Development of Low-Cost Hardened Zinc Selenide for IR Windows.

摘要

This development program has established the feasibility of fabricating large-size (13 x 20 in.) durable multispectral FLIR windows by a chemical vapor deposition process at a cost consistent with the program goals. The window is a composite that consists of two layers; a relatively thick (approximately equal to 0.6 in.) zinc selenide substrate and thin ( approximately equal to 0.5 in.) zinc sulfide overcoat. The overcoat is grown on a polished surface of the selenide by a CVD technique. The purpose of the overcoat is to protect the zinc selenide from damage by the impingement of rain drops and other particles at high speeds. Optical evaluation of the composite window indicates that it is capable of meeting specifications of high resolution FLIR systems.