Transparent Metals: Fact and Fiction

Stephen R. Wilk

Transparent metals are a common theme in many science fiction plots—an alien compound that is incredibly strong, yet see-through. However, this material is not as futuristic as it sounds. Methods for producing transparent metals have been around for centuries and are now being used for high-performance military applications.

 

AlON hyper-hemispherical dome mounted on a base ring.

“I notice you’re still using polymers.”
“What else would we use?”
(After looking at computer display)
“Transparent aluminum?”
“That’s the ticket, laddie.”

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