Infrared (IR) windows and domes are the key components of opto-electronic system in aircraft. The acceleration along with various harsh

extreme working environment of aircraft puts higher demands on the optical

thermal and mechanical properties of IR transparent materials. Transparent ceramics which can be applied in IR windows and domes include oxide transparent ceramics (Al

2

O

3

MgAl

2

O

4

AlON

Y

2

O

3

YSZ

YAG and Y

2

O

3

–MgO nanocomposite ceramics)

fluoride and ZnS/ZnSe. Transparent wavelength range

thermal and mechanical properties of the above ceramics were compare

d; physical and chemical properties of these ceramics were introduced in this paper. The study mainly reviews the research progress of different ceramics from powders

ceramic forming and sintering

and compares the current research and application gaps at home and abroad. To realize the application of transparent ceramics in the fields of IR windows and domes

it is necessary to increase investment in synthesizing high-performance powders

improving ceramic density

reducing grain size

enhancing mechanical and optical properties

and preparing high-quality products with large size and complex shape. Finally

the application and development prospects of various transparent ceramics were compared mainly from the aspects of optical and mechanical properties.