BHAWIN LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A20-050

Description

In the Phase-I project Bhawin LLC will establish a production technique for ceramic windows and domes using a Calcium Lanthanum Sulphide nanopowders that will eliminate use of H2S that requires special safety precautions in CVD. The high cost and low mechanical strength of windows and domes that protect the multimode sensors on missiles and maximize their mode of operation have been a concern for a long time for the Department of Defense. Crucial requirements for this application are: a) excellent infrared transmission, b) very good mechanical properties and c) ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Multispectral Calcium Lanthanum Sulphide is well suited for high performance aperture systems that function across abroad wavelength spectrum (0.4 to 12 microns). Bhawin LLC will develop and implement an economical combustion method and Microwave- Hydrothermal process for large scale production of mono dispersed pure Calcium Lanthanum Sulphide nanopowders for use in ceramic IR transparent missile domes. This process will generate large quantities of metal sulfide nanoparticles to meeting the ARMY specifications. This process will be achieved utilizing the BHAWIN proprietary combustion and microwave technologies, which allows for precise control over the nanoparticle size and size distribution and can be readily scaled in the manufacturing environment.