Nonlinear Optical Threat Protection Technologies for Daytime Cameras

To protect daytime cameras against laser threats, new, innovative first-order (linear) and third-order (nonlinear) optical materials and optical systems will be designed to provide protection against both continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed lasers operating throughout the wavelength range of common daytime and low-light-level imaging cameras (400 nm through 1100 nm). The approach is based on optical-grade nanocomposites that allow for improved optical performance in compact optical assemblies while also providing nonlinear-optical (NLO) protection. The technologies we use to realize this new capability include: optical nanocomposite materials, new approaches to additive manufacturing (AM), and freeform GRIN optical engineering.NLO materials will be synthesized and their properties measured. Then, NLO lenses will be fabricated and tested. The wavefront distortion, point-spread function, modulation transfer function, transmission, haze, etc., will be tested in the laboratory, and optical-limiting-performance testing will be compared to theoretical analysis.