Hypersonic Infrared Windows Enabled by Advanced Nanomaterials

The United States Department of the Navy utilizes hypersonic aerial vehicles for mission-critical applications in communication, guidance, intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance. These functions rely upon infrared (IR) optical signals that are transmitted via highly sensitive optoelectronics housed on the vehicles. A window protects the optoelectronics while allowing transmission of IR signals to and from the detector. The IR window must withstand extreme conditions during hypersonic flights, including high temperatures and pressures and aggressive chemical environments. Novel window materials are desperately needed to realize broader optical transmission in the short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR) regions, while maintaining high levels of chemical and mechanical stability. Engi-Mat Co., with the assistance of a prime defense contractor, proposes the development of enhanced IR windows using novel metal oxide nanopowders to satisfy these demanding requirements. The advanced nanopowders developed by Engi-Mat will have variable elemental compositions and particle characteristics that enable the optimization of next-generation IR windows for hypersonic vehicles.