Advanced Laser Protection for Optics

This SBIR Phase I proposal proposes to develop a versatile ballistic-proof laser eye protection (LEP) device which can be integrated with any currently fielded magnified optics (i.e., M145 MGO, M150 RCO, M151 SSS, etc.), and easily modifiable to integrate with future optical systems. The proposed device is made from a novel quasi-solid-state material composite consisting of micro-size liquid droplets which further containing vanadium dioxide (VOx) in complex plasmonic structures to produce electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effects that selectively transmit or block specific regions of the visible spectrum with high optical contrast. The LEP device rejects unlimited laser lines at arbitrary wavelengths within 0.35 to 1.2 um spectrum. It has a high linear transmittance>60% and is color neutral. Upon hit by a laser, the LEP transitions to a blocking state with a high optical density (OD)>4 and a lower optical limiting threshold (i.e., the on-set light fluence that triggers laser protection). Its response time is in sub-100 femtosecond (fs). The LEP does not require external electric power. Phase 1 is the feasibility for the baseline material synthesis and characterization to demonstrate the functionality through a demo LEP device. Phase II is to develop the prototypes.