Development of Forging Processes for Large-Scale Deformation of Lithium Fluoride

Development of forging processes that would permit large-scale deformation of LiF without degradation of its optical properties is required for potential application of this material as an optical element in laser systems generating short intense pulses in the ultraviolet to heat targets for laser fusion. This paper describes forging processes that permit deformation of nearly 90% without introducing internal cloudiness in LiF. Mechanical and optical properties of LiF forged using these processes are also discussed, including the microyield and microcreep at room temperature and the residual absorption in the visible and ultraviolet.