Current status of sapphire dome production

Frederick Schmid; Maynard B. Smith; Chandra P. Khattak

doi:10.1117/12.187329

28 September 1994 Current status of sapphire dome production

Frederick Schmid, Maynard B. Smith, Chandra P. Khattak

Proceedings Volume 2286, Window and Dome Technologies and Materials IV; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.187329
Event: SPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1994, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Sapphire is an ideal choice for the transparent dome element in higher speed missile systems because of its high transmission, high strength, and thermal shock resistance. Sapphire domes for various missile systems are being produced but fabrication technology development is required for cost reduction and improved performance. Major costs of dome production are in fabrication. It has been shown that grinding to near-finished size is important to reduce fabrication costs and improve quality of finished domes. With this approach, optical distortion problems related to the anisotropic properties and subsurface damage can be minimized. Subsurface damage has been shown to reduce sapphire's strength. The depth of subsurface damage has been quantified and it has been shown that room temperature strength can be increased with a post-polish heat treatment.

Citation Download Citation

Frederick Schmid, Maynard B. Smith, and Chandra P. Khattak "Current status of sapphire dome production", Proc. SPIE 2286, Window and Dome Technologies and Materials IV, (28 September 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.187329

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