Light Weight Optics For High Power Directed Energy Applications

The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of producing light weight and thermally manageable integrated optical systems suitable for airborne and space high power directed energy applications. This project will focus on improving two of the most important parts of a high energy mirror design, the reflective mirror surface, and the multifunctional substrate. Brimrose, in collaboration with Applied Research Laboratory of Penn State University, proposes to develop boron carbide (B4C) and silicon carbide (SiC) based light weight high energy laser mirrors by accomplishing three major tasks: 1) forming thin and fully dense B4C and SiC ceramic bodies with state of the art spark plasma sintering (SPS) techniques and achieving highly reflective mirror surfaces with polishing, 2) fabricating light weight, strong and machinable SiC based substrate materials and 3) developing bonding techniques for joining mirror surface and substrate into integrated optical systems. Evaluation of the properties and performance of these systems will include microstructural characterization, mechanical and thermal analyses, and optical studies. Microstructural characterization will include X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Mechanical and thermal studied will include stiffness and bending strength tests and thermal shock analysis. Optical evaluation will include reflectance and laser damage threshold determinations. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7663 (8 January 14)