HGO grows LiF crystals
in house using Czochralski technology. LiF crystal or lithium fluoride crystal
is an optical material with outstanding transmittance in VUV region. It is also
used for windows, prisms, and lenses in the visible and infrared in
0.104µm-7µm.
LiF single
crystal is sensitive to thermal shock and would be attacked by atmospheric
moisture at 400°C. When working at a high temperature of 600°C, the LiF crystal
softens and is slightly plastic, so it can be bent into radius plates. In
addition irradiation produces color centers. Hence, users should take measures
to protect LiF crystals from moisture and high energy radiation damages.
What is more LiF
can be cleaved along (100) plane and less commonly (110) plane. The optical
characteristics are good and yet the structure is not perfect and cleavage is
difficult.
