IR Transmitting Aspheric Window Optics from Spinel Ceramics Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-087 Topic Title: IR Transmitting Aspheric Window Optics from Spinel Ceramics Proposal No.: N121-087-1343 Firm: Materials & Electrochemical Research (MER) Corp. 7960 S. Kolb Rd. Tucson, Arizona 85756-9237 Contact: Juan Sepulveda Phone: (520) 574-1980 Web Site: www.mercorp.com Abstract: This Navy Phase I SBIR Program proposes to develop infrared (IR) transmitting spinel ceramics, with good environmental durability, that can be green molded into domes, hyper-domes, and aspheric shapes using freeze forging (FF) and spinel sintering technology to produce close-to-net shape blanks. This project will perform complete characterization of the novel spinel ceramic material, optimize the 3-D fabrication process, and fabricate a full-size hyper-hemispherical dome using spinel for IR sensing applications. Benefits: Transmission characteristics of spinel 0.2-5.5 �m coupled with excellent optical, mechanical and ballistic performance make the proposed spinel the material of choice for these applications. The MER novel spinel technology allows for the manufacturing of specially shaped spinel parts to produce optically precise conformal and aspheric sensor windows. MER proposes the use of spinel since it provides a wide infrared bandpass and is mechanically strong and very resistant to erosion. As called by this solicitation, IR optics such as lenses, domes, and hyper-hemispherical domes for future military and commercial applications will need IR sensing, thermal imaging and threat warning systems and high energy laser propagation. Using the proposed close-to-net-shape forming technology, the associated cost is minimized, facilitating the subsequent grinding, and polishing required for production. Spinel is durable, strong, and resistant to abrasion, exhibiting very good visible and infrared transmittance. The spinel technology developed by MER is also cost effective with very high part yield and powder utilization. Anticipated public benefits derive from every sector requiring transparent, high strength ceramics with a complex 3-D shape. Other commercial applications include commercial lenses, watch crystals, vapor lamp tubes, firefighter and police face shields, industrial control terminals, test equipment, and other applications where a rugged, tough, scratch, resistant, transparent material is required like protective transparent windows. Return