Sapphire windows have use in unmanned underwater surveillance vehicles
Custom sapphire windows for unmanned underwater surveillance vehicles (AUV and UUV) feature Mohs 9 hardness and can withstand fast moving particles, sand, and deepwater pressure to 10,000 psi. Surface finishes can be held to 10-5 scratch-dig, roughness to <0.3 nm RA, and flatness to 0.5 fringes HeNe. Sizes from 0.25 to 10 in. OD are available.
Meller Optics
Providence, RI