Electronically Switchable Optical Filter

In this SBIR Phase I proposal, Kent Optronics proposes to validate a fast speed electronically Switchable Optical Filter in short wave infrared spectrum (900-1700nm).The filter enables an innovative remote sensor that can both perform normal broadband multispectral imaging and be used as a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) at 1550 nm.The two sensing modes are switched via switching the filter within < 10 ms.The filter features a fast speed switching between broadband transmission state and narrow laser line filter state. The broadband transmission state passes a broad spectral radiation from 900 to 1700 nm while the laser line filter state passes narrow band spectral radiation centered at 1550 nm with full width half maximum (FWHM) bandwidth of = 5 nm.The filter head package is in a plate configuration with an optical aperture greater than 25 mm in radius and a physical thickness of < 5 mm.The filter is built with the switchable mirror made of switchable broadband liquid crystal material. Operation of the filter is completely stationary without involving mechanically moving parts. In Phase I, trade analysis will be performed, leading to an optimal filter design.In Phase II, a pre-prototype will be developed.