Infrared optically black baffle surfaces are an essential component of many advanced optical systems. All internal surfaces in advanced infrared optical sensors that require stray light management to achieve resolution are of primary concern in baffle design. Current industrial materials need improvements to meet advanced optical sensor systems requirements for optical, survivability, and endurability. Baffles are required to survive and operate in potentially severe environments. Robust diffuse-absorptive black surfaces, which are (1) thermally and mechanically stable to threats of X-ray, launch, and in-flight maneuver conditions, with specific densities to allow an acceptable weight load, (2) handleable during assembly, (3) cleanable, and (4) adaptive to affordable manufacturing, are required as optical baffle materials. An overview of recently developed advanced infrared optical baffle materials, requirements, manufacturing strategies, and the Optics MODIL (Manufacturing Operations Development and Integration Laboratory) Advanced Baffle Program is discussed.

Date Published: 1 January 1991
PDF: 14 pages
Proc. SPIE 1330, Optical Surfaces Resistant to Severe Environments, (1 January 1991); doi: 10.1117/12.22638

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 1330:
Optical Surfaces Resistant to Severe Environments
Solomon Musikant, Editor(s)