Meller Optics has unveiled an innovative series of optics made from spinel and ALON (aluminum oxynitride), specifically engineered for unmanned aerial vehicles (uavs), drones, and other unmanned systems that demand robust and chemically resistant materials.
Exceptional Properties of Meller Optics
The Meller spinel and ALON optics stand out due to their clarity in wavelengths where conventional glass fails, boasting abrasion resistance that is approximately tenfold greater. These materials also provide remarkable chemical resilience and outstanding light transmission across ultraviolet to mid-wave infrared (MWIR) ranges. Utilizing advanced powder processing methods, these optical ceramics can be manufactured in ample dimensions and intricate configurations while maintaining up to 75% of their strength even at temperatures reaching 1,000ºC.
Performance Metrics and Specifications
These optics are optically isotropic, effectively eliminating birefringence issues. Meller’s spinel and ALON optics can be produced in sizes as large as 18 inches by 35 inches in bulk quantities. The hardness ratings for spinel and ALON are 1650 and 1870 Knoop, respectively, with strength measurements ranging from 70-300 MPa for spinel and 300-700 MPa for ALON. Furthermore, they can achieve a surface quality of less than 60-40 scratch-dig, maintain less than 1 fringe flatness at 633 nm, and exhibit parallelism of less than 1 arc-minute, with polished bevels on both sides.
