Open AccessGermanate glass as a window for high energy laser systems
Author(s) -
Shyam Bayya,
Geoffrey D. Chin,
Jasbinder S. Sanghera,
Ishwar D. Aggarwal
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.14.011687
Subject(s) - germanate , optics , materials science , attenuation coefficient , laser , absorption (acoustics) , wavelength , fabrication , window (computing) , barium , optoelectronics , physics , doping , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , computer science , metallurgy , operating system
A modified Barium Gallo-Germanate glass has been developed as an exit window for high energy lasers operating in the mid-infrared wavelength region. All the physical properties, for application as a window for high energy laser systems have been measured. Absorption loss and thermo-optic coefficient were identified as key in developing the Barium Gallo-Germanate glass for high energy laser applications. A purification method was developed to reduce the absorption loss of the glass from 6x10(-2) cm(-1) to 2x10(-3) cm(-1) at 3.8 mum. Manufacturability in large size windows has been demonstrated with the fabrication of an 18" diameter prototype window. Modified Barium Gallo-Germanate glasses have also been developed with lower thermo-optic coefficient resulting in lower optical path distortion.