Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) Substrates: UV to IR Optical Wafers

Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) substrates are essential for optical systems requiring high transmission from the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) to the mid-infrared (MWIR). Valued for their low refractive index and broad spectral performance, CaF2 wafers are the industry standard for precision windows, lenses, and spectroscopy components. UniversityWafer, Inc. provides research-grade CaF2 platforms optimized for surface quality, flatness, and measurement stability in thin-film and interferometry labs.

UniversityWafer Logo

Custom CaF2 Substrates for Researchers

Low-Strain Cryogenic Research: Scientists utilize CaF2 substrates for sub-Kelvin experiments because the material's linear thermal expansion coefficient generates minimal strain when cooling small crystals.

Request a Fast Quote: Please reference #252618 for specialized cryogenic specs.





Pertinent Optical Resources

Core Semiconductor & Optical Applications

Application Why CaF2?
DUV Lithography Transparent below 200 nm, crucial for advanced chip patterning.
Epitaxial Templates Excellent lattice match for growing thin films like GaN.
IR Detectors Outstanding mid-infrared transmission for thermal sensing.

Fab specs for Microwave Resonators

CaF2 is a primary choice for on-chip microwave resonator fabrication. Researchers commonly specify gold or copper sputtering (0.4-micron thickness) on CaF2 substrates to achieve high precision in resonator gaps (g = 0.15mm).

Interferometry Grade CaF2

For thin-film interferometry, UniversityWafer provides high-homogeneity CaF2 wafers with a scratch-dig of 60/40 and flatness tolerances of ≤Lambda/2. These can be further customized with ITO Coatings for specific surface resistivity requirements.