Barium fluoride (BaF2) optical component

Barium Fluoride (BaF₂) is a crystalline compound of barium and fluoride used in optical applications in the NIR, VIS and MWIR spectrums. Barium Fluoride is resistant to high energy radiation, performing well in dry temperatures up to 800°C, but transmission in the Vacuum UV (VUV) degrades over time in a moist atmosphere and the material is susceptible to water corrosion at 500°C. Barium Fluoride is ideal for use as a VUV window where high radiation resistance is required from, for example, gamma and x-ray. Other applications include thermography and medical thermology equipment, laser, and astronomy. Barium Fluoride transmits at over 90% between the 0.2-10μm spectrum beyond which transmission decreases, reaching 0% at about 0.18µm and 14µm. It is a relatively soft material with a hardness of HK82, and can be BBAR coated for use in the 0.8-2.5µm, 3.0-5.0µm and 1.0-5.0 ranges. Knight Optical supply a range of quality BaF₂ optical components including BaF₂ windows, BaF₂ lenses, BaF₂ prisms, and BaF₂ blanks either from stock or bespoke custom made to your specification for a range of applications. Every component is individually tested by our highly skilled technicians in our state of the art metrology lab to ensure all components meet our high quality standards.