Overview
Barium fluoride (BaF2) substrate wafers are single-crystal or polycrystalline materials prized for their exceptional optical properties. They serve as robust substrates for coatings, detectors, and laser systems due to their transparency across ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared (IR) spectra. Unlike other fluorides, BaF2 exhibits minimal birefringence and high thermal stability, making it suitable for high-power laser applications. First synthesized in the early 20th century, BaF2 wafers gained prominence in the 1980s for radiation detection in nuclear research. Today, they are standardized in diameters from 25 mm to 150 mm, with thicknesses ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm, tailored to industrial and scientific demands.
Physical and Chemical Properties
BaF2 crystallizes in a cubic fluorite structure, contributing to its isotropic optical behavior. Its transmission range spans 0.15–12 µm, outperforming materials like calcium fluoride in the vacuum UV region. The material’s radiation hardness (tolerating up to 10⁶ Gy) stems from its wide bandgap (9.1 eV), reducing color center formation. Chemically, BaF2 is inert to most acids but reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid. Its hygroscopicity is low compared to alkali halides, though prolonged exposure to humidity may cause surface hazing. Thermal conductivity is moderate (11.7 W/m·K at 25°C), requiring careful heat management in high-energy applications.
Main Applications
In infrared optics, BaF2 wafers are used as windows, lenses, and prisms in thermal imaging systems and CO₂ lasers. Their fast decay time (0.6 ns) makes them ideal for scintillation detectors in particle physics and medical imaging (e.g., PET scanners). The semiconductor industry employs BaF2 as a substrate for epitaxial growth of lead salts (PbS, PbSe) in mid-IR photodetectors. Emerging applications include EUV lithography masks, where its low thermal expansion minimizes pattern distortion. For B2B buyers, key specifications include optical homogeneity (<5 × 10⁻⁵) and surface flatness (λ/4 at 633 nm).
Safety and Storage
BaF2 powder poses inhalation risks (TLV: 2.5 mg/m³ for barium compounds); wet grinding or local exhaust ventilation is recommended. Finished wafers are stable but should be handled with cleanroom gloves to avoid surface contamination. Storage requires double-bagging in nitrogen-filled containers with desiccants. For long-term preservation, anti-static coatings may be applied to polished surfaces. Disposal must comply with local regulations for barium compounds, typically involving neutralization and precipitation as insoluble barium sulfate.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing BaF2 wafers, prioritize suppliers with ISO 9001 certification and traceable raw materials (≥99.99% purity). Key procurement parameters include: 1. **Crystallinity**: Single-crystal for laser optics; polycrystalline for cost-sensitive IR applications. 2. **Dimensional Tolerance**: ±0.1 mm for precision assemblies. 3. **Coating Compatibility**: AR coatings for UV/IR should be specified upfront. Bulk orders (10+ wafers) often attract 15–30% discounts. Lead times vary from 4 weeks (standard sizes) to 12 weeks (custom geometries).
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