Magnesium fluoride optical windows have a wide spectral range with high transmission between 0.12 µm and 7.0 µm, making it an excellent choice for deep UV to IR applications. MgF2 has high resistance to thermal and mechanical shock, as well as laser damage. For selected applications MgF2 can also be used without an anti-reflective coating as it has a low index of refraction leading to a low refracted light from the second surface. Magnesium fluoride is extremely durable comparing to other materials which are transparent from the UV to IR spectrum, making it an excellent choice for many biological and military imaging applications. One thing to note is that magnesium fluoride has this special property of birefringence and should be taken into consideration before selecting this material.
