CaF2 optical crystals have been present in the world of optical materials for decades. Although a greater variety of crystals has become available over the years, CaF2 is still the preferred material for many applications. It is still considered an ideal material for applications requiring components that perform well in a broad range of UV/VIS/IR spectrums. Due to its low absorption and high damage threshold, CaF2 is an excellent candidate for use in excimer lasers. It is worth mentioning that CaF2’s low refractive index eliminates the need for an anti-reflective coating, therefore, making the components’ production process more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Unique Properties of CaF2 optics
Our material exhibits qualities that are highly compatible with the specs generally required by the industry. The material we can provide has a Transmission range of 130nm to 10μm and a Transmittance of >94% at 193nm to 7.8μm.
The diameters of our disk parts range from <300 mm for polycrystalline and 4-200 mm for monocrystalline materials. Our single crystals are grain boundaries free.
Rediscovering the power of CaF2 for future applications
Despite being a relatively old material, The CaF2 crystal is currently finding its place in various new and innovative applications. The demand for high precision optical components involving CaF2 lenses and windows has been on the rise thanks to emerging sectors like augmented reality, laser technology, autonomous vehicles, and medical diagnostic devices. CaF2 crystal parts are an ideal choice for optical components that need to produce clear and high- resolution images. CaF2 lenses and windows present high transmission and low aberration effects, which are crucial for many applications. Traditionally, CaF2 optics were key materials in microlithography for semiconductor production. However, its role does not have to end there. There is a consistently growing need for new and old optical materials in research applications. The CaF2 crystal, with its unique properties and capabilities, is still considered a critical material in high-performance optics. This makes it an essential component for future developments in science and technology, specifically in space-based optics, optics for astronomical instruments, and imaging systems for our explorations of the universe.
Importance of CaF2 crystal’s quality
Although the material is available from different sources, in order to achieve high-quality optics, it is crucial for the bulk crystal to be of the highest quality: pure, free of defects and grain boundaries. The proprietary crystal growth and purification processes that we use to make our parts result in an excellent quality material. Our fabrication team of highly trained technicians makes sure that our parts always fulfill our client’s requirements. We can produce a wide range of custom parts, including different cuts and orientations of monocrystalline and polycrystalline materials. Our material performs well in deep ultraviolet, ultraviolet, and infrared spectra. It looks like CaF2 is still going to be an important player in the present and future of optical materials since there are not many other crystals with such a good transmission rate over such a wide spectral range.
