Molding Technology for Low-Cost Infrared (IR) Chalcogenide Glass Optical Components Navy SBIR FY2006.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2006.1 Topic No.: N06-025 Topic Title: Molding Technology for Low-Cost Infrared (IR) Chalcogenide Glass Optical Components Proposal No.: N061-025-0844 Firm: Agiltron Corporation 15 Cabot Road Woburn, Massachusetts 01801-1003 Contact: Jack Salerno Phone: (781) 935-1200 Web Site: http://www.agiltron.com Abstract: Based on our extensive experience in infrared glass and lens molding, Agiltron proposes to develop an advanced molded IR lens technology that will drastically improve the way the infrared sensor optics are produced for DoD applications. The proposed manufacturing technology produces IR optics with many-fold reductions in cost, size, weight, and fabrication time. The ability to reproducibly manufacture aspheric optics with complex net-shapes reduces the number of lenses traditional require for imaging systems, providing highly desirable aberration correction as well as system weight and size reduction. The technology utilizes a proprietary new chalcogenide glass material that reduces temperature induced index refraction change to near zero. The proposed program technology is industry leading and state-of-the-art. In Phase I, we propose to demonstrate a molded double convex chalcogenide glass lens of high optical performance. A volume production process and molding system will be developed in Phase II. Benefits: The technology is ideal for missile defense optics fabrication. The proposed low-cost IR optics will have broad applications, such as fire fighting, law enforcement, industrial control, driver's aids, traffic monitor, biomedical imaging, pollution detector, and security systems. The potential market is substantial. Return