DOD Names INRAD as Lithium Niobate Crystal Supplier

NORTHVALE, N.J., Feb. 11 -- INRAD Inc. has been awarded a contract to produce and supply lithium niobate crystals for US Defense Supply Services in Cleveland, Ohio. The contract calls for an initial release of 100 crystals, and the government has the option to procure an additional 300. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Lithium niobate crystals are used in laser rangefinder systems deployed with military forces in all branches of the armed services. The crystals are employed in Q-switches, which control the pulse duration and output of the system's internal laser source. According to INRAD, the crystals supplied under this contract will be used to repair and refurbish fielded military laser systems.