Optical Windows are used to protect optical systems and electronic sensors from an outside environment. Visible Windows are used in imaging applications for industrial or environmental applications. Optical windows are usually made in form of flat plates of a transparent medium e.g. glass, crystal or polymer. Optical windows are designed to work in different areas of UV-VIS-IR spectrum. They are made of a variety of substrates. Calcium fluoride and magnesium fluoride window are two important substrates used for making optical windows.
Calcium Fluoride Window
Calcium fluoride (CaF2) is a unique optical substance occurring naturally as the mineral fluorite. It has excellent transmission in the UV and it is often used to make windows with high transmittance from below 150 nm and extending throughout the visible range. Calcium Fluoride window is used for optical windows, lenses and prisms. As it has low power absorption, it is widely used in the high-power laser optics. Due to its composition, CaF2 has a much longer usable lifetime than most other kinds of materials
It is good to choose for Calcium Fluoride having low refractive index as it can be used without anti-reflection coating. Calcium Fluoride is used for optical windows, drilled discs, lenses and prisms in transmission range 0.15-9µm. Calcium Fluoride Windows are also applicable for a wide range of spectrum. It is particularly useful for wavelength at 2980nm laser application. It has been identified as a prime candidate for windows operating at chemical laser wavelengths. Most good companies provide custom made CaF2 windows, CaF2 lenses and wedges according customer's specifications.
Magnesium Fluoride Window
Magnesium Fluoride window offers excellent transmission from deep in the ultraviolet region to the mid-infrared. They provide extremely durable and introduce minimal aberrations. They are typically used for UV radiation sources and receivers and excimer laser applications. These windows are resistant to mechanical and thermal shock, laser damage and chemical etching. It is commonly used for windows, lenses and other optical components for its range of uses varying from UV to Infrared. These windows are generally used for UV radiation sources and receivers. They are resistant to mechanical and thermal shock, laser damage and chemical etching. MgF2 windows are typically available in a variety of sizes, contact us for availability. Most optical window manufacturers offer windows in a Magnesium Fluoride Monocrystalline material with AR coatings and different shapes.
Most manufacturers produce various custom-made optical components and assembly such as lenses, prisms, windows and filters etc. These optical components are available in various coating designs and they are widely used in automation, metrology, life sciences, lasers, semiconductor, military and medical equipment.
