Calcium Flouride(CaF₂) lenses are available as a Monocrystalline & Polycrystalline element that is used in UV/IR & UV spectrum. It is very important in laser application because of its elevated threshold for laser damage. Calcium fluoride material is robust and may be expected to withstand several years of exposure to normal atmospheric conditions with its Anti-reflective coatings for both UV and IR wavelengths. This substrate is used in producing the calcium Flouride lens, calcium Flouride Optical windows and plates, and calcium Flouride microscope skids. The most applicable area for Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂) is commonly for optics looking at the IR and UV spectrums. It shares similar optical properties with Barium Fluoride although it has a transmission that is 2.5µm less into the infra-red. Calcium Fluoride is however cheaper than Barium Fluoride as the optical grade occurs naturally as opposed to BaF₂ which is artificially produced. At aro laser research optics, we offer a wide range of quality CaF₂ lenses either from stock or custom-made to your specification for a range of applications. Every component is individually tested by our highly skilled technicians to ensure all components meet high-quality standards. CaF₂ lens has a high transmission rate of 0.18-8.0 microns, and as said before is mostly used for UV and IR spectral high transmission applications. With its outstanding laser power damage threshold, CaF₂ lenses also are widely used under excimer laser window environment. Its refractive index is comparatively low from 180nm up to 8.0 microns, ranges from 1.35 to 1.51. CaF₂ has low dispersion, in visible wavelength applications, it shows superior vivid and exquisite imaging performance compared to regular optical glasses. The CaF₂ lenses come in various shapes, forms and sizes as they are available as both planoconvex and plano-concave forms. Calcium fluoride exhibits excellent transmission from 150 nm in the ultraviolet through 7 μm in the infrared. Because of the low refractive index of calcium fluoride, in most cases, an anti-reflection coating is not required. Apart from lenses, different products can be gotten from this substrate like optical windows, lenses, prisms, and blanks in the Ultraviolet to Infrared region. It is a relatively hard material, being twice as hard as Barium Fluoride. Calcium Fluoride material for Infra-red use is grown using naturally mined fluorite, in large quantities at a relatively low cost. The chemically prepared raw material is usually used for UV applications.
Features Of CaF₂ Lens
- Within UV and IR spectrum, CaF₂ have a very low change in refractive index with wavelength
- Calcium Fluoride components are difficult to manufacture in actual production
- CaF₂ is soft and easy to leave fabrication marks and scratches on the polished require
- They exhibit transmission from 150 nm in the ultraviolet through 7 μm in the infrared. Because of the low refractive index of calcium fluoride, in most cases, an anti-reflection coating is not required
- It has a very low refractive index which allows it to be used without an anti-reflective coating
- In dry conditions it has a maximum operating temperature of 800°C
- Calcium Fluoride windows with polished surfaces are stable and last long under normal conditions until temperatures exceed 600°C which soften it
- It is a chemically and physically stable crystal with excellent
- It is water-resistant, chemical resistant, and heat resistant
- It offers low absorption and high transmission ranging from Vacuum Ultraviolet 125nm to Infra-red 8 microns
- Its unique optical dispersion means it can be used as an achromatic lens combined with other optical materials
Application Of CaF₂ Lens
All of these features and properties make it to be useful in astronomy, photography, microscopy, HDTV optics, and medical laser instruments. Calcium Fluoride windows can be manufactured from vacuum ultraviolet grade Calcium Fluoride which is commonly found in cryogenically cooled thermal imaging systems. As it is physically stable and chemically inert with superior hardness, it is the choice material for microlithography and laser optics applications. Calcium Fluoride lenses can be used in both cameras and telescopes to reduce light dispersion and in the oil and gas industry as a component in detectors and spectrometers.
