Mechanical and Thermal Property Characterization of Optical Materials

Stan Hilton analyzes various impacts on failed FLIR windows.

In 1972 the Advanced Ceramics and Glasses group began a program funded by the Air Force to characterize high-energy laser window and mirror materials. During the next 12 years, the UDRI performed optical, thermal, and mechanical property evaluations on every material being considered by the Air Force for use in high-energy materials. Since that time, our group has characterized virtually every optical material being considered for use in IR windows, and all seeker-tracker devices being considered for use in military hardware. Most recently, we have tested sapphire and spinel materials for use in mid-IR frequencies. Mechanical properties are usually measured together with the transmission and haze properties.