Hybrid Universal Laser Eye Protection System

To address the Navy"s need for frequency-agile laser eye protection technology, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Hybrid Universal Laser Eye Protection (HULEP) system based on multilayer stacks of nanostructure semiconductor thin film (NSTF) and cholesteric liquid crystal (CHLC). In the HULEP design, the NSTF specifically provides broadband passive limiting with optical density (OD) 6 for a Q-switched laser with switching and recovery time 52% transmittance. In Phase I, POC plans to assess HULEP technology by developing a laser eye protection concept design and fabricating a proof-of-concept prototype to demonstrate feasibility and verify performance. In Phase II, POC plans to develop and demonstrate fully functional engineering prototypes that will meet Navy needs to effectively protect crew members from dazzling effects and permanent eye damage that results from frequency-agile threat laser incidents.