DEFENSE, AERONAUTICS & SECURITY

Precision SiC Mirrors for Defense Applications

MERSEN optoSiC® optics have the highest combination of thermal and mechanical stability of any material which can be optically polished for the most demanding applications in defense, aeronautics & security.

Sintered SiC optics for
high power lasers

Superior Optics for Mission-Critical Defense Systems​

MERSEN optoSiC® SiC mirrors offer top thermal and mechanical stability for defense, aeronautics and security applications. This lightweight, nontoxic option replaces Beryllium. With 10-500mm apertures and coatings for UV-IR lasers, they enable fast galvo-scanning speeds. Our SiC optics ensure precise beam steering in systems like target acquisition, data transfer, point-to-point communication and DEW. Quality control and laser IDs provides traceability. MERSEN optoSiC® is a leader in defense optics.

leader in material and technology

Unmatched Stability and Performance in DEFENSE Optics

MERSEN optoSiC® SiC mirrors, inspired by natural shapes, our mirrors offer unmatched thermal and mechanical stability for defense applications. These lightweight, nontoxic alternatives to Beryllium feature 10-500mm apertures and highly reflective coatings for UV-IR lasers, enabling ultra-fast galvo-scanning and precise beam steering.

Resisting deformation four times better than glass and transmitting heat 100 times faster, they ensure durability, safety, and efficiency in regulated environments. Rigorous quality control with laser-marked IDs ensures traceability, making optoSiC® the top choice for high-performance defense optics.

DEFENSE APPLICATIONS

GROUND / NAVAL / AERIAL

TARGET ACQUISITION

POINT-TO-POINT COMMUNICATION / DATA TRANSFER

INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, RECONNAISSANCE

DIRECT ENERGY WEAPONS (DEW)

Ground / Naval / Aerial

SiC Mirrors for Rugged Defense Platforms

MERSEN optoSiC® SiC mirrors enhance results across ground, naval, and aerial defense platforms, excelling in harsh terrains and turbulent seas. Designed for armored vehicles, naval radar, and UAVs, they deliver quick, precise beam steering for targeting in combat zones. Their stiff, vibration-resistant design ensures reliability, while customizable 10-500mm apertures adapt to diverse needs.

Ideal for battlefield surveillance and navigation, these mirrors thrive in extreme conditions, boasting a thermal conductivity of 130 W/m.K and no outgassing for vacuum use. optoSiC® sets the highest standard for defense reliability, supporting missions with unmatched stability.

Target Acquisition

SiC Optics for Pinpoint Accuracy

In target acquisition, MERSEN optoSiC® SiC mirrors deliver pinpoint accuracy, empowering military detection systems to lock onto targets with ease. Engineered for laser-based targeting, they enable precise beam control, ensuring success in dynamic combat scenarios.

High-reflective coatings, optimized for UV-IR lasers, extend detection range and accelerate response times, vital for fast-moving threats. Their lightweight, high-stiffness design reduces payload on platforms, enhancing efficiency during rapid-response operations. With a thermal conductivity of 130 W/m.K, these mirrors maintain performance under stress, making optoSiC® SiC mirrors target acquisition solutions a top choice for defense precision.

SiC Mirrors for Secure Data Links

Point-to-Point Communication

For point-to-point communication, MERSEN optoSiC® SiC mirrors deliver secure and reliable data transfer, powering encrypted laser links between ground stations and satellites across challenging terrains.

High-reflective coatings, tailored for UV-IR lasers, preserve signal strength over vast distances, ensuring robust connectivity. Their durability, bolstered by a thermal conductivity of 130 W/m.K and no outgassing, excels in space-based systems and enhances reliability for intelligence feeds in rugged applications like desert outposts. With adaptable apertures, these SiC mirrors defense communication solutions thrive in extreme conditions, offering precision for critical military data networks.

Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR)

SiC Mirrors for Enhanced Vigilance

In ISR, MERSEN optoSiC® SiC mirrors elevate vigilance, delivering crisp imaging for reconnaissance missions across diverse battlefields. Tailored for drones and satellites, they excel in low-light conditions, capturing vital intelligence with ease. Rapid scan rates, supported by a high-stiffness design, enable real-time data collection, crucial for tracking enemy movement.

Their robust build, enhanced by a thermal conductivity of 130 W/m.K, withstands the harshest conditions, from arctic outposts to desert heat. optoSiC® SiC mirrors ISR defense solutions lead the industry, offering unmatched reliability for cutting-edge surveillance.

Directed Energy Weapons (DEW)

SiC Mirrors for High-Power Precision

For directed energy weapons (DEW), MERSEN optoSiC® SiC mirrors lead with unmatched precision, excelling in high-power laser systems for targeting critical threats. Engineered for rapid beam steering, they engage enemies with devastating accuracy, as proven in dynamic tests.

Advanced cooling channels efficiently manage intense heat, ensuring consistent performance under pressure. Tailored apertures from 10-500mm adapt to various weapon scales, from portable units to naval systems. With a thermal conductivity of 130 W/m.K, these SiC mirrors DEW solutions enhance defense lethality, offering a robust edge in modern combat scenarios.

Best in Class

Stanford Research Affirms SiC Mirrors as Gold Standard in Resonant Scanning Precision

Cutting-edge research from Stanford University and Indiana University, published in Optica (2020), unequivocally validates the superiority of silicon carbide (SiC) in resonant galvanometric optical scanners, spotlighting its transformative potent

ial for high-precision medical applications. The study, “Dynamic Distortion in Resonant Galvanometric Optical Scanners” reveals that traditional mirror substrates falter under dynamic torque. They introduce wavefront aberrations that degrade resolution in critical fields like retinal imaging, OCT diagnostics, and DNA sequencing. SiC emerges as the material of choice, ensuring stellar performance in high-frequency scanners.

"Dynamic Distortion in Resonant Galvanometric Optical Scanners"

Authors et al.

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Matthias
Struckmeyer

Managing Director

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