Fabrication of infrared optics for extreme environments
Abstract
Infrared (IR) optics capable of operating in extreme thermal and mechanical environments are key to several aspects of the DoD mission. For example, high temperature IR windows are essential for enabling real-time optical communication to maneuver hypersonic vehicles traveling at a speed of Mach 5 or greater. Maneuverability of hypersonic vehicles is critical to effectively defeat tracking and interception. Likewise, mechanically robust IR lenses can provide a tactical advantage to modern soldiers on the battlefield by enabling night-vision and thermal imaging through compact multispectral imagers for target identification and neutralization. Finally, high-temperature IR materials doped with luminescent rare-earth ions can serve as the active element in the fabrication of high-power lasers in the mid-IR used for missile countermeasures, optical communication, and LIDAR applications. The aim of this work is to produce a new class of nanoceramics transparent over the whole infrared region while simultaneously capable of sustaining unprecedented temperature and mechanical solicitations suitable for applications in extreme environments. This goal will be reached by leveraging a novel advanced synthesis method to produce nanoceramics over a broad compositional range that has so far been largely unexplored. In particular, we propose a new approach leveraging the emerging field of mechanochemistry for the scalable production of advanced IR windows. The product of this research will provide a direct strategic advantage to the United States by enabling the deployment of advanced weapons on the battlefield.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2025
- Source ID
- FA95502410023
Entities
People
- Pierre Lucas
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Arizona