Barium Fluoride (BaF2) Window

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.