Optical constants of BaF2 (Barium fluoride)
Malitson 1964: n 0.265–10.3 µm
Wavelength:
µm
(0.2652–10.346)
Complex refractive index (n+ik)
n
k
LogX
LogY
eV
Derived optical constants
Dispersion formula
$$n^2-1=\frac{0.643356λ^2}{λ^2-0.057789^2}+\frac{0.506762λ^2}{λ^2-0.10968^2}+\frac{3.8261λ^2}{λ^2-46.3864^2}$$Comments
25 °C
References
I. H. Malitson. Refractive properties of barium fluoride, J. Opt. Soc. Am. 54, 628-630 (1964)
Data
INFO
Barium fluoride, BaF2
BaF2, or barium fluoride, is a crystal that offers a wide transmission range, spanning from the ultraviolet into the mid-infrared regions. This material is commonly used in specialized optical applications such as scintillators in high-energy physics experiments, and as windows and lenses in infrared spectroscopy systems. It possesses a relatively low refractive index and high resistance to radiation damage, which makes it especially useful in extreme conditions. Additionally, BaF2 has fast scintillation response times, making it advantageous in fast-timing applications. One drawback, however, is that the crystal is hygroscopic, making it sensitive to moisture and requiring proper storage and handling to maintain its optical properties. It also has a lower resistance to thermal and mechanical shock compared to other fluoride crystals, which can be a consideration depending on the intended application. Despite these limitations, BaF2 remains a highly valuable material for specialized optical and photonic applications, owing to its broad transmission range and resilience to high-energy radiation.Other names
- Barium difluoride
- Barium(II) fluoride