Composite infrared windows using silicon and plastic
US5851631A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/269
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Low-cost composite infrared windows that are transparent to long wave infrared radiation (8-12 microns) that provide sufficient strength and impact resistance for automotive-type environments, and the like. The windows may be used with night vision systems for automobiles, surveillance imaging systems, and other applications requiring low cost, long wave infrared windows. In one embodiment, the composite infrared window is a sandwich comprised of a polyethylene plastic film bonded with an acrylic adhesive to a relatively thin (0.015-0.040 inch) silicon substrate. The thin silicon substrate is mechanically stiff and low cost, and transmits in the 8-12 micron bandpass. The thin (0.001-0.007 inch) plastic film provides an exterior particle impact absorbing layer sufficient to enable the use of the window in automotive applications. In another embodiment, the infrared window is a dual pane, long wave infrared transmitting window comprising a thin, antireflection coated, silicon window and a plain or reinforced, embossed, plastic window that may be mounted in a frame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.