Markets Served
Laser
Laser outputs have been progressively increasing over the last decade; while thermal management and heat dissipation remain a crucial factor for overall laser performance and lifetime. Beryllium Oxide is the premier choice for application in semiconductor diode laser arrays and gas lasers because it possesses the highest thermal conductivity of all oxide ceramic materials currently known to exist in the universe.
Microwave
High and Low power radar systems require materials exhibiting low dielectric constants and very low dielectric loss factors, otherwise referred to as dissipation factor or tan δ. Beryllium Oxide is most often the material selected for these requirements by virtue of its low dielectric loss. Since BeO is transparent to microwaves, it may be used as windows, radomes, and antennas for microwave communication systems and high power industrial microwave ovens. Furthermore BeO exhibits appropriate mechanical strength and dielectric strength when used in high power, high frequency applications.
Electronics
Electrical components requiring high resistivity mounting substrates that exhibit matched expansion coefficients and high voltage breakdown strengths are also perfect candidates for the use of high thermal conductivity Beryllium Oxide.
Aerospace
Avionics components benefit from the low specific gravity of Beryllium Oxide. Concomitant with its high specific stiffness, dielectric strength, and superior thermal conductivity, BeO offers unique advantages in many aerospace applications where densely packed components require lightweight electric isolation, specifically for onboard missile systems and countermeasures avionics.
Medical
Heat dissipation is often a prime requirement in the miniature circuitry used in ever shrinking medical devices. BeO has distinguished itself by way of its excellent thermal performance ingas lasers used for DNA and tissue analysis, portable defibrillators, and blood glucose meters for diabetics. Beryllium Oxide is the preferred choice for applications requiring rapid thermal transfer combined with dielectric and mechanical strength.
Nuclear
Early research and development work on beryllium oxide was directed toward the nuclear industry. BeO has specific properties such as low neutron capture cross section and high neutron moderating ability which make it an attractive material for nuclear applications. Furthermore its high melting temperature allows it to be used where other refractory materials will not provide the set of properties necessary for these situations.Additionally, BeO is transparent to x-rays and can therefore be employed as an x-ray window, particularly where operating conditions can be severe.
Refractory
Applications requiring prolonged exposure to very high temperatures will be adequately served through the use of Beryllium Oxide. With a melting temperature which exceeds Alumina by 400 °C, and a safe use temperature in excess of 2000 °C, BeO is ideal for thermocouple protection tubes, furnace lining brick, setters, crucibles, and other refractory requirements.
Research & Development
Research and Development on Beryllia continues so material processing improvements can realize even greater thermal transfer in American Beryllia products. Our aim is to have the thermal conductivity of BeO monolithic materials more closely approach theoretical values. Additionally, development of thermally conductive pastes and adhesives continue such that the ever-increasing performance needs of our customers may be achieved.
