Researchers are very interested in lanthanum trifluoride (LaF3) because to its distinct structural, electrical, and optical characteristics. LaF3 is not frequently utilized in optical applications. It is usually doped with Europium at a nominal level of 0.3% mole. As the active component in ion-selective electrodes for the detection and measurement of fluoride ions in solution, this form is typically used. Using LaF3 material, Alfa Chemistry can fabricate optical elements in almost any shape or size to meet customer specifications. Please get in touch with us if you require assistance.
Advantages and Uses of Lanthanum Fluoride Materials
LaF3 it is present in a hexagonal lattice with a tysonite structure and has a high ionic conductivity, which is a very good option for sensor applications. Its potential for such uses is demonstrated by the widespread usage of LaF3 membranes in ion selective electrodes for fluoride ion measurement. Another significant benefit of this substance, which has recently been exploited to enhance the electrochemical capabilities of LiCoO2 films, is its high chemical stability.
Fig 1. Reflectance spectra of (a) fused silica and lanthanum fluoride films on fused silica deposited at (b) 373 K, (c) 398 K and (d) 473 K substrate temperature. (Rao P, et al. 2015)
LaF3's optical characteristics include a band gap of approximately 10.3 eV and a transmission range from 130 nm to 10 m. In fact, it is one of the few materials used for ultraviolet (UV), deep ultraviolet (DUV), and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) coatings. In addition, the compound has a refractive index of about 1.6 and also has good anti-reflective properties.
Properties of Lanthanum Fluoride Materials
| Density | 5.94 |
| Molecular Weight | 195.9 |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Class/Structure | Trigonal (hex), P63/mcm, no cleavage |
| Melting Point | 1493 °C |
| Hardness | Moh 4.5 |
| Refractive Index | No 1.506 at 0.55 μm |
| Transmission Range | 0.2 to 11 μm |
| Reflection Loss | 10.3% at 0.55 μm |
| Thermal Expansion | 11x10-6 /K (para) 15.8x10-6 /K (perp) at 298K |
| Thermal Conductivity | 5.1 W/m/ K at 300K |
| Dielectric Constant | 14 |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 506 J Kg-1 K-1 |
About refractive index parameters.
"No" means ordinary light. "Ne" means extraordinary light.
| µm | No | Ne | µm | No | Ne | µm | No | Ne |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.254 | 1.656 | 1.649 | 0.405 | 1.618 | 1.612 | 0.436 | 1.617 | 1.609 |
| 0.547 | 1.606 | 1.602 |
Reference
- Rao P, et al. (2015). "A Probe into Compositional and Structural Dependence of Optical Properties of Lanthanum Fluoride Films Prepared by Resistive Heating." Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms. 342: 108-115.