METHOD OF PRODUCING CALCIUM FLUORIDE-BASED OPTICAL CERAMIC AND OPTICAL CERAMIC MADE USING SAID METHOD Russian patent published in 2015 - IPC C04B35/553 

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: method of producing an optical ceramic includes heating powdered material to temperature higher than the hot pressing temperature, lowering the temperature to the hot pressing temperature and performing hot pressing, wherein powdered calcium fluoride is heated in a mould having a working cavity diameter which is 1.03-1.04 times the working cavity diameter of the press mould. The obtained porous preliminary workpiece is cooled to T_room and placed in the press mould where it undergoes press moulding, after which the press mould is cooled to T_room. The obtained optical ceramic workpieces are fired at 700-1200°C in a controlled-composition medium. The optical ceramic made using said method has an absorption coefficient of 1·10^-3 cm^-1 in the 0.21-1.0 mcm range, high optical homogeneity, mechanical strength and heat resistance.

EFFECT: obtaining a calcium fluoride-based optical ceramic, having a low absorption coefficient in the VUV, UV, visible and infrared spectra, high optical homogeneity, mechanical strength and heat resistance.

10 cl