Calcium Fluoride is used for optical windows,
lenses and prisms in the 0.15 µm - 9 µm range.
This material has found wide use in high power laser optics due
to its low absorption. Polished surfaces are stable and will last
several years under normal conditions. Due to its low refractive
index, Calcium Fluoride can be used without anti-reflection coating.
Calcium fluoride is grown by vacuum Stockbarger technique. Material
for IR use is grown using naturally mined fluorite, in large quantities
at relatively low cost.
MATERIAL
