The United States Department of the Navy utilizes hypersonic aerial vehicles for mission-critical applications in communication, guidance, intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance. These functions rely upon infrared (IR) optical signals that are transmitted via highly sensitive optoelectronics housed on the vehicles. A window protects the optoelectronics while allowing transmission of IR signals to and from the detector. The IR window must withstand extreme conditions during hypersonic flights, including high temperatures and pressures and aggressive chemical environments. Novel window materials are desperately needed to realize broader optical transmission in the short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR) regions, while maintaining high levels of chemical and mechanical stability. Engi-Mat Co., with the assistance of a prime defense contractor, proposes the development of enhanced IR windows using novel metal oxide nanopowders to satisfy these demanding requirements. The advanced nanopowders developed by Engi-Mat will have variable elemental compositions and particle characteristics that enable the optimization of next-generation IR windows for hypersonic vehicles.
Benefit: The United States Department of Defense has recognized hypersonic technology as one of the highest priorities for research and development. Hypersonic missiles and vehicles are needed to provide both offensive and defensive capabilities to U.S. military. Therefore, these clear, large-volume requirements from the Government will translate directly to major commercial opportunities. Hypersonic vehicles can fly at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5), and thus the infrared (IR) windows are subjected to extreme temperatures and pressures. Not only must the optical windows physically survive these rugged conditions, but they must also maintain high-performance in terms of IR transmission. Once these highly demanding conditions for hypersonic flight in military applications are achieved, it is envisioned that this technology can then be implemented for commercial hypersonic re-entry vehicles as well.
Keywords: hypersonic, hypersonic, Infrared, powder, LWIR, SWIR, optical ceramic, MWIR, Nanomaterial
