Laser Eye Protection for Visors Using Plasmon Resonant Particles

This Phase I SBIR proposal involves the design and development of a military-use visor that provides laser eye protection using plasmon resonant particles (PRPs).  The near-infrared protection is provided by embedding optically tunable nanoparticles within the polycarbonate matrix of the visor.  These PRPs may be selected to provide extinction of high-intensity near-infrared radiation while allowing the maximum transmission in the visible spectrum.  This proposal will draw from a broader range of PRPs to provide LEP from NIR radiation.  As demonstrated in prior work, PRPs may be uniformly distributed in a variety of materials which are similar to polycarbonate, the preferred visor material.   BENEFIT: The principal applications of the proposed product will be military, but there are also significant potential commercial uses.  We also believe this proposal is forward-thinking the principal needs and size of the commercial market are based on the development of military technology by potential enemies of the United States as well as future events.  In the short range, this work has a potential use in aviation and by combat troops.  Commercial uses include laser operators and industrial applications that generate near-infrared illumination (e.g., glass workers).