Calcium fluoride (CaF₂) is an ionic ceramic compound valued for its exceptional optical transparency across a wide spectral range, from ultraviolet through infrared wavelengths. It is widely used in precision optics, thermal imaging systems, and high-energy laser applications where conventional glass fails; its chemical stability and low thermal expansion also make it suitable for specialized metallurgical applications as a flux. Engineers select CaF₂ over alternatives like silica or sapphire when broad-spectrum transparency, particularly in the IR region, or extreme chemical resistance is required, despite its higher cost and more limited mechanical workability.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bulk Modulus(K)3 entries | 11,102 | ksi | — | ||
| ↳ | 11,102 | ksi | — | ||
| ↳ | 12,467.4 | ksi | — | ||
Elastic Compliance Tensor(Sij) | Matrix (redacted) | 1/GPa | — | ||
Elastic Anisotropy(AU) | 0.4910 | - | — | ||
Elastic Stiffness Tensor(Cij) | Matrix (redacted) | ksi | — | ||
Poisson's Ratio(ν)2 entries | 0.2849 | - | — | ||
| ↳ | 0.2800 | - | — | ||
Shear Modulus(G)3 entries | 5,574.9 | ksi | — | ||
| ↳ | 5,574.9 | ksi | — | ||
| ↳ | 7,468 | ksi | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density(ρ) | 0.1133 | lb/in³ | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Band Gap(Eg)2 entries | 9.920 | eV | — | ||
| ↳ | 5.251 | eV | — | ||
Dielectric Constant (Relative Permittivity)(εr)2 entries | 9.710 | - | — | ||
| ↳ | 5.188 range 2.318–8.059median of 2 measurements | - | — | ||
Magnetic Moment(μB) | 0.000 | µB | — | ||
Piezoelectric Modulus(eij) | 0.000 | C/m² | — | ||
Seebeck Coefficient(S) | -182.2 | µV/K | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Energy Above Hull(ΔEhull) | 0.2449 | eV/atom | — | ||
Formation Energy(ΔHf)2 entries | -4.242 | eV/atom | — | ||
| ↳ | -3.926 | eV/atom | — |