Apparatus & Method to Certify Properties of Infrared Optical Materials

The demand for IR lenses and windows continue to expand with the ever increasing number of electro-optic systems being deployed to maximize capabilities. One of the most critical aspects of incoming material used to fabricate these windows and lenses is its refractive index, which is a key parameter for the optical clarity and achievable resolution, accuracy, and overall image quality. Currently, these materials are not certified to meet the demanding standards of military equipment, requiring off-line expensive and time-consuming third-party quality control using techniques such as interferometry, refractometry, or ellipsometry, sometimes requiring full sample polishing and setup prior to the measurement. This leads to significant manufacturing delays and waste. Mainstream Engineering will develop and demonstrate a rapid analyzer for infrared optical material refractive index certification. In Phase I, we wioll develop a custom measurement apparatus and demonstrate the ability to measure to within 0.001 refractive index for a wide range of indices, temperatures, and wavelengths. In Phase II, we will validate and deliver a working laboratory prototype for use in a manufacturing environment.