Single-Crystal Wafers & Substrates
MgF₂ Single-Crystal Substrates
MgF₂ single-crystal substrates for VUV/UV optics and polarization-sensitive systems, with crystal orientation specified to account for the material’s birefringence.
- Germany-based supplier and manufacturing partner
- Manufacturing to customer specifications
- Optical inspection and measurement against specified requirements
- From single components and prototypes to repeat supply
Product overview
Custom MgF₂ substrates can be specified by dimensions, crystal orientation, and polishing requirements.
Magnesium fluoride (MgF₂) is a positive uniaxial, birefringent optical crystal with a tetragonal crystal structure and broad spectral transmission extending from the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) into the infrared. Its excellent VUV/UV transmission, low refractive index, and orientation-dependent optical properties make MgF₂ suitable for UV optics, spectroscopy, polarization-sensitive optical components, and selected thin-film applications.
Key advantages
- Broad spectral transmission from the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) to the infrared
- Intrinsic birefringence with orientation-dependent optical properties
- Good optical polishability for precision optical surfaces
- Good resistance to mechanical and thermal shock
- Low refractive index
Properties
- Chemical formula
- MgF₂
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal (rutile structure)
- Point group
- 4/mmm
- Molecular weight
- 62.30 g/mol
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Lattice parameters
- a ≈ 4.62 Å; c ≈ 3.06 Å
- Density
- 3.18 g/cm³
- Cleavage planes
- (100), (110)
- Melting point
- 1255 °C
- Specific heat capacity
- 1003 J/(kg·K)
- Thermal expansion coefficient, parallel to c-axis
- 13.7 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹
- Thermal expansion coefficient, perpendicular to c-axis
- 8.9 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹
- Ordinary refractive index (nₒ)
- 1.384 at 400 nm
- Extraordinary refractive index (nₑ)
- 1.396 at 400 nm
Typical applications
- VUV and UV optical systems
- VUV and UV spectroscopy and analytical instrumentation
- Substrates for excimer laser optics
- Polarization-sensitive optics and birefringence research
- Substrates for optical coatings and thin-film deposition
- Selected thin-film growth and epitaxial research
View related products
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RFQ PREPARATION
What to send for a quote
Please send your drawing or technical specification together with the following information.
- Required MgF₂ grade or operating wavelength range
- Dimensions, thickness, and dimensional tolerances
- Crystal orientation and orientation tolerance
- Surface finish, polishing, and coating requirements
- Required quantity