[Tex/LaTex] How to insert a special math alphabet

alphabetmath-mode

I am trying to insert a special math alphabet in an equation for a physics quantity called "cavity finesse". It is basically represented by a fancy letter F, which looks like what's shown in the picture. (ref: http://mirrors.ctan.org/macros/latex/contrib/mathalpha/doc/mathalpha-doc.pdf).

After doing some research, it seems that I need to download a math package in order to use it, but most of which is not free. All I need is this only one letter from the package, and will probably use it for a couple of times only. Is there any easy way to insert it?

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I am using \mathcal{F} right now (shown in the bottom picture), but it does not look as great.

Best Answer

With a default TeX installation, for example, you could produce any of these (among other options):

4 Fs

with code something like this:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\DeclareFontFamily{T1}{calligra}{}
\DeclareFontShape{T1}{calligra}{m}{n}{<->s*[1.44]callig15}{}
\DeclareMathAlphabet\mathcalligra   {T1}{calligra} {m} {n}
\DeclareMathAlphabet\mathzapf       {T1}{pzc} {mb} {it}
\DeclareMathAlphabet\mathchorus     {T1}{qzc} {m} {n}
\DeclareMathAlphabet\mathrsfso      {U}{rsfso}{m}{n}
\begin{document}
\Huge
\noindent
      $\mathzapf{F}$\marginpar{Zapf}\\
      $\mathchorus{F}$\marginpar{tgchorus}\\
      $\mathcalligra{F}$\marginpar{calligra}\\
      $\mathrsfso{F}$\marginpar{rsfso}\\
\end{document}
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