Magnesium Fluoride is used for optical elements in both the infrared and ultraviolet. Its useful transmission range is from 0.11m m to 7.5m m. It is the only one optical material combining wide spectral transmittance band with birefringence phenomenon. Magnesium Fluoride features its hardness and resistance to mechanical shock and water. The material is sensitive to thermal shock but does not cleave. Irradiation does not lead to color centers. This VUV material is the least susceptible to radiation induced color centers.
Magnesium Fluoride is a proven material for high energy lasers, and in particular for lasers operating in UV and VUV range. Generally all optical elements are manufactured with working surface perpendicular to the c-axis of the crystal.

Physical Properties