In this video, Knight Optical discusses the role of precision optical components in Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) systems, including subsea imaging, navigation, sensing, and inspection.
It explains how optical domes and flat windows protect cameras, LiDAR systems, lasers, and lighting equipment, while domes help maintain accurate fields of view and reduce distortion in high-pressure, low-light environments.
The video also examines the use of sapphire and fused silica, together with anti-reflective and infrared coatings designed to improve optical transmission and sensor performance. Protective coatings can also increase resistance to abrasion, saltwater corrosion, and particulate impact. These components support AUV applications including seabed mapping, offshore infrastructure inspection, marine research, pipeline monitoring, mine countermeasures, harbour security, and underwater reconnaissance.
