Transparent ceramics for structural applications. Pt. 2: Fields of Applications

Manufacturing strategies for the different types of transparent ceramics were derived from a general understanding of the physics of light transmission in the first part of this dual publication. This second part addresses present and future applications. With the exception of few small transparent optical components the past development was focused on translucent ceramics for the lighting industry. Today, emphasis is given to the development of transparent armour ceramics for military as for civil applications. First advertisement exists for high-price watches with transparent ceramic parts. In contrast, limited activities are known which investigate the use of transparent ceramics in the manufacturing industry where a future use can be anticipated e.g. in fields of metal or wood-based manufacturing, infrared emitters for digital printing, optical systems for microlithography (e.g. 193 nm lithography), transparent laser ceramics, or solar energy systems.

Transparente Keramiken eignen sich für eine umfangreiche industrielle Verwendung, besonders bei neuen Produkten, die über Transparenz verfügen müssen und zu denen es keine Alternative gibt oder Entwicklungskosten in einem Rahmen akzeptiert werden. In der Vergangenheit wurden lichtdurchlässige Keramiken in erster Linie in der Beleuchtungsindustrie eingesetzt.