Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Single Crystals
- Wide Transmission Range: 0.25–20 μm (UV–IR region).
- High Optical Homogeneity: Excellent for infrared spectroscopy.
- Low Refractive Index: ~1.5 at 10 μm, minimizing reflection losses.
- Broad Chemical Compatibility: Transparent to most IR wavelengths.
- Machinable and Polishable: Enables precise fabrication for optical systems.
- No Absorption Bands in IR: Ideal for FTIR applications.
- Isotropic Cubic Structure: Easy cleavage along (100) plane.
- Cost-effective Alternative: Compared to ZnSe or KBr for many IR optical uses.
Custom products or bulk orders, please contact us for competitive pricing!
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Description
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) single crystals, also known as rock salt crystals, are transparent ionic crystals widely used as infrared optical materials. NaCl crystals feature an excellent transmission range from 250 nm to 20 μm, covering UV, visible, and infrared regions, making them ideal for IR spectroscopy, FTIR windows, laser optics, and thermal imaging.
NaCl crystals are characterized by low absorption, high optical homogeneity, and low refractive index, which allows for efficient transmission without complex coatings. They are commonly used in scientific instruments, spectrophotometers, and gas detection systems, as well as in vacuum and cryogenic optical setups.
Typical Applications
- Infrared and FTIR spectroscopy windows
- Beam splitters and optical prisms
- Thermal imaging and IR sensor optics
- Vacuum and cryogenic optical windows
- Gas detection and analytical instrumentation
- Optical reference materials for UV–IR calibration
- Substrate for thin film and coating research (in vacuum environments)
Material Properties and Crystal Structure
- Chemical Formula: NaCl
- Crystal Structure: Cubic (Rock Salt)
- Space Group: Fm3m
- Lattice Constant: a = 5.6402 Å
- Density: 2.17 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 801°C
- Refractive Index: 1.544 @ 10 μm
- Transparency Range: 0.25 μm – 20 μm
- Dielectric Constant: ~5.9
- Hardness (Knoop): 18 kg/mm²
- Thermal Conductivity: 6.5 W/m·K
- Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 39 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹
- Hygroscopicity: High — requires dry storage
Standard Product Sizes and Availability
| Shape / Type | Standard Size | Thickness | Finish |
| Optical Window | Ø12.7 mm, Ø25.4 mm, Ø50.8 mm | 1–10 mm | Polished / Cleaved |
| Rectangular Plate | 10×10 mm², 20×20 mm², 50×50 mm² | 1–5 mm | Polished |
| Custom Optics | On request | Up to 100 mm | Polished or as-cut |
Custom shapes, thicknesses, and AR coatings (if requested for protected environments) are available.
Technical Datasheet – Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Single Crystal
| Chemical Formula | NaCl |
| Crystal Structure | Cubic (Rock Salt) |
| Space Group | Fm3m |
| Lattice Constant | a = 5.6402 Å |
| Density | 2.17 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 801°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.544 @ 10 μm |
| Transparency Range | 0.25 – 20 μm |
| Hardness (Knoop) | 18 kg/mm² |
| Thermal Conductivity | 6.5 W/m·K |
| Thermal Expansion | 39×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ |
| Dielectric Constant | 5.9 |
| Orientation | <111>, <110>, <100> |
| Surface Finish | Polished or Cleaved |
| Surface Quality | 40/20 or better (Scratch/Dig) |
| Hygroscopicity | High – store in dry conditions |
| Standard Sizes | Ø12.7 mm, Ø25.4 mm, 10×10 mm², 20×20 mm² |
| Applications | FTIR windows, IR spectroscopy, laser optics, gas detection |
Customization Options
- Size and shape (round, square, rectangular)
- Thickness: 0.5–10 mm
- Orientation: (100) cleavage plane or others on request
- Surface finish: Polished (λ/10), ground, or as-cleaved
- Protective coatings: Optional hydrophobic or moisture-resistant coatings
- Edge beveling and chamfering available
- Transmission optimization for specific IR wavelengths
Packaging and Delivery
- Packaged in sealed desiccant containers to avoid moisture absorption.
- Cleanroom-grade anti-static wrapping for optical safety.
- Optional nitrogen-filled vacuum sealing for long-distance shipping.
- Lead time: 2–3 weeks for standard sizes, 4–6 weeks for custom dimensions.
- Each crystal supplied with test report including transmission curve, orientation, and surface quality data.
Why Choose Us
- Decades of experience in alkali halide crystal growth and processing.
- High-purity NaCl raw materials ensuring superior optical transmission.
- Precision polishing and cleaving for λ/10 surface flatness.
- Available for custom optics and large-aperture NaCl crystals.
- Trusted by FTIR system manufacturers and research institutions worldwide.
- Complete quality assurance including transmission and refractive index testing.
Ordering & Contact Information
We offer flexible MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), competitive pricing and global shipping. For custom orders or technical inquiries, please contact us for a detailed consultation!
