Potassium Bromide – KBr

Optical potassium bromide (KBr) is a high-purity form of KBr that is commonly used as a material for optical components. It is a colorless and crystalline solid that has a cubic crystal structure.

Optical KBr is highly transparent in the infrared (IR) region, making it an ideal material for use in IR optics. It has a wide transmission range, from the near-ultraviolet (UV) to the far-IR region. It is also highly refractive, which makes it useful in the construction of lenses, prisms, and other optical components.

One of the unique properties of optical KBr is its ability to function as a beamsplitter. It can be coated with a thin layer of germanium to produce a polarizing beamsplitter that can be used in various IR applications. Optical KBr is also useful in the construction of IR spectroscopy cells, which are used in chemical analysis.

However, optical KBr is a hygroscopic material, which means it can absorb moisture from the environment. This can cause it to degrade over time and affect its optical properties. Therefore, it is important to store and handle optical KBr properly to prevent moisture from contaminating the material.

In summary, optical potassium bromide (KBr) is a highly transparent and refractive material that is widely used in IR optics and spectroscopy applications. Its ability to function as a beamsplitter and its wide transmission range make it valuable in various optical systems. However, its hygroscopic nature requires proper handling and storage to maintain its optical properties.