Calcium Fluoride (CaF2):

• Properties: Low refractive index, high resistance to thermal shock, broad transmission range from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR).
• Applications: Lenses and windows in microscopes and telescopes, UV and IR imaging systems.

Sapphire (Al2O3):

• Properties: Extremely hard, high thermal conductivity, and strong transmission in the UV to mid-IR range.
• Applications: Durable windows in harsh environments, substrates for semiconducting devices, and components in military and aerospace applications.

Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2):

• Properties: High transmission from deep UV to IR, birefringent.
• Applications: Polarizers, prisms, and protective coatings on more sensitive optical elements.

Quartz (SiO2):

• Properties: Low thermal expansion, strong resistance to thermal shock, and good optical transmission from UV to IR.
• Applications: Precision mirrors, lenses, and optical components in scientific instruments.

Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3):

• Properties: Strong nonlinear optical and electro-optic effects.
• Applications: Nonlinear optics, optical modulators for telecommunications, and photonic integrated circuits.

Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG):

• Properties: Robust, thermally stable, and often used as a host for dopants like neodymium for laser applications.
• Applications: High-power lasers, laser rangefinders, and medical lasers