Award

In modern military applications, the operational efficiency of infrared (IR) sensors and missile seeker systems is critically dependent on the optical clarity and integrity of their protective IR windows and domes. These components are frequently exposed to harsh environmental conditions including rain, sand, salt spray, and other contaminants that cause surface damage such as pitting, scratching, and delamination, ultimately degrading optical performance and limiting their operational lifespan. Lynntech proposes the development of RECLAIM (Restoration for Enhanced Clarity of Lenses and Infrared Material), a process which aims to address these challenges by introducing an innovative method for the repair and refurbishment of damaged IR windows and domes. Utilizing a novel approach based on techniques adapted from the semiconductor industry, RECLAIM will restore IR windows and domes to their original pristine condition without altering their fundamental optical or mechanical properties. This initiative will significantly reduce the need for costly replacements, enhance the durability of optical components in military systems, and ensure sustained performance in demanding operational environments. In Phase I, Lynntech aims to demonstrate the feasibility of RECLAIM to repair abrasions in IR windows and restore the material to its original thickness without loss of mechanical or optical properties. In Phase II, Lynntech intends to scale up the RECLAIM process to demonstrate a prototype plan for applying RECLAIM to relevant-scale material.