Tunable Nanoscale UltraViolet Absorer Particle Technology

Physical Sciences, Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop a composite ultraviolet (UV) light absorption material that will yield nanoparticle clouds when disseminated using an impulse cartridge. The UV absorber material will include both broad band and UV specific absorption chemistries to enable separate tuning of the visible and UV attenuation. A third component has been added to enhance nanoparticle dissemination and formation in a size range that minimizes light scatter. During the Phase I program we will utilize UV extinction data, Mie Scattering calculations and cloud radiance models to identify an optimum chemistry and particle size for the UV absorption material. Our partners at New Mexico State University, Prof. Chuck Bruce, and Boeing, Dr. Erik Sapper, will support the modeling efforts. We will perform small scale energetic dissemination chamber tests to evaluate a range of absorber formulations. Our partner Capco, Inc. will load the PSI UV absorber into flare tubes and use impulse cartridges to initiate dissemination. Spectroscopic measurements will confirm laboratory attenuation results. During the Option and Phase II efforts, PSI will supply UV absorber formulations to Capco for advanced performance evaluation.