Properties of fluoride materials and coatings for various optical systems

Properties of low-refractive-index materials based on fluorides of metals, presumably, complex ones, and coatings produced from them, are regarded. Problems of optimization of composition of film-forming materials, based on fluorides, by their alloying are discussed. An alloying mechanism of admixtures to the most widespread material-magnesium fluoride-is established. Another way of enhancing optical properties, particularly, broadening of a transparency domain due to use of complex fluorides is shown. High beam durability and transparency of BaY₂F₈ allow regarding it as much promising material for interference optics of IR technological lasers.