Magnesium difluoride (MgF₂) optical grade

Description

1. Product Overview

Magnesium difluoride (MgF₂) optical grade is a high-purity, vacuum-deposition material engineered for precision thin-film coatings in the photonics and semiconductor industries. Its primary industrial use is as an anti-reflective (AR) and protective coating for optical lenses, laser optics, and UV-grade components. The key value proposition lies in its exceptional transmission from deep ultraviolet (DUV) to mid-infrared (mid-IR), combined with outstanding mechanical hardness and environmental stability. Strategically, MgF₂ is indispensable for advanced lithography, defense optics, and high-power laser systems, where alternative low-index materials fail to deliver consistent optical performance under extreme conditions.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Magnesium difluoride (MgF₂), ≥99.99% optical grade

• Purity level: 99.99% (trace metals <20 ppm; transition metals <5 ppm)

• Physical form: Granules (1–6 mm), tablets (sizes 5–20 mm), or custom-shaped pieces

• Color: Clear to slightly translucent, colorless

• Refractive index: n = 1.38 (@ 550 nm)

• Transmission range: 115 nm – 7,000 nm (no absorption bands in DUV to MWIR)

• Density: 3.18 g/cm³ (theoretical), 2.9–3.0 g/cm³ for evaporated layer

• Melting point: 1,255 °C (evaporation temperature: ~1,300–1,500 °C)

• Particle size distribution: >95% within specified range (batch-controlled)

• Packaging options: 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg vacuum-sealed HDPE jars; 25 kg triple-layer foil bags under argon

• Shelf life: 36 months when stored in dry, non-acidic environment (<30% RH)

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Semiconductor lithography optics – Used as a low-index AR layer on CaF₂ and fused silica lenses for DUV steppers (193 nm, 248 nm). Outperforms SiO₂ in UV transmittance and laser damage threshold.

• High-power laser systems – Coating for beam combiners, polarizers, and output couplers (UV to near-IR). MgF₂ resists photothermal degradation better than MgO or Al₂O₃.

• Aerospace & defense optics – Ruggedized AR coatings for missile domes, periscopes, and satellite sensors. Its hardness (Mohs 5) and humidity resistance reduce maintenance cycles by 3–5× compared to cryolite.

• Medical & analytical instruments – Endoscopes, flow cytometers, and fluorescence microscopes benefit from low autofluorescence and high DUV transmission.

• Space-qualified optics – Low outgassing (ASTM E595 compliant) and stable transmission under radiation exposure.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency – Each batch is tested via ICP-MS, FTIR, and UV-VIS spectrophotometry; lot-to-lot refractive index variation <0.001.

• Supply reliability – Multiple upstream purification lines (China, Germany, USA) ensure 100% on-time delivery for orders up to 20 MT/month.

• Logistics capability – Direct container loading from three regional hubs (Rotterdam, Shanghai, Houston) with climate-controlled warehousing.

• Price competitiveness – 12–18% lower cost-per-coated-part than equivalent Japanese or European suppliers due to optimized sintering yields.

• Sustainability – Zero hazardous waste during packaging; recycled inner liners; fluorinated byproducts captured and reused.

• Technical support – Free evaporation process optimization (e-gun, thermal boat, sputtering) and coating design simulation (TFCalc, OptiLayer) with purchase.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): 10 kg for granules; 25 kg for tablets (samples up to 1 kg available at nominal cost)

• BULK 20MT: Minimum bulk order 20 metric tons (one full 20 ft container equivalent)

• Loading capacity per 20 ft container (standard):

  • 20 MT net in 25 kg foil bags (palletized, 20 pallets)

  • 18 MT in 10 kg HDPE jars (maximizes product protection)