Chalcogenide Glass Mid-IR Optic Development

The objective of this proposal is to continue the development and prove the manufacturability of fast axis collimating lenses for quantum cascade lasers (QCL) which emit in the midwave-infrared (MWIR) range. These lenses must withstand the stress of both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed laser emission. These high laser powers may cause ablation of lens material reducing effectiveness of the optic and leading to failure. Thus, a high damage threshold is required for materials used in these applications, as well as good thermal sinking to remove heat from the optic. Lenses for this application are not known to currently exist, most likely due to the expensive nature of processing and material cost for optical elements in the MWIR. Chalcogenide glasses provide a solution to the high processing cost in their ability to be molded through precision glass molding (PGM). Phase II manufacturing processes will include Diamond Milling as well as Precision Glass Molding. Design work will cover the 3-11 micron wavelength range and will include an elongated 3 micron lens. Lens testing and metallization/mount development will be performed. Prototypes of each design will be fabricated and delivered.