The dependency of optical properties on density for hot pressed MgF₂

The effects of the most important parameters of hot pressing, including temperature, time and pressure on densification, microstructure and infrared transparency of MgF₂ ceramics are discussed. The results show that the absorption or scattering of incident radiation is strongly dependent on the amount of porosity. By increasing the temperature or the pressure, transparency at infrared wavelengths has been increased due to the rise in density. For the longer hot pressing times, a continuous increase in density and infrared transparency has been seen as well. Cold pressing before hot press has minor effects on the density and infrared transparency of MgF₂.