Accelerated Reconnaissance Window Development

In this Phase I SBIR program UES will develop an economic fabrication process to produce high optical quality infrared (IR) windows for reconnaissance window applications. The state-of-the art reconnaissance window are lacking in optical quality and/or durability to withstand operational environments for extended periods of time. Also, the availability of such advanced window materials in large sizes seems questionable due to technical challenge as well as expensive production cost. Current material alternatives are limited in strength or IR waveband transmission. An innovative new process is needed to address these current issues. An optically transparent ceramic YAG is considered as a promising alternative. However, producing a large size ceramic YAG window with a high IR transmission is of a great challenge. During the Phase I period, we propose to use a patented innovative process to produce a high quality YAG powder that can readily be sintered fully dense to a ceramic YAG window with a high IR transmittance as well as a high strength. In Phase II, we will fabricate a large-sized ceramic YAG window (>12" planar) that is mechanically very strong and tough, and shows an outstanding optical quality that can minimize a loss of the needed optical properties. BENEFIT: The successful completion of the Phase I program will be the production of a cost-effective, strong and IR transparent ceramic YAG. In addition, the robust production of large quantities of YAG powder will be developed. Examples of potential applications in military applications are reconnaissance windows, missile domes, seeker lenses, and high power laser host material and laser windows. Commercial application arises from the potential to make commercial laser gain product from these results.