Eye Tracker for Avionics Helmet Systems (ETAHS)

It is recognized that Holographic Waveguide Technology represents a revolutionary step for Helmet Mounted Displays and Head Up Displays for military applications. The goals of compact, low mass, low cost, high performance optics have not been achievable with conventional optics. Holographic Waveguide Optics represents a new tool for the optical designer to craft new innovative solutions for military and consumer displays. Eye tracking can extend the pilot’s ability to designate targets well beyond the head mobility limits. An integrated eye tracker has been problematic using conventional optics since it has led to additional bulk and weight which is already at the limits of acceptability for fast jet operations. The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate how Switchable Bragg Gratings (SBGs) developed by SBG Labs Inc. will lead to an integrated eye tracker system that will meet the SBIR requirements and be compatible with the Holographic Waveguide Visor Display proposed by SBG Labs (AF093-017) BENEFIT: Fully integrated with low profile, wide field of view Holographic Waveguide Visor Display (HWVD) Facilitates the capability to control location of the projected exit pupil of the HWVD which will save power and improve stray light properties (important for night operation)