Description
Shape Optics’ Barium Fluoride (BaF2) Windows are designed to offer high-performance optical properties across a broad spectral range, from deep ultraviolet (UV) to long-wave infrared (LWIR). These windows are integral in various high-energy applications, providing excellent transmission and durability.
Properties and Uses
Barium Fluoride windows are particularly valuable in infrared spectroscopy and applications that require high-energy radiation resistance. They are capable of operating at temperatures up to 800°C in dry environments, making them suitable for high-temperature optical systems. However, they are sensitive to thermal shock and prolonged exposure to moisture, which can degrade their UV transmission.
General Specifications
- Material: Barium Fluoride (BaF2)
- Clear Aperture: 90%
- Coating: Uncoated
- Edges: Fine Ground
- Bevel: Protective as needed
- Type: Protective Window
Physical Properties
- Density: 4.89 g/cm³
- Young’s Modulus: 53 GPa
- Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): 18.1 x 10⁻⁶/°C
- Operating Temperature: Maximum 800°C
Mechanical Properties
- Knoop Hardness: 82 kg/mm²
- Poisson’s Ratio: 0.343
- Surface Flatness: λ/2
- Parallelism: < 3 arcmin
Chemical Properties
Barium Fluoride is resistant to high-energy radiation, making it ideal for detecting X-rays, gamma rays, and other high-energy particles. However, it is less resistant to water compared to other optical materials like Calcium Fluoride, impacting its UV transmission when exposed to moisture.
Optical Properties
- Index of Refraction: 1.48
- Abbe Number (νd): 81.78
- Surface Quality: 60-40 scratch-dig
Transmission Wavelength Range
BaF2 windows offer a broad transmission range from 200 nm to 12,000 nm, covering deep UV to LWIR. This wide transmission capability makes them versatile for a range of optical applications, especially those involving IR spectroscopy and high-energy particle detection.
Shape Optics’ Barium Fluoride Windows are engineered to deliver superior performance across a wide spectral range, ensuring durability and reliability in high-energy optical applications. Despite their sensitivity to thermal shock and moisture, their resistance to high-energy radiation and broad wavelength transmission make them a valuable choice for demanding optical systems.
