ALON GRIN optics for visible-MWIR applications

Nagendra Nag; Santosh Jha; Suri Sastri; Lee M. Goldman; Peter McCarthy; Greg R. Schmidt; Julie L. Bentley; Duncan T Moore

doi:10.1117/12.2224961

17 May 2016 ALON GRIN optics for visible-MWIR applications

Nagendra Nag, Santosh Jha, Suri Sastri, Lee M. Goldman, Peter McCarthy, Greg R. Schmidt, Julie L. Bentley, Duncan T Moore

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9822, Advanced Optics for Defense Applications: UV through LWIR; 98220V (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224961
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2016, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Surmet continuously strives to develop novel, advanced optical ceramics products for current and future defense and commercial systems. Using conventional powder processing techniques, Surmet has made substantial progress in its ability to manufacture large ALON® sensor windows, lenses, domes and transparent armor. In addition to transparency, Surmet has demonstrated the ability to incorporate other capabilities into its optical ceramic components, including: EMI shielding, heating, internal antennas and cooling channels. Working closely with the University of Rochester, Surmet has developed gradient index (GRIN) optics in ALON for use in the visible through the MWIR applications. Surmet has demonstrated the ability to tailor the refractive index of ALON® Optical Ceramic by either varying its composition or through the addition of dopants. Smooth axial and radial gradient profiles with ~0.055 change in refractive index, over depths of 1-8 mm (axial) and over 20 mm radius (radial) have been demonstrated. Initial design studies have shown that such elements provide unique capabilities. Radial gradients in particular, with their optical power contribution, provide additional degrees of freedom for color correction in broadband imaging systems. Surmet continues to mature ALON® GRIN technology along with the associated metrology. Surmet is committed to the development of its ALON® GRIN capability as well as finding insertion opportunities in novel imaging solutions for military and other commercial systems.

Citation Download Citation

Nagendra Nag, Santosh Jha, Suri Sastri, Lee M. Goldman, Peter McCarthy, Greg R. Schmidt, Julie L. Bentley, and Duncan T Moore "ALON GRIN optics for visible-MWIR applications", Proc. SPIE 9822, Advanced Optics for Defense Applications: UV through LWIR, 98220V (17 May 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224961

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available