Fluoride materials for optical applications: Single crystals, ceramics, glasses, and glass-ceramics

Fluoride compounds have compelling advantages for many optical applications due to their unique combination of low phonon energy, high UV absorption edge energy, and relatively weak crystal field. In this article, we offer a concise review of the current state of the art in fluoride single crystals, ceramics, glasses, and glass-ceramics for optical applications. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.