Optical and Mechanical Properties of Infrared Materials.

Optical and mechanical properties of various IR transmitting materials were investigated. Of special interest was the possibility of strengthening such materials through the formation of point defect complexes without increasing their IR absorption. A major facility for determining IR absorption was developed. The materials investigated include alkali halides, alkaline earth fluorides, Al-doped ZnSe and doped MgO. It was found that the hardness of ZnSe doped with al and CaF2 doped with Gd could be increased through thermal treatment, however, the identity of the point defect complex producing this hardening could not be determined. Author