CaF₂ Lenses: UV-IR Clarity & Strength. calcium fluoride

Calcium fluoride (CaF₂) stands out as a premier optical material, celebrated for its versatility and exceptional optical properties. As a CaF₂ optical window, it offers remarkable transparency across a broad spectral range, excelling in ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) wavelengths. This superior UV-IR transparency ensures efficient light transmission, making calcium fluoride lenses and windows indispensable for scientific research, industrial applications, and advanced imaging systems.

In spectroscopic instruments, CaF₂ windows enable precise sample analysis across UV, visible, and IR wavelengths. Their high transmission rates and low absorption levels empower researchers to investigate samples thoroughly, delivering critical insights with unmatched clarity. These optical windows are a cornerstone in spectroscopy due to their reliable performance.

Moreover, the inherent chemical resistance of calcium fluoride enhances its durability and appeal across diverse environments, ensuring longevity even in harsh conditions. Whether for laboratory research, industrial processes, or cutting-edge imaging technologies, the unique properties of CaF₂ optical windows and lenses make them the top choice for demanding applications. caf2 windows  

Calcium fluoride (CaF₂) is a high-performance optical material with exceptional properties for optical windows and lenses. Its transmission range spans 0.13 to 10 μm, covering ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR) wavelengths, with a refractive index of 1.39908 at 5 μm. The reflection loss is 5.4% at 5 μm (2 surfaces), and its absorption coefficient varies by wavelength, ensuring versatility in spectroscopy and imaging applications.

With a density of 3.18 g/cc and a melting point of 1360°C, CaF₂ offers robust thermal stability. Its thermal conductivity is 9.71 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, and thermal expansion is 18.85 x 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, making it ideal for demanding environments. The material’s hardness (Knoop: 158.3 with 500g indenter) and specific heat capacity (854 J Kg⁻¹ K⁻¹) enhance its durability in industrial and scientific settings.

Additional properties include a dielectric constant of 6.76 at 1 MHz, Young’s modulus (E) of 75.8 GPa, shear modulus (G) of 33.77 GPa, and bulk modulus (K) of 82.71 GPa. Its apparent elastic limit is 36.54 MPa, with a Poisson ratio of 0.26. Calcium fluoride’s low solubility (0.0017g/100g water at 20°C) and molecular weight of 78.08 underline its chemical resistance. The cubic fluorite structure (Fm3m #225) ensures optical clarity and structural integrity. calcium fluoride (caf2)