Laser Research Optics released a new line of laser debris shields that are made from durable sapphire to withstand steel splatter, flash and debris better than fused silica. More robust than fused silica protection glasses, sapphire debris shields have lower bulk absorption with about 30 times higher thermal conductivity. Available in 0.5-in. and 2.0-in. sizes, the shields have A/R coatings on both sides to provide transmission of greater than 99.5 percent at 1.06 microns with greater than 80 percent at 650 nm to 670 nm. The shields have a 10-5 scratch-dig finish and 1/4 wave transmitted wavefront.