Transparent magnesium aluminate ceramics have been in existence for many decades. However, at few times in history has spinel been available as a commercial product and until now, there has not been as large an interest or effort to make transparent polycrystalline spinel a marketable reality. Due to the ever-increasing performance demands of current and next-generation electro-optic platforms, transparent magnesium aluminate spinel is suitable in more applications because of its extended transparency in the mid-wave IR (MWIR). Spinel is also emerging as a transparent armor solution for tactical and combat vehicles against escalating threats. Furthermore, as a simple ceramic oxide, its processability affords economy of scale that makes it attractive for meeting the ever demanding cost targets of advanced weapons systems and commercial products.

Technology Assessment & Transfer Inc. (TA&T), is leading the effort in the United States to develop and commercialize transparent polycrystalline spinel ceramics to meet these future needs. Current development efforts have benefited by on-going and previous support from the Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as the Missile Defense Agency and Department of Energy.

Spinel Armor	Spinel Properties	Spinel Windows and Lenses	Spinel Domes	Equipment & Processing Capabilities