Transmission window cleanliness for directed energy devices

A system for transmission window cleanliness for use with free-space directed energy devices, comprising:

• a positive pressure chamber mounted to a transmission window of the directed energy device such that the transmission window forms a wall of the positive pressure chamber;
• a gas source configured to provide gas to the positive pressure chamber, wherein the positive pressure chamber is configured to contain the gas at a higher pressure than atmospheric gases outside the positive pressure chamber;
• a closeable exit aperture disposed in a wall of the positive pressure chamber at substantially an opposite end of the positive pressure chamber from the transmission window such that free-space directed energy entering the positive pressure chamber through the transmission window exits the positive pressure chamber through the exit aperture, and wherein the closeable exit aperture is interlocked with the directed energy device such that gas in the positive pressure chamber is allowed to exit the positive pressure chamber when the directed energy device is being fired;
• a particulate collector and gas recycle device, wherein the particulate collector and gas recycle device is configured to receive gas from the positive pressure chamber via a first conduit and is further configured to filter particulates out of the gas before the gas is reintroduced to the positive pressure chamber via a second conduit;
• a set of louvers disposed in one or more openings disposed in one or more walls of the positive pressure chamber, wherein each louver is capable of creating an airtight seal when closed;
• and
• one or more enclosures disposed between the first conduit and the one or more openings so as to receive gas and particulates exiting from the positive pressure chamber through the one or more openings when the louvers are open.