Lanthanum Fluoride (LaF3) single crystals are among the most significant rare-earth halides in modern optics and electronics. Known for their exceptional transparency in the ultraviolet to infrared spectrum, LaF3 materials have gained wide application in laser systems, optical coatings, and scintillation detectors. Their stability and ionic conductivity also make them valuable for use in advanced electrochemical devices.
Material Overview
Lanthanum Fluoride is an ionic compound composed of lanthanum (La) and fluorine (F), forming a hexagonal crystal structure (space group Pī/m). It exhibits high thermal stability, a wide bandgap of approximately 10 eV, and a low refractive index (~1.6 at 550 nm). These attributes provide LaF3 with strong dielectric insulation properties and minimal optical dispersion. The material’s low phonon energy and high radiation resistance further enhance its performance in demanding photonic and high-temperature environments.
Applications and Advantages
Due to its optical clarity across a broad wavelength range (0.13–10 µm), LaF3 single crystals are extensively used as substrates and windows in laser systems and UV optics. Its superior moisture resistance compared to other fluorides, such as CaF2, makes it a preferred material in high-vacuum and space-borne instrumentation. Additionally, when doped with rare-earth ions like Nd3+ or Yb3+, LaF3 serves as an efficient host lattice for solid-state laser gain media. In electronics, its ionic conductivity supports research into solid electrolytes and thin-film coatings for next-generation optoelectronic devices.
Goodfellow Availability
Goodfellow supplies Lanthanum Fluoride (LaF3) in high-purity single-crystal form, ideal for optical and electronic research applications. Custom dimensions and technical specifications can be accommodated upon request. Explore full product data and material forms directly through Goodfellow’s catalogue.
Explore Lanthanum Fluoride LaF3 and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.
References
- Kasturi, S., Marikumar, R., & Vaidyanathan, S. (2018). Trivalent rare-earth activated hexagonal lanthanum fluoride (LaF₃:RE³⁺, where RE = Tb, Sm, Dy and Tm) nanocrystals: Synthesis and optical properties. Luminescence. https://doi.org/10.1002/BIO.3488
- Yang, B., Townsend, P. D., & Rowlands, A. P. (1998). Low-temperature thermoluminescence spectra of rare-earth-doped lanthanum fluoride. Physical Review B, 57(1), 178. https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.57.178
- Radzhabov, E. A., & Samborsky, A. V. (2017). Divalent rare-earth ions in LaF₃ crystals. Bulletin of the Russian Academy of Sciences: Physics, 81(9), 1109–1113. https://doi.org/10.3103/S1062873817090209
- Kundu, S., Kar, A., & Patra, A. (2012). Morphology-dependent luminescence properties of rare-earth-doped lanthanum fluoride hierarchical microstructures. Journal of Luminescence, 132(6), 1450–1457. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JLUMIN.2012.01.037