Germanate glass as a window for high energy laser systems

Abstract

A modified Barium Gallo-Germanate glass has been developed as an exit window for high energy lasers operating in the mid-infrared wavelength region. All the physical properties, for application as a window for high energy laser systems have been measured. Absorption loss and thermo-optic coefficient were identified as key in developing the Barium Gallo-Germanate glass for high energy laser applications. A purification method was developed to reduce the absorption loss of the glass from 6x10(-2) cm(-1) to 2x10(-3) cm(-1) at 3.8 mum. Manufacturability in large size windows has been demonstrated with the fabrication of an 18" diameter prototype window. Modified Barium Gallo-Germanate glasses have also been developed with lower thermo-optic coefficient resulting in lower optical path distortion.