Multi-Spectral Transparent Materials Technologies - The American ...

Multi-Spectral Transparent Materials Technologies
Daniel C. Harris
Naval Air Systems Command, China Lake, California
Ceramic windows and domes protect delicate sensors from harsh environments
while transmitting electromagnetic radiation in one or more spectral
regions. Window material deficiencies that have existed for half a century
include window durability, thermal shock resistance, and optical emission.
There are no very durable materials that transmit both midwave
55 minutes
(3-5 micron)
and long wave (8-12 micron) infrared radiation. Some current thrusts in
window research and development include the fabrication of nanocomposites
with properties not attained by monolithic materials, making conformal
shapes that extend the state of the art in machining and metrology, and
scaling up transparent ceramics to make meter-class windows.
Biographical information: Dan Harris is a Senior Scientist and Esteemed
Fellow at the Naval Air Systems Command in China Lake, California, where he
manages research and development programs in infrared window materials. He
is the author of the monograph "Materials for Infrared Windows and Domes"
and holds degrees in chemistry from MIT and Caltech.