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

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CaF₂ Ultrafast Laser Optics

Key Specifications

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

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
ISO 9001
Certified Facility
4-6 wks
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 →

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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 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.

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 specifications typically require 4-6 weeks lead time.

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 facility is ISO 9001:2015 certified. 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?

Standard catalog components typically ship within 2-4 weeks. Custom specifications require 4-8 weeks depending on complexity. Contact us for expedite options.

How do I request a quote?

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

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