Dual IR/RF windows for laser communications

Lee M. Goldman; Richard Twedt; Jayson Zigman; Robert Ondercin

doi:10.1117/12.820209

27 April 2009 Dual IR/RF windows for laser communications

Lee M. Goldman, Richard Twedt, Jayson Zigman, Robert Ondercin

Proceedings Volume 7302, Window and Dome Technologies and Materials XI; 730207 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.820209
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2009, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Future advanced communications systems will utilize lasers which operate at 1.55 μm backed up by an RF links. To the extent that such systems utilize a common aperture, dual IR/RF windows and domes will be required. The durability of such windows, with respect to rain and sand erosion damage, is an important consideration as damaged surfaces will lead to significant optical degradation for operation at 1.55 μm. This requirement drives the materials choices toward more durable materials such as ALON® Optical ceramic, spinel and sapphire. Single layer windows, with appropriately selected thicknesses of these materials can be used for narrow RF wavebands, but are not adequate for applications requiring broadband RF transparency. To this end, multilayer windows, with durable outer layers of ALON have been developed, and built. Recent results will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

Lee M. Goldman, Richard Twedt, Jayson Zigman, and Robert Ondercin "Dual IR/RF windows for laser communications", Proc. SPIE 7302, Window and Dome Technologies and Materials XI, 730207 (27 April 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.820209

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