Unmanned systems operating in extreme environments require robust, high-performance optical components to ensure reliable data capture and sensor functionality.
Photo by Venmark International
Meller Optics, Inc., a leading provider of precision optics, offers custom-manufactured sapphire optics engineered to safeguard cameras, detectors, and sensors from the abrasive effects of blowing dirt, sand, and harsh chemicals.
With a Mohs 9 hardness — second only to diamond — sapphire is an optimal material for front surface optics in UAVs, autonomous vehicles, and industrial monitoring systems. Meller Sapphire Optics are designed to withstand high-speed particle impact, resist scratches, and maintain optical clarity in the most demanding conditions. These properties make them ideal for aerospace, defense, and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) applications where sensor protection is critical to mission success.
Meller Optics provides sapphire optics in various forms, including windows, lenses, and domes, all available in custom sizes and configurations. These optics can be precisely manufactured with:
- Varying thicknesses to meet specific structural and optical requirements
- Mounting holes, slots, and wedges for seamless integration into existing systems
- Elliptical edge shaping and specialized edge treatments to optimize aerodynamics and durability
- Anti-reflective coatings to enhance optical performance and reduce glare
Ideally suited for missiles, aircraft, and drones, Meller Sapphire Optics are impervious to water, most acids, alkalis, blowing dirt and sand, chemicals to 1,000°C (HF @300°C), and pressures to 10,000 psi.
Available in sizes from 1/4” to 10” dia. and 1/2 mm to 1” thick, surface finishes range from 60-40 to 40-20 scratch-dig, and windows can be fabricated with flatness held to 0.5 fringes of HeNe and parallelism from 20 to 2 arc/secs.
Optimized Optical Performance for Unmanned Systems
High-performance imaging and sensor technology are essential for UAV surveillance, LiDAR mapping, and automated navigation systems. Sapphire optics from Meller Optics provide superior light transmission across a broad spectral range, ensuring clear and accurate data collection even in low-visibility environments.
The combination of mechanical resilience and optical precision enables unmanned systems to operate effectively in high-dust, high-impact, and chemically aggressive environments.
Meller Sapphire Optics are available in custom configurations, with pricing based on design specifications, size, and order volume. The company provides expert consultation to ensure that each optical component meets the unique demands of its application. Literature and detailed pricing information are available upon request, supporting engineers and developers in selecting the ideal protective optics for their unmanned systems.
