#ZERODUR

Glass vs. glass-ceramic: What you need to know

The mirror substrate for the M2 of the Extremely Large Telescope, will have an extreme curvature.

“Masterpiece” delivered

SCHOTT manufactured an extremely curved secondary mirror substrate made of ZERODUR® glass-ceramic in Mainz, Germany, for the ESO´s Extremely Large Telescope

Welcome, new life

For astronomers, broadening horizons literally means reaching for the stars. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) with its spectacular telescopes helps make this happen while demonstrating the allure of what lies beyond the discoveries.

Accurate to a millionth of a millimeter

Researchers and developers are constantly working to the limits of what is technically feasible to come up with new findings and products, whether in search of new planets, in forecasting the weather or developing turbo-fast chips and flexible displays.

The superhero

For more than half a century, ZERODUR® glass-ceramic has been ahead of its time. This is the unique success story of a material with a low thermal expansion, which has allowed it to play a critical role in some incredible achievements in astronomy.

The largest telescope on Earth starts with 1,400-degree molten glass

This telescope is designed to capture images of the next Earth

Starcatcher

The new issue of the technology magazine “solutions” looks into space – and to earth.

Successful start

Video impressions on the ZERODUR® M1 cast for the Extremely Large Telescope.

Accurate to 0.000001 mm

With ELT, even a millionth of a millimeter counts.

SCHOTT & the ELT

Everything you need to know in 6 minutes

A window into distant galaxies

Astronomers are constantly looking for ways to obtain deeper insights of outer space so that they can further explore the universe. Technology such as the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) must be able to capture as much light as possible before transferring it onto scientific instruments.

More about the Megatrends

Our world is more connected than ever before. All-new devices like wearables find their way into everyday life, while cars mutate into rolling computer systems. Whether as a cover for smartphone displays, substrate for 5G antenna technology, or even as a core element of unprecedented device designs: specialty glass is an essential component of the digital world. Not always visible, but always there.

Health is in the foreground for many people and it shapes the most diverse areas of life. The term stands for physical, mental and social well-being with a lifestyle of personal fulfilment and prevention. As life expectancy increases worldwide and the connection to the digital world continues, health-conscious consumers are making new demands.

The increasing population makes available space a limited good in growing global metropolitan regions. Whether usable living space for more and more people, stable mobile radio networks and frequency spaces for increasing networking, or usable street space for mobility solutions: Urbanization brings with it compellingly necessary changes that often only become possible with the help of specialty glass.

The 21st century is characterized by a growing need for new mobility concepts due to individualization, connectivity, urbanization and neo-ecology requirements. Technical innovations and changing needs are becoming the driving force. This trend is characterized by the acronym ACES: autonomous, connected, electrical and shared. We are experiencing an evolution: the beginning of a new, multimobile ecosystem.

Technical progress allows the distribution and exchange of digital information and data which enables the expansion and availability of knowledge worldwide. Countries and companies are competing for the best in inventions, innovations and patents. To generate the necessary scientific knowledge or to develop the newest technologies, sophisticated materials are a must. They enable what´s requested: enlarging human horizons.

Globalization, digitalization and climate change are profoundly changing our lives. For the future, therefore, sustainable development is one of the biggest challenges. Sustainability means that economic, ecological and social actions must always align with the guiding principle of responsibility - for the benefit of both the people and the environment, hence the entire planet Earth.

Change is afoot in the world’s energy industry. Alternative energy sources, soaring demand in emerging markets and a growing digitalization are just some of the elements disrupting the status quo. To keep the world’s lights on, humanity will need to find smart solutions to make energy supply cleaner, renewable and more efficient at the same time.