Optical Lenses

CaF₂ Ultrafast Laser Optics

Calcium fluoride optical components engineered for ultrafast femtosecond laser systems. Ultra-low group velocity dispersion minimizes pulse broadening, making CaF2 the material of choice for Ti:Sapphire lasers, optical parametric amplifiers, and pulse compression setups.

Material

Calcium Fluoride

Availability

Standard / Custom

Request a Quote Ask AI Optical Engineer
CaF₂ Ultrafast Laser Optics

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), optical grade
Transmission Range170nm - 7.8um
Group Velocity DispersionLow GVD across VIS-NIR. Ideal for <100fs pulses.
Refractive Index1.4289 @ 587nm, dn/dlambda optimized for low dispersion
Diameter Range6mm - 75mm
Surface Quality20-10 / 10-5 (MIL-PRF-13830B)
Flatnesslambda/10 @ 632.8nm (windows)
CoatingBBAR for target wavelength band
LIDT> 0.3 J/cm2 @ 800nm, 100fs typical
Available FormsWindows, PCX lenses, prisms, wedges

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 Ultrafast Laser Optics?

CaF₂ ultrafast laser optics are calcium fluoride components specifically engineered for femtosecond and picosecond laser systems. CaF₂'s low group velocity dispersion (GVD) and high laser-induced damage threshold make it ideal for ultrafast applications.

When Should You Use This Product?

Use CaF₂ ultrafast optics in femtosecond laser systems, pulse compression setups, and applications requiring minimal pulse broadening. Especially valuable at wavelengths where fused silica exhibits higher dispersion.

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

Laser Systems

Beam focusing, collimation, and resonator optics for CW and pulsed laser systems.

Research & Laboratory

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

Spectroscopy & Analytical

Precision optics for spectrometers, monochromators, and analytical instruments.

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

You May Also Need

Browse All Products

Explore our complete catalog of optical components

AI Optical Engineer

Get instant material and coating recommendations

Evidence Center

Inspection reports, coating curves, test data

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 Ultrafast Laser Optics - Datasheet

Standard specifications, available options, and ordering information

Request
DWG

CaF₂ Ultrafast Laser Optics - 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

Fused Silica Laser Lenses

UV laser optics

High Power Laser Mirrors

High-damage-threshold mirrors

Laser Beam Expanders

Beam expansion optics

ZnSe CO2 Laser Lenses

IR laser focusing

1064nm Laser Line Mirrors

Nd:YAG laser mirrors

Frequently Asked Questions

What are caf₂ ultrafast laser optics used for?

CaF₂ Ultrafast Laser Optics 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.

Not sure which option is right for your project?

Describe your system requirements and our AI Optical Engineer will recommend materials, coatings, and specifications instantly.

Ask AI Optical Engineer

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.

Upload Your Drawing Request a Quote