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Description

Barium fluoride (BaF2) windows are high-performance optical components known for their broad spectral transparency, spanning from the ultraviolet to the infrared  regions, with exceptional transmission efficiency in the IR spectrum.

Their low refractive index minimizes surface reflection losses, optimizing light throughput in demanding optical systems. BaF2 windows exhibit fast scintillation properties, emitting ultrafast UV photons under ionizing radiation, which is critical for radiation detection applications.

Chemically resistant to moisture and many acids, they ensure durability in harsh environments, while their thermal stability (up to ~500°C) supports use in high-temperature settings. Commonly applied in infrared spectroscopy , radiation detection , high-power laser systems , thermal imaging, and nuclear physics research , BaF2 windows are vital in scientific, industrial, and defense technologies requiring precision and reliability.

Custom Optical BaF2 Barium Fluoride Window

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Specifications

Substrate Material: BaF2
Diameter (or Largest Dimension): 25 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Antireflection Coating: Coated
Surface Quality (Scratch-Dig): 60-40
Surface Flatness: <= Lambda/4
Diameter Tolerance: +0/-0.1mm
Thickness Tolerance: ±0.1mm
Concentricity: <3 arcmin

Got questions about specs? Use the inquiry form to ask.

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Features

  • Broad Transparency Range: Transmits from ultraviolet (UV, ~0.2 µm) to infrared (IR, ~12 µm), with high efficiency in the IR region.
  • Low Refractive Index: Reduces surface reflection losses, enhancing light throughput.
  • Fast Scintillation Properties: Emits ultrafast UV photons under ionizing radiation, useful in radiation detection.
  • Chemical Resistance: Resistant to moisture and many acids, ensuring durability in harsh environments.
  • Thermal Stability: Maintains performance at high temperatures (up to ~500°C), suitable for extreme conditions.

Applications

  • Infrared Spectroscopy: Widely used in FT-IR systems for analyzing organic and inorganic compounds.
  • Radiation Detection: Employed in scintillation counters and X-ray/γ-ray detectors.
  • High-Power Laser Systems: Serves as output windows in CO2 and other IR lasers due to low absorption.
  • Thermal Imaging: Integrated into thermal cameras for military and industrial surveillance.
  • Nuclear Physics Research: Utilized in particle physics experiments for Cherenkov radiation detection. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the key advantage of BaF2 windows in infrared applications?
BaF2 windows offer exceptional infrared (IR) transmission efficiency, covering wavelengths up to ~12 µm, making them ideal for IR spectroscopy and thermal imaging.
How does BaF2’s hardness compare to other optical materials?
With a Mohs hardness of 3–4, BaF2 is softer than materials like sapphire , requiring careful handling to avoid scratches.
Why is BaF2 preferred over other fluorides in high-energy radiation environments?
BaF2 has superior resistance to high-energy radiation compared to other fluorides like CaF2, and its fast scintillation properties enable detection of γ-rays and X-rays in nuclear physics experiments
Why is anti-reflective coating unnecessary for BaF2 windows?
Its low refractive index (~1.47–1.51) minimizes surface reflections, reducing the need for additional coatings in many optical designs.
How are single-crystal and polycrystalline BaF₂ windows different?
Single-crystal BaF2 offers slightly better optical uniformity but is twice as expensive as polycrystalline variants, which are more cost-effective for standard applications.

Got more questions? Use the inquiry form to ask the supplier directly.

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