Advances in ultradurable phosphide-based broadband antireflection coatings for sand and rain erosion protection of infrared windows and domes

Desmond R. Gibson, Ewan M. Waddell, Keith L. Lewis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Pilkington Optronics (Barr & Stroud), in conjunction with the Defence Research Agency (Malvern, UK), has an ongoing development program for ultradurable coatings. Such coatings enhance environmental durability of infrared (IR) transmissive windows and domes for severe environments, such as those encountered in airborne systems. In particular, these coatings are required to provide protection against high velocity rain and sand impact. This program has to date produced one of the most effective sand and rain protective coatings, based on phosphide materials, specifically boron and gallium phosphide. The phosphide coatings are incorporated into anti-reflective (AR) multilayers, providing high transmission over the required IR waveband. Such AR coatings have been shown to be very effective in protecting windows and dome materials from rain and sand/dust impact damage. Results of single and multiple water jet impact tests, whirling arm rain erosion and sand erosion are presented. Current performance of AR coatings incorporating BP or GaP is presented. Combining BP and GaP in a composite structure, thereby maximizing IR transmission while maintaining sand and rain erosion protection, is described.

© (1994) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication Window And Dome Technologies And Materials IV
PublisherSociety of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)081941610X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Sept 1994
Externally publishedYes
EventSPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging and Instrumentation - San Diego, United States
Duration: 26 Jul 199428 Jul 1994

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE
PublisherSPIE
Volume2286
ISSN (Print)0277-786

Conference

ConferenceSPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging and Instrumentation
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period26/07/9428/07/94

Keywords

  • Coatings
  • Domes
  • Erosion
  • Optical properties
  • Phosphorus compounds
  • Rain
  • Sand
  • Surface properties

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