An "Application Brief" on another problem solved...

Heaters with 90%+ optical transmission keep guidance beam lenses clear

Problem:
Infrared and laser beam lenses were fogging up. These beams sense heat and topography to enable munitions to find and destroy enemy targets. Heaters cannot optically interfere with beam transmission; they must be small, thin and flexible to fit in the existing space; and they must operate on minimum available power.

The initial solution used heating elements and flexible circuits manufactured by separate vendors.  Yields were very low and inconsistent, plus they were very labor intensive to assemble. Other unsuccessful design attempts included:
•  A transparent heater with two layers of insulating film that required too much power.
•  Etched foil elements caused beam scattering.
•  Conductive inks were too thick or broke when flexed.

Solution:
A flexible heater that mounts in front of both lenses that connects to the power supply through a flat flex circuit with a surface-mount connector.

This solution delivers 90%+ optical transmission without beam scattering. A new wire-bonding process adheres the ultra-thin, non-oxidizing wire conductor to one thin layer of optically-coated clear polyester. It operates on minimum power, fits in a tight space and delivers precise heat with improved stability and long shelf-life.

Engineering Tip:
Integrating flexible heaters and flex circuits in one turnkey process can dramatically save time, space and weight plus minimize power requirements.


Need a solution that involves circuitry, heating or sensing? Go to Minco's APPLICATION BRIEF ARCHIVE >>

Unlimited geography
Low mass
Superior thermal performance
Versatility