Patent ID: 11397282

Abstract:
Infrared-transparent and damage-resistant polymer optics with LWIR and/or MWIR transparency are provided. Some variations provide an optic containing at least 50 wt % of an infrared-transparent polymer, wherein the infrared-transparent polymer has a carbon-free polymer backbone, wherein the optic is characterized by at least 80% average transmission of radiation over a wavenumber band with cumulative wavenumber width of at least 1000 cm−1 contained within wavelengths from 3.1 μm to 5 μm and/or from 8.1 μm to 12 μm, and wherein the average transmission is defined as the percentage ratio of radiation intensity through an optic thickness of 25 microns divided by incident radiation intensity. Many polymer compositions and pendant groups are disclosed for use in the polymer optics.