3D Printed Silicon Carbide for HEL Directed Energy

Additive Innovations, along with partners at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, is proposing to develop an additive manufacturing solution to produce fast-steering mirrors at a lower cost and drastically reduced lead time compared to conventional methods. By 3D printing the silicon carbide substrate, the team will produce near net shape substrates than can then be conventionally ground, polished and coated to produce the optical surface required for high energy laser (HEL) systems. The team will then characterize the optic including microstructure, optical property evaluation and damage threshold testing at Lincoln Lab. At the end of the program, the team will have demonstrated the feasibility of using additive manufacturing (AM) silicon carbide for mirrors for high power directed energy systems. Approved for Public Release | 25-MDA-12220 (23 Sep 25)