Magnesium Fluoride Spherical Lenses
Magnesium fluoride spherical lenses are ideal for laser work, especially in the UV range. At Avantier, we produce custom magnesium fluoride lenses in both spherical and aspherical configurations.
Magnesium fluoride spherical lenses
Benefits of Magnesium Fluoride Spherical Lenses
Magnesium fluoride has high transmission for a wide range of wavelengths, between 0.12 to 7µm. It is a durable material with high chemical stability. It also has good mechanical properties, including impact resistance and a high damage threshold against thermal fluctuations and radiation. The melting point is very high (1255 C).
Magnesium fluoride is a naturally birefringent substance. However, it it possible to minimize birefringence by controlling the alignment of the lenses C-axis. Cutting it in such a way and mounting it in appropriate alignment to the light source makes it suitable for excimer laser applications.
Magnesium fluoride can be used as a stand-alone optical substrate. It can also be applied to other substrates as a thin film coating to enhance optical qualities and durability.
Key properties
Refractive Index | 1.413 @ 0.22µm |
Reflection Loss | 5.7 % @ 0.22µm |
Density | 3.18 g/cm3 |
Hardness | Knoop 415 |
Youngs Modulus | 138 GPa |
Melting Point | 1255 C |
Specific Heat Capacity | 1003 J Kg m-1 K-1 |
Applications of Magnesium Fluoride Spherical Lenses
Magnesium fluoride spherical lenses are ideal for many applications that require broadband transmission in the deep UV to mid-infrared range. For instance, they are ideal for use at the Hydrogen Lyman-alpha line (Ly-α, at wavelength 121.567 nm). These spherical lenses are also often used with UV radiation sources and UV receivers.
Magnesium fluoride’s resistance to thermal damage also makes suitable for high powered excimer lasers, operating in the UV range. These lasers generate nanosecond pulses rather than continuous-wave operation, with a pulse energy between 10 mJa and 1J. Magnesium fluoride spherical lenses are used most often with lasers based on argon fluoride, krypton fluoride and xenon chloride. They can also be used with other types of excimer lasers as well.
Custom Magnesium Fluoride Spherical Lenses at Avantier
At Avantier, we produce custom magnesium fluoride lenses for a wide variety of applications, including excimer lasers, in any focal length desired. If you are unsure which lens you need, our expert optical designers can help. We will recommend the best lens for your application. Whether you need a magnesium fluoride spherical lens, a MgF2 window, or another optical piece with MgF2 coatings, we can get you what you need.
A focus on providing a premium experience to our customers and producing the exact optical piece needed is what sets Avantier apart. Some optical suppliers may encourage you to order a part that almost works from in-stock items. We want to provide the exact lens required by your application. We are proud of our ability to produce premium custom optics at affordable prices and within reasonable time frames. Please contact us today to set up an initial consult or to place a custom order.
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