About Calomel

OVERVIEW

Calomel (mercurous chloride) is a tetragonal crystal material transparent from visible (0.38µm) up to mid-thermal region (17µm) and exhibits a very strong birefringence (Δn=0.683). 

These two parameters make it a great candidate for infrared optics as polarizers, polarizing beamsplitters, savart plates, AO cells, etc. Calomel IR components find place in every application requiring a high degree of IR polarization, like spectroscopy, astronomy, optical laboratories, R&D institutions, chemical industry, etc.

Calomel has a large potential to be used also as an acousto-optical modulator or deflector. Its high AO figure of merit and extremely low velocity of acoustic waves are key parameters for the AOTF. Currently used AO units on the market are limited by the transparency of material used up to the limit of 5µm. Calomel, as a material transparent up to 17µm brings new opportunity for the acoustic frequency modulated filters, especially targeting interesting spectral area around 10µm.

Our group is the first in the world to develop a technique of preparing single crystals of mercurous halides. Our greatest progress has been made in the area of single crystals of mercurous chloride – CALOMEL Hg₂Cl₂ – and its functional elements. In 1969, the first CALOMEL single crystal was produced. From that time, we have gained valuable experience in the production and processing of this material.

MATERIAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Discovered in 1969
• Broadband spectral range from VIS to TIR (0.38-17µm)
• Very high indices of refraction and birefringence (Δn=0,55)
• Extremely high values for acousto-optical figures of merit M₂
• Extremely low velocity of elastic wave propagation (347 m/s)
• High value of birefringence (four times higher than calcite and positive)

APPLICATION AREAS

• IR Polarization optics (MWIR polarizers, waveplates)
• IR Scramblers (optical depolarizers)
• Adjustable phase delay components
• AO devices and components (acousto-optical elements)
• Custom products (wedges, plates, prisms, windows, etc.)
• Laser applications
• Infrared spectroscopy (sample characterization)

Cultivated single crystals of mercurous chloride