Manufacturing issues for polycrystalline transparent spinel domes

Magnesium aluminate spinel is a durable, broadband, electro-optical material that can be readily manufactured into transparent domes for multimode seeker applications. Technology Assessment & Transfer reports on the results of its research and development effort to resolve manufacturing issues with regard to transparent spinel domes. The specific areas of study have been cost, quality, and ability to scale up to full production. Alternative manufacturing approaches were evaluated and compared.