Increasing zinc sulfide hardness
The hardness of zinc sulfide is increased by adding selective elements within a specified range to the crystal lattice of the zinc sulfide. The increased hardness over conventional zinc sulfide does not substantially compromise the optical properties of the zinc sulfide. The zinc sulfide may be used as a protective coating for windows and domes.
1. A composition comprising zinc sulfide and 0.5 molar % to 10 molar % of silicon as a dopant.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the silicon is in amounts of 1 molar % to 6 molar %.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the zinc sulfide is water clear zinc sulfide.
4. An article comprising a substrate and one or more layers of a composition comprising zinc sulfide and 0.5 molar % to 10 molar % of silicon as a dopant.
5. The article of claim 4 , wherein the silicon is in amounts of 1 molar % to 6 molar %.
6. The article of claim 4 , wherein the substrate is a dome or a window.