Abstract

Erosion resistant infrared coatings are critical aspects of next generation avionic sensor windows. Current testing techniques employing water jets and particulate impacts and qualitative measurements which are very difficult to relate to the physical parameters of the optical coating. For future improvements in this area, investigations have been undertaken to relate these destructive tests to properties of hardness, elasticity and adhesion as measured using nanoindention techniques. The goal of this effort is to develop strong enough correlations between quantitative physical characteristics and the qualitative erosion testing to allow more rational approaches to coating improvements with respect to its rain and particle erosion resistance characteristics. It is hoped that these tests may result in less destructive acceptance test for the avionic windows. It should be noted that the information gained during this effort is unique and the first of its kind as applied to infrared erosion resistant coatings. This paper presents preliminary results of this on-going effort.

© 1992 Optical Society of America