Custom fabricated large sapphire windows for use protecting electronics in aircraft and drones that fly in bad weather and demanding environments have been introduced by Meller Optics, Inc. of Providence, Rhode Island.
Meller Large Sapphire Windows can be fabricated in different configurations and sizes up to 10” dia., depending upon the diameter to thickness aspect ratio. Featuring transmission from the UV to IR (270 nm to 4.7 microns), they are as clear as glass and provide a protective surface for sensors and cameras that would be exposed to sand and other high speed particulates.
Exhibiting Mohs 9 hardness which is second only to diamond, Meller Large Sapphire Windows offer flatness to 1/10th wave in the visible and less than 2 arc sec. in/in. parallelism with finishes from 60-40 to 40-20 scratch-dig, depending upon size and construction. Sapphire domes are also available for use on missiles and weaponry in military applications.
Meller Large Sapphire Windows are priced according to configuration and quantity. Price quotations are available upon request.