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Thumbnail Filmstrip of Firebird Optics Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) Circular Optical Window- 50x3mm CAF2-50x3 Images
Firebird Optics Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) Circular Optical Window- 50x3mm CAF2-50x3
Calcium Flouride or CaF2 is a versatile optical material that can be used from deep in the UV range to far out into the long wavelength infrared range (130nm-10µm). With a low absorption coefficient and a high damage threshold, CaF2 is a common choice in laser and cryogenic applications as well as spectroscopy or fluorescence imaging in the UV, VIS and IR wavelengths.
The low index of refraction enables this material to be used without AR coating, making it a versatile, cost-effective option.
Firebird provides these in several uncoated stock configurations but can provide customized and coated to your specifications.
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) Basics:
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) is a material that has been widely used in the field of optics due to its unique optical properties. One of the key applications of Calcium Fluoride is in the manufacture of optical windows. These windows are transparent to ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light, making them ideal for use in a variety of optical systems.
Calcium Fluoride has a high transmission range, which makes it ideal for use in a variety of applications that require a broad spectral transmission range. It is commonly used in applications where high transmission and low absorption are required, such as in spectroscopy, laser systems, and imaging systems.
One of the biggest advantages of Calcium Fluoride windows is their ability to transmit ultraviolet light, which is not possible with traditional glass windows. This makes them ideal for use in applications where ultraviolet light needs to be transmitted, such as in UV spectroscopy and UV imaging.
Calcium Fluoride windows are highly durable and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them ideal for use in industrial and scientific applications. They are also highly resistant to thermal shock, making them ideal for use in high-temperature applications.
The production process of Calcium Fluoride windows requires special equipment and techniques to ensure that the windows are of high quality and have the correct optical properties. The windows can be manufactured using a variety of techniques, including polishing, diamond turning, and grinding.
Calcium Fluoride windows are essential components in a variety of optical systems, offering a range of benefits over traditional materials such as glass. Their high transmission range, durability, and resistance to thermal shock make them ideal for use in a variety of applications, including spectroscopy, laser systems, and imaging systems. As the demand for high-quality optical components continues to grow, Calcium Fluoride windows will continue to play a critical role in the development of new optical systems.
Material Characteristics:
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) is a material with the following specifications:
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Chemical Composition: Calcium Fluoride is a binary compound composed of calcium (Ca) and fluorine (F2) with the chemical formula CaF2.
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Optical Properties: CaF2 has a high refractive index and a low absorption coefficient, making it ideal for use in optical systems. It has a high transmission range, transmitting ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light.
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Physical Properties: CaF2 is a crystalline material with a cubic crystal structure. It has a high hardness and is highly resistant to thermal shock. The material has a high thermal expansion coefficient, which must be taken into consideration when designing optical systems.
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Melting Point: The melting point of CaF2 is 1412°C.
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Density: The density of CaF2 is 3.18 g/cm3.
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Optical Bandgap: The optical bandgap of CaF2 is 10.6 eV.
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Dispersion: The material has a low dispersion, making it ideal for use in imaging systems.
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Surface Finish: The surface finish of CaF2 windows can be polished, diamond turned, or ground, depending on the specific requirements of the application.
Calcium Fluoride is a material with unique optical and physical properties that make it ideal for use in a variety of optical systems. Its high transmission range, low absorption coefficient, and high refractive index make it a popular choice for applications in spectroscopy, laser systems, and imaging systems.
Benefits of Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) Windows:
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High Transmission Range: CaF2 windows have a high transmission range, making them ideal for use in applications that require broad spectral transmission, such as spectroscopy and laser systems.
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Transmits UV Light: CaF2 windows are transparent to ultraviolet light, which is not possible with traditional glass windows, making them ideal for use in UV spectroscopy and imaging applications.
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Durability: CaF2 windows are highly durable and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them ideal for use in industrial and scientific applications.
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Thermal Stability: CaF2 windows are highly resistant to thermal shock, making them ideal for use in high-temperature applications.
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High Refractive Index: CaF2 has a high refractive index, making it ideal for use in high-resolution imaging systems.
Drawbacks of Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) Windows:
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Cost: CaF2 windows can be more expensive than traditional optical glass or fused silica windows due to the special equipment and techniques required to manufacture them.
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Scratch sensitivity: CaF2 windows are more susceptible to scratches and other surface damage compared to traditional glass or quartz windows.
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Absorption: CaF2 windows have a high absorption rate, making them unsuitable for applications where low absorption is required.
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Manufacturing Complexity: The production process of CaF2 windows requires special equipment and techniques, making them more difficult to manufacture compared to traditional glass or quartz windows.
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) windows offer several advantages over traditional glass or quartz windows, including high transmission range, durability, and thermal stability. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as cost, scratch sensitivity, and high absorption rate. The choice of whether to use CaF2 windows or not will depend on the specific requirements of the application and the trade-off between the advantages and disadvantages.
Specifications
| Wavelength range: 130nm-9.5µm | Coating: Uncoated |
| Diameter tolerance: ±0.1mm | Surface Quality: 60/40 |
| Thickness tolerance: ±0.2mm | Paralellism: <1 arc minute |
| Clear Aperture: 90% | Density: 3.18g/cm3 |
| Melting point: 1360ºC | Young's Modulus: (GPa): 75.8 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 18.85 x 10-6/°C | Knoop Hardness: 158.3kg/mm2 |
All returns must be authorized by Spectra Services in order to insure proper credit and must be requested within 30 days of purchase. All returns are subject to a minimum 15% restocking charge. For returns not due to error on behalf of Spectra Services, the customer is responsible for all transportation fees related to the returned product. To ensure proper credit, each product return must include the following information:
- Customer name and address
- Purchase order number
- Spectra Services shipping order number
- Date of invoice
- Item number of returned item(s)
- Spectra Services return authorization number (RMA)
- Reason for return
Non-Returnable Goods
Unfortunately, Spectra Services is unable to accept the following returns at this time:
- Products not in completely resalable condition (including products with damaged, missing, or defaced labeling or packaging
- Chemicals, reagents, diagnostics, sterile, or any controlled products (unless products do not meet specification
- Laboratory apparatus or instruments that have been used or are without the original packaging, labeling and operating manuals
- Refrigerated products or other perishables
- Products which are not inventoried by Spectra Services and are not able to be returned to the manufacturer
- Products purchased on a special order
- Products not purchased from Spectra Services
- Products with an expired shelf life or an expiration date too short for resale
- Discontinued products
Spectra Services reserves the right to review this policy on a case-by-case basis.
Pre-Owned Products
Upon receipt of the pre-owned product(s), the customer has one week to evaluate the product to ensure it meets their expectations. If for some reason the customer decides to return the product, they may do so at any point during those seven (7) days for a full refund. No restocking fee will be assessed, however, the customer is responsible for the return shipping costs. Full credit will be issued upon receipt and inspection of the item(s) to ensure equipment was returned in the same condition it was initially shipped out in.
Important Information
All exchanges and returns require the completion of a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) form. Once completed, please return the merchandise immediately as the RMA number is only active for ten (10) days from the date of issuance.
Charges associated with returning items are the responsibility of the customer unless the item(s) arrived defective, damaged, or incorrect.
Spectra Services highly recommends that return packages be insured for full value and packaged securely to prevent shipping damage.
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Order Questions:
If you need help or have any other questions concerning your orders, please click on the "Contact us" form above or call: 585-265-4320.
249 David Parkway
Ontario, NY 14519 US
Phone: 585-265-4320
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I received a damaged shipment. What can I do?
Accidental damage during shipment can sometimes happen. When you take delivery of your freight, please inspect thoroughly for any visible damage to the outside of the shipping container before signing for it. If there are multiple pieces to the shipment, please account for all them. Should you find that any of the products are damaged or missing after receipt, contact us within three days to address the matter.
I'd like to make a return. How do I do that?
Take a look at our Return Policy, and then contact us to continue with the process. Let us know if you have any questions.
Can you guarantee pricing and availability?
While we attempt to list and provide you the most up-to-date pricing, we reserve the right to make changes. Additionally, we cannot guarantee that we will always have a product in stock, but we do our best to accommodate your needs. If you have questions regarding pricing or availability, please do not hesitate to ask.
Can you explain where you come up with the 'List Price,' please?
Our "List Price" represents the full retail price as suggested by the supplier or manufacturer, the price estimated based on comparable items offered elsewhere in the marketplace, a former price the item was offered for by Spectra Services, or the price estimated in accordance with industry standards. Please note that we do our best to provide accurate list prices, and that it may vary by geographic location.
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