Semi-Active Laser (SAL) guidance systems were developed starting in the mid-1960's and today form an important class of precision guided weapons. The laser wavelengths generally fall in the short wave infrared region of the spectrum. Relative to passive, image based, infrared seekers the optical demands placed on the domes or windows of SAL seekers is very modest, allowing the use of low cost, easily manufactured materials, such as polycarbonate. This paper will examine the transition of SAL window and dome science and technology from the laboratory to battlefield, with special emphasis on the story of polycarbonate domes.

Date Published: 28 May 2015
PDF: 15 pages
Proc. SPIE 9453, Window and Dome Technologies and Materials XIV, 945309 (28 May 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2177631

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9453:
Window and Dome Technologies and Materials XIV
Brian J. Zelinski; Randal W. Tustison, Editor(s)