New Laser Eye Protection (LEP) Technology for Visors

Laser eye protection has become increasingly important due to the availability of laser sources (continuous and pulsed) over a broad range of wavelengths. This is particularly the case where table top femtosecond laser pulses (~50femtoseconds) with peak powers reaching the Terawatt  scale are commercially available in the visible and near infrared.  The military uses many laser systems (e.g., training devices, range finders, target designators, communications devices) that emit potentially eye damaging radiation.  Because personnel risk exposure to these devices, a growing need exists for eye protection at a variety of wavelengths for both CW and pulsed sources.  The objective of this proposal is to develop transparent metallo-dielectric multilayer stacks that functions as a laser eye protection coating.  We will design and construct multilayer stacks that provide a high transparency window in the visible spectrum but block both UV and IR light.  The coating will have sufficient optical density to protect the eye from damage by laser radiation in these two spectral regions.  As part of the Phase I effort we will build and test these stacks on both rigid and flexible substrates in order to provide a wide variety of protection applications.  The Phase I work will also produce a technology development and demonstrate plan for the proposed solution that will be executed in Phase II.   BENEFIT: The LEP technology solution will create a passive barrier that protects against both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed laser emissions, will be compatible with incorporation into a polycarbonate visor during molding, and not be angularly dependent.  Because of dramatically increased use of military laser systems The U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy all have requirements for increased requirements for LEP for personnel.  Potentially any commercial field that uses lasers or laser eye protection (e.g., medical/dental laser surgery, lab technicians, welding, manufacturing, and laser research) can benefit from develop of LEP technology