64306691 Fax
nusilasia@nusil.com

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