Optical Lenses

CaF₂ Plano-Convex Lenses

Calcium fluoride (CaF2) plano-convex lenses offering one of the broadest transmission ranges of any optical material, from deep UV (170nm) to mid-IR (7.8um). Exceptionally low dispersion and high laser damage threshold for demanding applications.

Material

Calcium Fluoride

Availability

Standard / Custom

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CaF₂ Plano-Convex Lenses

Key Specifications

Critical Parameters for Lenses

When specifying this product, these parameters most directly impact performance and cost:

Wavelength Focal Length Diameter Surface Quality Coating
MaterialCalcium Fluoride (CaF2)
Transmission Range170nm - 7.8um
Refractive Index1.4289 @ 587nm
Diameter Range5mm - 100mm
Focal Length Range10mm - 1,000mm
Surface Quality20-10 / 40-20 (MIL-PRF-13830B)
Surface Flatnesslambda/4 @ 632.8nm
LIDT> 8 J/cm2 @ 193nm, 20ns (ArF)
CTE18.85 x 10^-6/K

Parameter Reference Guide

Typical Standard capability — available as shown
Available Alternative options exist — request quotation
Custom Per your drawing — quote after review
Subject to Review Depends on project specifics

Available specifications vary by material and configuration. Contact engineering for exact capabilities.

What Is CaF₂ Plano-Convex Lenses?

Calcium fluoride (CaF₂) plano-convex lenses are positive focal length lenses with one convex and one flat surface. CaF₂ offers excellent transmission from deep UV (180nm) through mid-IR (8µm) and low autofluorescence.

When Should You Use This Product?

Use CaF₂ plano-convex lenses for deep UV applications, fluorescence spectroscopy, and systems requiring transmission below 200nm where fused silica begins to absorb. Also suitable for mid-IR systems up to 8µm.

Available Optical Materials

MaterialAvailabilitySpec Sheet
Calcium Fluoride Standard / Custom See material page

All materials are available in standard and custom thicknesses. Browse all 30+ optical materials

Optical Coating Options

Anti-Reflection (AR)

Single-layer or multi-layer AR coatings for specific wavelength bands. Reduce reflection to below 0.5% per surface.

High-Reflection (HR)

Dielectric HR coatings for laser mirrors and cavity optics. Reflectivity >99.5% at design wavelength.

Broadband AR

BBAR coatings for wide spectral range applications. Low reflection across 400-700nm or other bands.

Laser Line Coatings

Optimized for specific laser wavelengths: 266nm, 355nm, 532nm, 1064nm, 10.6µm, etc.

Custom Coating

Custom coating designs for unique wavelength ranges, angles of incidence, and polarization requirements.

Engineering Considerations

Wavelength Selection

Material and coating selection must be matched to your operating wavelength band. We can help optimize for single-wavelength or broadband use.

Tolerance Budget

Surface quality, flatness, and centration tolerances directly impact cost. Our engineers can help balance performance requirements with manufacturability.

Thermal Considerations

High-power or wide temperature range applications require careful material selection to minimize thermal lensing and wavefront distortion.

Environmental Durability

For harsh environments, consider material chemical resistance, coating durability, and packaging options. We can provide MIL-spec testing on request.

Applications

Spectroscopy & Analytical

Precision optics for spectrometers, monochromators, and analytical instruments.

Semiconductor Equipment

UV-grade optics with ultra-flat surfaces for wafer inspection and metrology.

Research & Laboratory

Custom and catalog optics for university and R&D laboratory setups.

Manufacturing & Customization

30+
Optical Materials
Custom
Sizes & Shapes
Quality Management
Partner Network
Evaluation
Custom Lead Time

Quality Assurance

Every component undergoes comprehensive inspection before shipment. Our quality control process includes:

  • Dimensional verification with calibrated metrology equipment
  • Surface quality inspection per MIL-PRF-13830B standards
  • Coating performance verification with spectrophotometry
  • Centration and wedge angle measurement
  • Cleanroom packaging for critical applications

Learn more about our quality processes

Available Documentation

Document Purpose
Inspection Report Confirms optical and mechanical specifications
Material Certificate Confirms substrate material and grade
Coating Report Confirms coating performance and wavelength range
Certificate of Conformity Confirms conformity to agreed requirements
Dimensional Report Confirms mechanical dimensions and tolerances

Documentation provided according to agreed project requirements.

How to Specify

When requesting a quote for optical lenses, providing the following information helps us give you an accurate quotation:

Material
Glass type or crystal
Diameter
Clear aperture required
Focal Length
Effective focal length
Coating
AR coating wavelength
Surface Quality
Scratch-dig specification
Quantity
Number of pieces

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Related Knowledge

Application Note

Surface Quality: Scratch-Dig Explained

Understanding MIL-PRF-13830B surface quality specifications and what they mean for your application.

 Knowledge Center

Optical Materials Guide

Compare 30+ optical materials by wavelength range, properties, and typical applications.

Engineering Documentation

PDF

CaF₂ Plano-Convex Lenses - Datasheet

Standard specifications, available options, and ordering information

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DWG

CaF₂ Plano-Convex Lenses - Drawing Template

Standard drawing with full dimension callouts and tolerance information

Request
3D

3D CAD Model (STEP)

3D solid model for integration into your optical design software

Request

Documentation available upon request. Custom specifications require engineering review.

Before Requesting a Quote

To help us provide an accurate quotation, please prepare the following information. Not all fields are required — send what you have, and our engineering team can help identify missing parameters.

✓ Material
BK7, fused silica, CaF₂, etc.
✓ Dimensions
Diameter, thickness, focal length
✓ Wavelength
Operating wavelength or range
✓ Coating
AR, HR, metallic, or uncoated
✓ Surface Quality
Scratch-dig, roughness
✓ Quantity
Prototype, low volume, or production
✓ Application
Laser, imaging, spectroscopy, etc.
✓ Operating Environment
Temperature, vacuum, cleanroom

Not sure about some specifications? Send what you have — our engineering team will help identify the missing parameters and recommend appropriate values for your application.

Related Products

BK7 Plano-Convex Lenses

Standard focusing lenses

Fused Silica Plano-Convex Lenses

UV laser focusing lenses

N-BK7 Plano-Convex Lenses

Precision focusing lenses

ZnSe Plano-Convex Lenses

IR focusing lenses

UV Fused Silica PCX Lenses

Deep UV plano-convex

Frequently Asked Questions

What are caf₂ plano-convex lenses used for?

CaF₂ Plano-Convex Lenses are used in optical systems where precise control of light is required. Common applications include laser systems, imaging, spectroscopy, and scientific instrumentation.

What is the wavelength range?

The usable wavelength range depends on the selected material and coating. Please refer to the material specifications above or contact our engineering team for guidance.

Can I order custom sizes or specifications?

Yes. PhotonEdge offers custom diameters, focal lengths, and coating specifications outside our standard catalog. Custom optics require engineering evaluation. Lead time is confirmed with your quotation.

What coatings are available?

We offer a range of standard and custom coatings including AR, HR, broadband, and laser-line options. Coating selection depends on your wavelength range and application requirements.

What quality standards do you follow?

Our manufacturing partners operate under quality management processes aligned with ISO 9001 standards. All components undergo rigorous inspection including dimensional verification, surface quality assessment, and coating performance testing.

Do you provide inspection reports?

Yes. Inspection documentation including dimensional reports, surface quality verification, and coating performance data can be provided according to project requirements.

What is the typical lead time?

Custom optics require engineering evaluation. Lead time is confirmed with your quotation.

How do I request a quote?

Click the 'Request a Quote' button above. Please provide your required specifications, wavelength, coating, surface quality, and quantity for an accurate quotation.

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Ordering Information

Price Range
See Quote
Standard Lead Time
Ships within 1 week after payment
Custom Lead Time
Subject to engineering evaluation
MOQ
1 Piece
Samples
Available

Contact us for exact pricing based on your specifications.

Specification Parameters

Typical Specifications shown on this page are standard capabilities. Available Options include alternative materials and coatings. Custom Specifications are available per your drawing. Requirements beyond standard capability are marked Subject to Engineering Review.

Get a Quote Full Ordering Guide

Have a Custom Requirement?

Upload your drawing or specifications. Our engineering team will review and respond within 1 business day.

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