Semantic Mapping Tools

Optically transparent components for lasers, envelopes for vapor lamps andinfrared transparent domes for missiles require a multi-mode system ofelectromagnetic guidance. In recent years efforts have been concentrated onmaximizing the resolution of optical materials for use in high-energy lasersystems by minimizing the absorption of irradiated power and subsequentdeformation caused by heating. In order to prevent deformation from heating(improving the mechanical properties of the optical part) we suggested theuse of nanocrystalline aluminum oxynitride (a material which exhibits >80%in-line transmission between 0.3um and 6.0um) and lanthana strengthenedyttria (LSY -which has high transmission in the long wave infrared regionsof the electromagnetic spectrum) as transmissive optical materials. We weresuccessful in improving the mechanical properties of aluminum oxynitride andalso demonstrated that a rapid processing technique such as the plasmapressure consolidation could produce transmissive gamma-alum9ina (a materialrecently added to the already long list of transmissive components), opticalparts in <30 minutes form nancrystalline gamma-alumina powders. In Phase II, we propose to bring innovations in both he synthesis and processing technologies in order to produce nanopowders in larger volumes (7Kg/batch), and use them to produce nearnet-shape, optically transparent 1 inch, 2 inch and 4 inch discs in <30 minutes. The parametric influence of both synthesis and processing technologies will be modeled using finite element technique. At the end of the Phases II program we will have a fullyoptimized process for producing rapid, cheap transmissive optics. We intendto deliver 10Kgs of nanopowders (y-A12O3, AION, and LSY) and 18 opticallytransparent discs to the US army space and Missile Defense Command,Huntsville-AL, for low and high power laser threshold testing.