ANALYSIS OF METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OPTICALLY TRANSPARENT TAPEREDRESISTIVE FILMS

Optically transparent resistive films with sheet resistivity that varies from that of metals to that of free space would be useful to soften the detected edges of objects and make them less susceptible to detection and identification by RF targeting systems.The objective of this program is to complete a survey of manufacturing methods that could be used to manufacture such a tapered resistance film.NanoSonic has fabricated transparent, electrically-conductive coatings and appliques through prior work and has investigated optically transparent tapered resistance materials in cooperation with industry colleagues. During Phase I, NanoSonic would build on that work, detail its own manufacturing process, investigate alternative manufacturing processes, and estimate the performance of materials produced by all processes in response to practical environmental effects.NanoSonic is familiar with the multiple ASTM tests associated with these effects.The primary result of Phase I would be a report detailing possible methods for the production of tapered resistance films or coatings that would likely meet electrical, electromagnetic, mechanical and other environmental performance specifications. NanoSonic would discuss this issue with Lockheed Martin colleagues during the Phase I program and potentially team with them during a possible Phase II program to produce and evaluate prototype materials.