Rugged Spinel Windows and Optics for Harsh Environments

Spinel is a rugged ceramic transparent from ultraviolet to midwave infrared (0.18 – 5.5 μm) wavelengths. It has the best transmission from 4-5 μm among the competing materials ALON and sapphire with comparable mechanical properties. We have developed low absorption loss spinel as an exit window aperture for High Energy Laser systems. We demonstrated that spinel possesses excellent thermo-optical characteristics required for the High Energy Laser systems and at the same time it can provide the necessary ruggedness desired for the realistic and harsh battlefield environment. We have demonstrated through testing that spinel can withstand very adverse conditions of rain, sand storms and salt fog conditions without any change in its optical performance. We have also developed rugged anti-reflective coatings and anti-reflective surface structures to maintain high optical transmission in adverse environment.