HfO₂/SiO₂ multilayer based reflective optics enable threat detection in the short-wave/middle-wave infrared and high power laser targeting capability in the near infrared. On the other hand, HfO₂/SiO₂ multilayer based transmissive optics empower early missile warning by taking advantage of the extremely low noise light detection in the deep-ultraviolet region where solar irradiation is strongly absorbed by the ozone layer of the earth’s atmosphere. The former requires high laser damage resistance, whereas the latter needs a solar-blind property, i.e., high transmission of the radiation below 290 nm and strong suppression of the solar background from 300 nm above. The technical challenges in both cases are revealed. The spectral limits associated with the HfO₂ and SiO₂ films are discussed and design concepts are schematically illustrated. Spectral performances are realized for potential A and D and commercial applications.

Date Published: 17 May 2016
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 9822, Advanced Optics for Defense Applications: UV through LWIR, 98220Z (17 May 2016); doi: 10.1117/12.2219752

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9822:
Advanced Optics for Defense Applications: UV through LWIR
Jay N. Vizgaitis; Bjørn F. Andresen; Peter L. Marasco; Jasbinder S. Sanghera; Miguel P. Snyder, Editor(s)