Magnesium Fluoride (MgF₂)

Magnesium Fluoride (MgF₂) is a highly regarded material in optics due to its broad transparency range, extending from the deep ultraviolet (UV) to the infrared (IR) spectrum. This makes it an excellent choice for various optical components, including lenses, windows, and prisms used in UV and IR applications. MgF₂ is known for its low refractive index and high optical transmission, which help minimize reflections and enhance image clarity. Its durability, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand thermal shock make it suitable for use in demanding environments and high-power laser systems. These properties make MgF₂ a valuable material in both scientific and industrial optical technologies.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.413

Transmission Range: 0.2 – 7.0 µm

Thermal Properties

Thermal Linear Expansion: 13.7 / 8.9 x 10^-6 /K

Thermal Conductivity: 21 / 33.6 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹  at 300 K

Specific Heat Capacity: 1003 J Kg⁻¹ K⁻¹

Melting Point: 1255 °C

Mechanical Properties

Density: 3.1766 g/cc

Knoop Hardness: 415

Young Modulus: 138 GPa

Shear Modulus: 54.66 GPa

Poisson Ratio: 0.276

Wavelength (µm)	no	ne
0.1137	1.780	–
0.1149	1.742	–
0.1179	1.680	–
0.1198	1.651	–
0.1210	1.628	1.632
0.1300	1.566	1.568
0.1400	1.509	1.523
0.1500	1.480	1.494
0.1600	1.461	1.475
0.1700	1.448	1.462
0.1800	1.439	1.453
0.1900	1.431	1.444
0.2000	1.423	1.416
0.2200	1.413	1.426
0.2480	1.403	1.416
0.2570	1.401	1.414
0.2660	1.399	1.401
0.2800	1.396	1.409
0.3000	1.393	1.405
0.3300	1.389	1.402
0.3370	1.389	1.401
0.3500	1.387	1.400
0.3550	1.386	1.399
0.4000	1.384	1.396
0.5460	1.379	1.390
0.7000	1.376	1.388
1.0870	1.373	1.385
1.5120	1.370	1.382
2.0000	1.368	1.379
2.5000	1.364	1.375
3.0300	1.360	1.370
3.5710	1.354	1.364
4.0000	1.349	1.359
4.5460	1.341	1.350
5.0000	1.334	1.343
5.5560	1.324	1.332
6.0600	1.314	1.321