Quantum Processes and Metrology Group

DUV Sources and Materials Characterization

DUV Birefringence This project is a collaborative effort to explore the intrinsic (spatial-dispersion-induced) birefringence of crystalline materials of interest for UV optics. We have been making measurements on CaF2, SrF2, BaF2, LiF, and other materials down to their absorption edges. We have also been analyzing the implications for optics, and performing first-principles calculations of the effect. Presently we are exploring, along with industrial collaborators, the possibility of creating mixed crystals with no intrinsic birefringence at a given wavelength. Contacts: John H. Burnett (john.burnett@nist.gov) 301-975-2679 Zachary H. Levine (zachary.levine@nist.gov) 301-975-5453 Eric L. Shirley (eric.shirley@nist.gov) 301-975-2349 To view documents which are "pdf files," a reader is required and noted here by . This software may be downloaded without charge.     Publications: John H. Burnett, Zachary H. Levine, and Eric L. Shirley, "Intrinsic birefringence in calcium fluoride and barium fluoride," (PDF 70 kB ), Phys. Rev. B 64, 241102(R) (2002). John H. Burnett, Zachary H. Levine, Eric L. Shirley, and John H. Bruning, "Symmetry of spatial-dispersion-induced birefringence and its implications for CaF2 ultraviolet optics," (PDF 498 kB ), Journal of Microlithography, Microfabrication, and Microsystems 1, 213-224 (2002). "Minimizing spatial-dispersion-induced birefringence in crystal used for precision optics by using mixed crystals of materials with the opposite sign of the birefringence"    Programs to Calculate Angular Dependence of Intrinsic Birefringence ASCII files:    aneigf [Fortran Subroutine]    aneigtf [Fortran Test Program]    aneigm [Mathematica Program] Images Plots of Angular Dependence of Birefringence Slice of Birefringence VRML files: birefring.wrl [Controllable Perspective Plot of Birefringence], avindex.wrl [Controllable Perspective Plot of Average Index]

Atomic Physics Division