DISPLAYS & UIs


Selecting a Sapphire window manufacturer for high reliability ISR applications


Mike Albrecht & Joe Salemi at ZYGO explore Sapphire window production A


s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) sensor technology evolves and mission requirements become more


rigorous, increasing demands are placed on high-precision windows to deliver exacting levels of performance and reliability. ISR applications often use infrared (IR) and multispectral sensors


to collect information from target locations and identify objects in high resolution. ISR windows must demonstrate superior performance to avoid compromising mission success, and because they need to withstand extreme operating conditions, careful control of the manufacturing processes is imperative to ensure strong windows and pristine optical surfaces. Sapphire is extremely durable and transmits over a broad wavelength range of light, making it an excellent choice for ISR


38 OCTOBER 2021 | ELECTRONICS TODAY


optical windows. Additionally, this scratch-resistant material can withstand severe environmental conditions and temperature changes, while demonstrating excellent chemical resistance and a very high Knoop hardness. Selection of a qualified window manufacturer is particularly


important when sapphire is the optical material of choice because it presents a number of challenges for manufacturers. Its extreme hardness, high strength, and fracture toughness make it difficult to turn an unfinished material blank into a high-performance optic using typical window fabrication processes. To produce a superior product on time and within budget, the


following criteria should be used to evaluate potential suppliers before placing an order for high-quality sapphire windows.


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