CaF2 (Calcium Fluoride) plano-convex lenses are high-performance positive optical elements manufactured from high-purity calcium fluoride single crystals. Featuring one flat surface and one spherical convex surface, these lenses provide positive focal lengths for focusing collimated beams or collimating point sources, delivering exceptionally broad broadband transmission from the ultraviolet (UV) through the visible and into the infrared (IR) spectrum with minimal wavefront distortion.

Technical Applications & Industrial Use Cases

Due to their wide transmission window, extremely low refractive index dispersion, and high resistance to laser-induced damage, CaF2 plano-convex lenses are vital across precision industries:

  • Laser Focusing & Collimation: Utilized as primary focusing and collimating elements in UV, visible, and infrared laser systems requiring high threshold damage resistance.
  • Thermal Imaging & Multi-Spectral Optics: Deployed in thermal cameras, FLIR systems, and infrared detectors operating in the 3 to 5 micrometer spectral band.
  • Scientific & UV Instrumentation: Perfect for excimer laser optics, spectrophotometers, and astronomical observation equipment demanding wide transparency.

Key Specifications & Performance Advantages

  • Material: High-purity Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) single crystal optimized for wide-band transmission.
  • Design Wavelength: Calibrated for precision performance at 587.6 nm with strict focal length tolerance .
  • Surface Quality: High-precision 60-40 scratch-dig with tight centration tolerance (< 3 arcmin) and protective chamfers .
  • Coating Options: Available uncoated or featuring specialized low-absorption infrared anti-reflective (IR1) coatings (average reflectance < 1.5% across 3 to 5 micrometers) to maximize throughput.

Download Datasheet of CaF2 Plano Convex Lens