Crystals for Optics

Hellma Materials and IV IR Optics are leading manufacturers of high-quality synthetic crystals. Hellma Materials‘ semi-finished products cover applications in microlithography, optics, laser technology and radiation detection, while IV IR Optics’ germanium and silicon are used in infrared optics (IR optics), particularly in the manufacture of lenses and windows for thermal imaging cameras, night vision devices and spectroscopy systems.

Germanium is ideal for these applications due to its high transmission in the infrared spectral range (from 2 to 14 µm). Silicon is often used for lenses and mirrors in IR optics due to its good mechanical properties and high refractive index. Both materials are available in various shapes and sizes to meet the requirements of different applications.

Synthetic crystals of the highest purity – Made in Germany: We grow artificial crystals with excellent purity for demanding applications in the optics, semiconductor, radiation detection and security industries. Our expertise in controlled crystallisation from melts guarantees products of the highest quality. The proven and consistently high quality of our products, based on many years of experience and our strong customer focus, make Hellma Materials a reliable supplier to satisfied customers.

Optical crystals are materials with unique properties that make them essential for a wide range of applications in optics and photonics. They are characterised by high transparency, refractive index and dispersion and are used to manufacture lenses, prisms, windows and other optical components.

Calcium fluoride (CaF₂), barium fluoride (BaF₂) and magnesium fluoride (MgF₂) are examples of optical crystals that are transparent in the ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS) and infrared (IR) spectral range. They are used in spectroscopy, laser technology and the production of optical coatings. Calcium fluoride is often used for lenses and windows in excimer lasers due to its low dispersion and high transmission in the VUV range (vacuum ultraviolet). Barium fluoride is suitable as a scintillator material and for IR optics. Magnesium fluoride is often used for anti-reflective coatings to reduce reflections on optical surfaces.

Germanium (Ge) and silicon (Si) are semiconductor materials that are also used in optics, particularly in the IR range. Germanium is characterised by high transmission in the IR range from 2 to 14 µm and is used for lenses and windows in thermal imaging cameras and night vision devices. Silicon has good mechanical properties and a high refractive index, which makes it suitable for lenses and mirrors in IR optics. Both materials are available in different shapes and sizes to meet the requirements of different applications.

Optical crystals play an important role in many areas of modern technology, from telecommunications to medical technology and space research. Their unique optical properties enable the precise manipulation of light and the development of innovative optical systems.