Slip Cast Spinel for Precision Conformal Sensor Windows Navy SBIR FY2013.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.2 Topic No.: N132-122 Topic Title: Slip Cast Spinel for Precision Conformal Sensor Windows Proposal No.: N132-122-1098 Firm: Technology Assessment & Transfer, Inc. 133 Defense Highway, Suite 212 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Contact: Lynda Renomeron Phone: (410) 987-1656 Web Site: www.techassess.com Abstract: A need exists within the Navy for high quality, conformal optic sensor windows fabricated from MgAl2O4 spinel that exhibit excellent visible through mid-IR transmission. The implementation of spinel conformal windows is even more desirable considering its superior performance in demanding applications with sand and rain erosion and aero thermal heating. Ultimately, high quality metrology is required during and after grinding and polishing to ensure the best optical quality. To assist in the manufacture difficult to produce optical blanks, TA&T will demonstrate a near net-shape fabrication process for conformal MgAl2O4 spinel windows using an optimized slip casting process. The process methodology will be tailored to achieve the creation of a homogeneous, highly dense green body that can be densified to a high optical quality transparent ceramic. Optimax Systems will work with TA&T to help refine the blank manufacturing process and also ensure dense spinel toroidal blank usability and suitability in their system. Benefits: Current technology capable of fabricating transparent ceramic windows are not near-net shape processes, but rely on generating the desired shapes out of optically transparent material slabs. As the size of the commercially available slabs are only 0.5" - 1" in thickness, this greatly limits the possible sizes and radii of the conformal window. A near-net shape process capable of producing these blanks would not only greatly reduce material waste and the cost of a wide array of conformal and irregular shaped optical components, but would also increase the size and shape capability. Return