Transparent CVC SiC Windows for THAAD

Ceramics have utility as optically transparent materials in optical fibers, lenses, solid state lasers, optical windows, and heat-seeking devices for missile guidance systems. Polycrystalline ceramics are limited by the incident light that is scattered by microstructural features; higher scattering results in higher opacity. Reduction in the crystalline particle size below the wavelength of the incident radiation can result in translucent or even transparent material. Manufacturing advances have brought polycrystalline ceramics to the fore in radome, sensor protection and multi-spectral window applications. These ceramics must exhibit superior optical properties to control the spectral bandwidth of operation, have the abrasion resistance and strength expected for armor, and high thermal stability for the demanding operational environment. Missile defense applications require state of the art transparent optics with exceptional thermo-mechanical properties. ASCM proposes its CVC SiC® for window and radome applications. ASCM has demonstrated production of meter-class CVC SiC® monoliths and transparent structures. In this program ASCM will develop and refine the CVC SiC® process to maximize transparent optical performance, while maintaining the upper tier thermo-mechanical properties of the native material. Approved for Public Release 19-MDA-10203 (4 Sep 19)