MgF2 SC-UV
Grade · default condition
also Irtran-1
SC-UV = vUV/UV-grade single crystal
Choose the Bridgman/Stockbarger-grown crystal for deep-UV windows, excimer-laser optics, polarising prisms and space VUV instruments; cut oriented to the optic axis to control birefringence.
Values for the SC-UV condition
Other MgF2 tempers and conditions
MgF2 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at MgF2.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coating/evaporation grade | Use the 99.9–99.99 % granules or crystal pieces as feedstock for e-beam or resistive evaporation of low-index AR coatings; only purity, water/oxygen content and film stress matter, not bulk mechanicals. | — | 40 | 0 | 400 HV | 16 W/m·K |
Hot-pressed polycrystalline | Pick the hot-pressed polycrystal for large-aperture, high-strength IR windows and domes; scatter and absorption above 3–5 µm exceed single crystal and the UV range is unusable. | — | — | — | 560 HV | 15 W/m·K |
SC-UVDefaultThis page VUV/UV-grade single crystal | Choose the Bridgman/Stockbarger-grown crystal for deep-UV windows, excimer-laser optics, polarising prisms and space VUV instruments; cut oriented to the optic axis to control birefringence. | — | — | — | — | 21 W/m·K |
What is MgF2 SC-UV?
MgF2 SC-UV is MgF2 in the SC-UV grade — choose the Bridgman/Stockbarger-grown crystal for deep-UV windows, excimer-laser optics, polarising prisms and space VUV instruments; cut oriented to the optic axis to control birefringence. The elastic modulus is 138.5 GPa (20.1 Msi). MgF2 SC-UV has a density of 3.18 g/cm³ (0.115 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of glass grades. It melts at 1,255°C (2,291 °F).
Advantages
- Stiff — 138.5 GPa (20.1 Msi), better than 90% of glass grades
- Conducts heat well — 21 W/m·K (12.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 86% of glass grades
- High service temperature — 800°C (1,472 °F), better than 81% of glass grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 0.9 MPa·√m (0.819 ksi·√in), better than 79% of glass grades
MgF2 SC-UV properties
Typical room-temperature values for MgF2 SC-UV; 10 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are MgF2 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among glass grades.
Physical5
MgF2 SC-UV has a density of 3.18 g/cm³ (0.115 lb/in³), heavier than 58% of glass grades. It melts at 1,255°C (2,291 °F).
Mechanical10
The elastic modulus is 138.5 GPa (20.1 Msi).
Thermal5
MgF2 SC-UV is rated for continuous service to 800°C (1,472 °F). It conducts heat at 21 W/m·K (12.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 86% of glass grades. Thermal expansion is 11.3 µm/m·K (6.28 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
MgF2 SC-UV has an electrical resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), worse than 58% of glass grades.
Manufacturability2
MgF2 SC-UV's machinability is poor (25/100, better than 63% of glass grades).
Common Calculations2
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with MgF2 SC-UV
Is MgF2 easy to machine?
Grind, saw and cut with diamond tooling only, using light feeds; watch the (110) cleavage plane and keep the birefringent axis orientation under control. Avoid long immersion in water-based coolant.
Can MgF2 be welded?
Not weldable; seal into metal seats with low-stress compliant clamping, epoxy, or low-temperature solder.
Can MgF2 be formed, bent or molded?
Single crystals are grown by the Bridgman crucible-lowering method under a fluorinating atmosphere; polycrystalline parts are vacuum hot-pressed at 900–1000 °C. No cold plastic working is possible.
What surface finishes work on MgF2?
Conventional lapping and polishing reach sub-nanometre RMS roughness. Finished optics are normally coated with MgF2 or multilayer dielectric AR stacks; clean with anhydrous solvents and avoid strong acids and hot, humid conditions.
MgF2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mgstoichiometric MgF2 | 38.5 – 39.5 | 39 |
| Ooxygen/oxide impurity, key for VUV transmission | ≤ 0.05 | 0.01 |
| Fetransition-metal impurity limit for UV grade | ≤ 0 | 3×10⁻⁴ |
| F | ≥ 60.5 (balance) | — |
MgF2 SC-UV — frequently asked
What is MgF2 SC-UV used for?
MgF2 SC-UV is typically used for AR coatings, UV windows, waveplates and excimer laser optics. In short: standard low-index AR material; deep-UV to mid-IR transmission; birefringent, needs axis control.
Is MgF2 SC-UV easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (25/100, better than 63% of glass grades). Grind, saw and cut with diamond tooling only, using light feeds; watch the (110) cleavage plane and keep the birefringent axis orientation under control. Avoid long immersion in water-based coolant.
Can MgF2 SC-UV be welded?
Not weldable; seal into metal seats with low-stress compliant clamping, epoxy, or low-temperature solder.
What surface finishes work on MgF2 SC-UV?
Conventional lapping and polishing reach sub-nanometre RMS roughness. Finished optics are normally coated with MgF2 or multilayer dielectric AR stacks; clean with anhydrous solvents and avoid strong acids and hot, humid conditions.
Can MgF2 SC-UV be formed, bent or molded?
Single crystals are grown by the Bridgman crucible-lowering method under a fluorinating atmosphere; polycrystalline parts are vacuum hot-pressed at 900–1000 °C. No cold plastic working is possible.
What is the maximum service temperature of MgF2 SC-UV?
MgF2 SC-UV 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
- Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) Optical Material Data — Crystran Ltd (2023)
- MgF2 Single Crystal Datasheet — Korth Kristalle GmbH (2022)
- Handbook of Optical Constants of Solids (MgF2, Dodge dispersion) — Academic Press (1985)
- CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics — CRC Press (2020)
- Infrared window materials: Irtran-1 hot-pressed MgF2 properties — ASM/optical materials compilations (2010)
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.