A. number of new optical ceramics have been synthesized and characterized for potential application to advanced missile sensor windows. The new materials have been selected to have dual mode capability with an optical cut-off beyond 5μm, and properties conducive to thermal shock and rain erosion resistance. Among the new materials which have significant potential are silicon mullite, its analogue germanium mullite, zinc alumino-germanate glass ceramic, aluminum nitride, toughened zirconia and calcium lanthanum sulfide for long wave IR applications. These materials are all in the developmental stages and advancements in the synthesis processes are needed before they meet all the requirements of advanced sensor windows. However, considerable optical, electrical, mechanical and thermo physical data has been accumulated and is presented in this paper, and the new materials are potentially capable of meeting the needs of the advanced missile systems. In addition, these advanced optical ceramics when fully developed, are expected to prove advantageous in a variety of land, sea, air and space applications.
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