Infrared Windows:
HEM sapphire is the leading choice for midwave infrared applications from simple optical temperature measurement to high resolution spectroscopic and imaging systems, as it transmits at extremely high temperatures where other materials fail, has almost no impurity based absorptions and can be polished to extremely high quality transmitted wavefront specifications. Because of its high strength, sapphire is used in demanding conditions to transmit effectively up to the 5.5 micron range at 20 °C and the 4.1 micron range at 500 °C, while requiring the lowest weight for a given aperture size. Such MWIR detector systems are crucial components that are used for applications including radiometry, guidance, gas analysis, medicine, etc.

Missile Domes :
HEM sapphire can withstand large thermal and mechanical stresses, while providing the optical performance necessary for today's highly advanced seeker systems. Domes must remain invisible to the underlying seeker system while protecting it against high velocities, abrasion (sand, rain, hail), and high temperature. Sapphire's low refractive index change with increasing temperature together with its high mechanical strength allow use of relatively thin domes that will withstand large thermal and mechanical forces. In addition, sapphire is the hardest transparent oxide material, easily the most resistant to abrasion in environments where particle erosion is present. Domes and other advanced missile windows are subject to extreme thermal shock because of their high velocity use. Hard and strong, HEM sapphire is well suited to withstand thermal shock, rain, hail and sand erosion.




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