Lithium Fluoride
- LIF

Lithium Fluoride (LiF) is a high-performance optical material known for its exceptional transmission from the deep ultraviolet through to the infrared, covering an impressive spectral range of approximately 0.12 µm to 6.5 µm. This wide coverage makes LiF ideal for UV laser systems, excimer optics, VUV spectroscopy, space-borne instruments, thermal imaging, and broadband analytical applications where both deep-UV and IR transparency are required.

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LiF offers a low refractive index (~1.39 at 1 µm) and exhibits very low dispersion, enabling high optical clarity and stable imaging performance. As a non-hygroscopic material, it provides more robust handling compared with hygroscopic salts such as CaF₂ substitutes (e.g., NaCl, KBr), though it is softer and requires careful protection from mechanical wear. LiF also demonstrates excellent radiation resistance, making it suitable for space and high-energy optical environments.

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At Global Optics UK, we manufacture and supply high-precision LiF windows, lenses, prisms, and laser-grade optical components, available uncoated or with specialised UV/IR anti-reflective coatings. Each optic is fabricated to strict tolerance and surface-quality standards, ensuring consistent performance for UV laser delivery, VUV research, thermal imaging, spectroscopy, and systems requiring broadband transmission, material stability, and optical purity.