Barium Fluoride

Materials containing barium fluoride (BaF₂) are frequently modified for usage in our spectrum components. It is frequently used as a viewport window for thermal imaging and is typically suitable for applications in the passive infrared range (8 to 14 m). The highest quality BaF₂ is also used as the fastest scintillator material known and used in high energy physics experiments. Alfa Chemistry can custom manufacture optical components of almost any shape and size using BaF₂ materials according to customer requirements. If you need help, please contact us.

Advantages and Uses of Barium Fluoride Materials

BaF₂ is a popular optical fluoride. It is transparent from UV to IR, from 150 to 200 nm to 11 to 11.5 µm. BaF₂ can be utilized as a viewing window for IR spectroscopy and thermal imaging in the LWIR to far IR bands. For the detection of X-rays, gamma rays, or other energetic particles, BaF₂ is a popular and extremely quick scintillator. Gamma photon detection in positron emission tomography is one of its applications. The highest purity BaF₂ VUV material can be recognized as a fast scintillator grade.

Fig 1. BaF₂ ceramics and single crystal samples under room light (left) and UV (254 nm) light (right). (Kato T, et al. 2017)

BaF₂ has a high water and radiation resistance. In humid situations, it begins to degrade at temperatures exceeding 500 ℃, while in drier environments, the limit can be pushed to 800 ℃. BaF₂ is grown by vacuum Stockbarger technology. BaF₂ does not exist in its natural state and all materials must be chemically synthesized, which makes BaF₂ relatively expensive to produce. BaF₂ is highly sensitive to thermal shock. It is also well polished and can be etched.

Properties of Barium Fluoride Materials

About refractive index parameters.
"N_o" means ordinary light.

Reference

1. Kato T, et al. (2017). "Development of BaF₂ Transparent Ceramics and Evaluation of The Scintillation Properties." Radiation Measurements. 106: 140-145.