Germanium is a crystalline material and commonly used infrared materials in MWIR and LWIR regions. Fabrication of Germanium windows are time consuming and expensive. Texas Biochemicals Inc., recently developed a novel technology to produce dual band MWIR/LWIR materials via ultra-high purity nanopowder. This nanopowder with a quick consolidation method allows durable, highly transparent dual-band window materials with nano-grain structures to be cost-effectively produced in-house. This program will build upon successful efforts at Texas Biochemicals Inc. for LWIR window/dome applications. In Phase I, Texas Biochemicals Inc., will advance the manufacturing technology for large-scale production, making the production rate faster, environmentally benign and cost effective. The optical quality and mechanical strength characteristics will meet or exceed Germanium windows. This nanopowder containing suitable additives will prevent grain growth of the final product and maintain high transparency (3-15 microns region.) The resultant MWIR/LWIR product will be durable, chemically stable and impart additional strength for rain erosion at high altitudes and sand abrasions during take-off. Collaboration with a prime contractor is established to evaluate samples and provide technical guidance. Their input described under Phase I tasks and their letter of support demonstrates intentions to become a commercialization partner leading to near term technology utilization potential.
Benefit: This low-temperature process provides an inexpensive and reliable route for the large-scale production of spherical MWIR/LWIR nanopowders. Inclusion of trace amount of additives prevents grain growth during sintering and produces the high-purity, high-strength ceramic needed for window and dome applications. The ceramic is necessary for multi-mode windows and domes for the next generation of sensors for missiles, munitions, and surveillance systems. Other commercial applications include uses in a variety of sensor applications such as round-the-clock intruder monitoring, fire monitoring, temperature measurement for microwave ovens, household appliance fields such as in-ear clinical thermometers, and improving night vision through automotive windshields.
Keywords: Dual Band materials, Dual Band materials, MWIR/LWIR, Windows and Domes, and IR lenses., additives, night vision, nanopowders, aerodynamic domes
