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Infrared optical material reference for Magnesium Fluoride MgF2 UV to IR optical components

Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2)

Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) optical material for UV, visible, and infrared windows and lenses, with property review for custom windows, lenses, and IR assemblies.

Key Properties

Transmission Range: 0.12 - 9 µm
Refractive Index: No=1.566, Ne=1.568 at 0.13 μm; No=1.334, Ne=1.343 at 5 μm
Density: 3.177 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness: 415 kg/mm2

About Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2)

Overview

Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) is an optical material used for UV, visible, and infrared windows and lenses. Material selection should be based on wavelength range, mechanical limits, coating compatibility, and the final geometry of the optic.

Key Material Properties

ParameterGuidance
Transmission Range0.12-9 μm
Refractive IndexNo=1.566, Ne=1.568 at 0.13 μm; No=1.334, Ne=1.343 at 5 μm
Density3.177 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness415 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus138.5 GPa
Thermal Expansion13.7 //c, 8.9 perpendicular c *10^-6/K @373 K

Typical Applications

  • UV windows
  • IR windows
  • Birefringent optics
  • Laser optics
  • Broadband optical systems

Selection Guidance

MgF2 is often selected for broad spectral use; confirm coating and birefringence-sensitive requirements. Treat the values on this page as engineering selection guidance, then confirm final tolerances, coating, and inspection requirements against the production drawing.

Request Material Review

Use the contact form or email [email protected] with wavelength, size, quantity, coating target, and application notes for a practical material review.

Material Properties

Material
Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2)
Transmission Range
0.12-9 μm
Refractive Index
No=1.566, Ne=1.568 at 0.13 μm; No=1.334, Ne=1.343 at 5 μm
Density
3.177 g/cm3
Knoop Hardness
415 kg/mm2
Young's Modulus
138.5 GPa
Thermal Expansion
13.7 //c, 8.9 perpendicular c *10^-6/K @373 K

Common Applications

UV windowsIR windowsBirefringent opticsLaser opticsBroadband optical systems