Window Materials for Airborne Directed Energy Applications

NovaCera proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of gas-phase condensation to synthesize ultrapure, spherical, monodispersed, unagglomerated nanopowders of yttria (n-Y2O3) for window materials for airborne directed energy applications. It is expected thatthe use of ultrapure ceramic nanopowders will result in significantly improved mechanical and optical properties of these windows.The windows are needed to protect high-energy lasers and high-power microwave devices from the extremely harsh environmental conditions while still allowing the transmission of high-power directed energy. They need to maintain their mechanical and opticalintegrity over a wide range of varying conditions, including thermal shock.Gas-phase condensation has been used in the past to synthesize high quality ceramic nanopowders like yttria and zirconia. NovaCera intends to demonstrate that this method is suitable for producing nanophase materials that meet the very stringentrequirements for the production of windows for directed energy applications. These requirements include the use of ultrapure materials and the synthesis of nanophase materials with a very narrow size distribution.In addition, these windows are also of interest for the protection of sensors on missiles and aircraft. Commercial applications include lighter and stronger windows for aircraft and ceramic injection molding. In addition to the applications of advanced high-energy laser and high-power microwave DE weapons onboard airborne systems, these materials are also of interest for the protection of sensors on missiles and aircraft. Commercial applications includelighter and stronger windows for aircraft and ceramic injection molding.