CaF2 VUV-193
Grade
also Irtran-3
VUV-193 = vUV/Excimer
Choose the lithography and excimer-laser grade when transmission from 0.13 µm, very low fluorescence and stress birefringence, and resistance to radiation-induced colour centres are required.
Values for the VUV-193 condition
Other CaF2 tempers and conditions
CaF2 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at CaF2.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VUV-193This page VUV/Excimer | Choose the lithography and excimer-laser grade when transmission from 0.13 µm, very low fluorescence and stress birefringence, and resistance to radiation-induced colour centres are required. | — | 37 | 0 | 165 HV | 10 W/m·K |
IR-grade single crystal | Use the lower-cost infrared blank for FTIR windows and IR lenses working from 0.25 to 9 µm, accepting uncontrolled absorption and fluorescence at the UV end. | — | 37 | 0 | 165 HV | 10 W/m·K |
Poly | Pick the hot-pressed polycrystal for large domes needing higher strength and thermal-shock resistance than single crystal; grain-boundary scatter lowers UV and long-wave transmission. | — | — | — | 205 HV | — |
What is CaF2 VUV-193?
CaF2 VUV-193 is CaF2 in the VUV-193 grade — choose the lithography and excimer-laser grade when transmission from 0.13 µm, very low fluorescence and stress birefringence, and resistance to radiation-induced colour centres are required. CaF2 VUV-193 has a tensile strength of 37 MPa (5.37 ksi), weaker than 70% of glass grades. The elastic modulus is 75.8 GPa (11 Msi). CaF2 VUV-193 has a density of 3.18 g/cm³ (0.115 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of glass grades. It melts at 1,418°C (2,584 °F).
Advantages
- High service temperature — 800°C (1,472 °F), better than 81% of glass grades
- Easy to machine — 42/100, better than 80% of glass grades
- Conducts heat well — 9.7 W/m·K (5.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 78% of glass grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 45/100, worse than 84% of glass grades
- Low fracture toughness — 0.33 MPa·√m (0.3 ksi·√in), worse than 81% of glass grades
- Hard to polish — 70/100, worse than 76% of glass grades
CaF2 VUV-193 properties
Typical room-temperature values for CaF2 VUV-193; 15 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are CaF2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among glass grades.
Physical5
CaF2 VUV-193 has a density of 3.18 g/cm³ (0.115 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of glass grades. It melts at 1,418°C (2,584 °F).
Mechanical10
CaF2 VUV-193 has a tensile strength of 37 MPa (5.37 ksi), weaker than 70% of glass grades. The elastic modulus is 75.8 GPa (11 Msi).
Thermal5
CaF2 VUV-193 is rated for continuous service to 800°C (1,472 °F). It conducts heat at 9.7 W/m·K (5.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 78% of glass grades. Thermal expansion is 18.9 µm/m·K (10.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
CaF2 VUV-193 has an electrical resistivity of 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 84% of glass grades.
Manufacturability2
CaF2 VUV-193's machinability is fair (42/100, better than 80% of glass grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with CaF2 VUV-193
Is CaF2 easy to machine?
Grind with diamond wheels at low contact pressure or finish by single-point diamond turning, keeping loads light to avoid edge chipping along the {111} cleavage planes. Use anhydrous oil-based coolant only; water-based fluids are not permitted.
Can CaF2 be welded?
Not weldable; mount with elastomeric retaining rings, low-stress cementing or optical contact, since assembly stress induces birefringence.
Can CaF2 be formed, bent or molded?
Boules are grown in vacuum from high-purity CaF₂ powder with an oxygen scavenger by the Bridgman–Stockbarger crucible-descent method and then annealed to relieve stress. Polycrystalline parts are produced by hot pressing.
What surface finishes work on CaF2?
Rough-grind first, then polish on pitch laps with cerium oxide or alumina. Finish with an MgF₂ or multilayer UV/IR anti-reflection coating to raise transmission and protect against moisture.
CaF2 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Castoichiometric CaF2 | 51 – 51.4 | 51.33 |
| Fmetals <50 ppm; UV/excimer grade: O, Ce, Na, K <1-5 ppm | ≥ 48.6 (balance) | — |
CaF2 VUV-193 — frequently asked
What is CaF2 VUV-193 used for?
CaF2 VUV-193 is typically used for UV lithography lenses, excimer laser optics, spectroscopic windows and IR windows. In short: broadest UV-IR transmission; lowest dispersion fluoride crystal; standard 193 nm optic.
What is the tensile strength of CaF2 VUV-193?
CaF2 VUV-193 has a typical tensile strength of 37 MPa (5.37 ksi) — weaker than 70% of glass grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is CaF2 VUV-193 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (42/100, better than 80% of glass grades). Grind with diamond wheels at low contact pressure or finish by single-point diamond turning, keeping loads light to avoid edge chipping along the {111} cleavage planes. Use anhydrous oil-based coolant only; water-based fluids are not permitted.
Can CaF2 VUV-193 be welded?
Not weldable; mount with elastomeric retaining rings, low-stress cementing or optical contact, since assembly stress induces birefringence.
What surface finishes work on CaF2 VUV-193?
Rough-grind first, then polish on pitch laps with cerium oxide or alumina. Finish with an MgF₂ or multilayer UV/IR anti-reflection coating to raise transmission and protect against moisture.
Can CaF2 VUV-193 be formed, bent or molded?
Boules are grown in vacuum from high-purity CaF₂ powder with an oxygen scavenger by the Bridgman–Stockbarger crucible-descent method and then annealed to relieve stress. Polycrystalline parts are produced by hot pressing.
What is the maximum service temperature of CaF2 VUV-193?
CaF2 VUV-193 is rated for continuous use to about 800°C (1,472 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) optical material datasheet — Crystran Ltd (2023)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.4 — Ceramics and Glasses — ASM International (1991)
- Handbook of Optical Constants of Solids — Academic Press (Palik ed.) (1998)
- Calcium Fluoride for excimer laser and lithography optics — Corning Advanced Optics / Hellma Materials (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.