YbF3 | Optical characterization of thin films

YbF3(Ytterbium Fluoride) is considered as a possible material for antireflection coatings for CO2 lasers and other IR applications. Fluorides are useful for their relatively low refractive indices and high transparency. However, few see practical use due to their poor mechanical properties and the columnar structure produced when such films are deposited by conventional evaporation.