Refractive index homogeneity TWE effect on large aperture optical systems

M. Stout; B. Neff

doi:10.1117/12.2269464

3 May 2017 Refractive index homogeneity TWE effect on large aperture optical systems

M. Stout, B. Neff

Proceedings Volume 10179, Window and Dome Technologies and Materials XV; 101790O (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2269464
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2017, Anaheim, CA, United States

Abstract

Sapphire windows are routinely being used in demanding aerospace applications due to their high strength and desirable optical and material properties. Sapphire is particularly useful in addressing the increasing need for systems that provide a wider range of capabilities in a single package. In general, refractive index homogeneity of the component materials can have a significant impact on overall optical system performance. This leads to the need for a deeper understanding of the shape and magnitude of index inhomogeneity in large sapphire windows to ensure predictable, high quality operation. Thin, sapphire slices from a sapphire crystal boule grown via the Heat Exchanger Method (HEM) have been previously evaluated for refractive index homogeneity over a 25.4cm (10.0”) aperture. The resultant transmitted wavefront error (TWE) from those measurements has now been used to model typical optical systems to quantify the effects on system-level performance attributed to representative amounts of index inhomogeneity in the sapphire window. The results of this modeling effort are presented in the following paper.

Citation Download Citation

M. Stout and B. Neff "Refractive index homogeneity TWE effect on large aperture optical systems", Proc. SPIE 10179, Window and Dome Technologies and Materials XV, 101790O (3 May 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2269464

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available