Barium Fluoride (BaF₂)

Barium Fluoride (BaF₂) is a crucial material in optics, known for its broad transparency range from the ultraviolet (UV) to the infrared (IR) spectrum. This wide transmission range makes it ideal for a variety of applications, including UV and IR spectroscopy, optical windows, and lenses in imaging systems. BaF₂ has a low refractive index and low dispersion, which helps minimize chromatic aberration in optical systems. Additionally, it exhibits good resistance to radiation damage, making it suitable for use in high-radiation environments such as space and nuclear applications. Its combination of optical clarity, durability, and thermal stability makes BaF₂ a versatile material for advanced optical technologies.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.45

Thermal Co-efficient of Refractive Index: -15.2 x 10^-6

Transmission Range: 0.2 – 12.0 µm

Thermal Properties

Thermal Linear Expansion: 18.1 x 10^-6/K at 273 K

Thermal Conductivity: 11.72 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 286 K

Specific Heat Capacity 410 J Kg⁻¹ K⁻¹

Melting Point: 1386 °C

Mechanical Properties

Density 4.89 g/cc

Knoop Hardness: 82

Young Modulus: 53.07 GPa

Shear Modulus: 25.4 GPa

Poisson Ratio: 0.343

Wavelength (µm)	Refractive Index (n)
0.1408	1.8150
0.1452	1.7820
0.1477	1.7670
0.1500	1.6780
0.2000	1.5570
0.2652	1.5122
0.2803	1.5066
0.2893	1.5039
0.2967	1.5019
0.3021	1.5000
0.3130	1.4978
0.3254	1.4952
0.3403	1.4925
0.3466	1.4915
0.3610	1.4894
0.3663	1.4887
0.4046	1.4844
0.5461	1.4759
0.5893	1.4744
0.6438	1.4730
0.6563	1.4727
0.7065	1.4718
0.8521	1.4699
0.8944	1.4694
1.0140	1.4685
1.1287	1.4678
1.3673	1.4667
1.5295	1.4661
1.6810	1.4656
1.7012	1.4655
1.9701	1.4647
2.3254	1.4636
2.6738	1.4623
3.2434	1.4602
3.4220	1.4594
5.1380	1.4501
5.5490	1.4473
6.2380	1.4422
6.6331	1.4390
7.0442	1.4353
7.2680	1.4331
9.7240	1.4051
10.346	1.3936