Gallium Phosphide as a material for visible and infrared optics

Abstract

Gallium phosphide is interesting material for optical system working in both visible and MWIR or LWIR spectral ranges. Number of a material available for these applications is limited. They are typically salts, fluorides or sulphides and usually exhibit unfavorable properties like brittleness; softness; solubility in water and small chemical resistance. Although GaP has do not offer best optical parameters excels over most other material in mechanical and chemical resistance. The article describes its most important characteristics and outlines some applications where GaP should prove useful.