Low cost fabrication of high IR transmission and hardness aspheric composite ceramic windows Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-087 Topic Title: Low cost fabrication of high IR transmission and hardness aspheric composite ceramic windows Proposal No.: N121-087-0358 Firm: General Opto Solutions, LLC 1366 Ridge Master Drive State College, Pennsylvania 16803-0001 Contact: Yunjin Zhang Phone: (814) 238-5982 Abstract: The objective of this SBIR Phase I effort is to develop an innovative fabrication method to produce high IR transmission and hardness aspheric window, which includes following major efforts: First, a unique composite ceramic material will be developed, which not only is highly transparent over a broad visible-to-IR spectral range (compatible to ZnS and CaF2), but also has a much higher strength and hardness than that of ZnS and CaF2. Second, a novel low cost manufacturing process will be developed, which can be used to fabricate the complex shape aspheric window based on our proposed transparent composite ceramics at low cost. Third, the performance of the fabricated aspheric composite ceramic window will be thoroughly investigated. The major optical, thermal, and mechanical properties such as transmittance, refractive index, mechanical strength, the thermal expansion coefficients will be quantitatively measured. A 3" reagent grade hyper-hemispherical dome will be fabricated at the Phase I stage, which will lay down a solid foundation to fabricate full size 12" dome at the Phase II stage. We will also actively pursue the commercialization of our unique IR transmitting aspheric window for the following killer applications such as domes, transparent armor, broadband sensors, et al. Benefits: The successful completion of this proposed research project represents a major technological breakthrough in fabrication of high durability IR transmitting materials because it provides not only a feasible fabricating method but also at lower cost due to the fast processing speed and greatly reduced post-grinding/polishing work. It will have great impacts on a variety of military and civilian applications such as aircraft and missile domes, transparent armor, and IR windows. Return