Solid-State LED Illumination System

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop in Phase II an innovative Solid-State Illumination (SOSIL) system for U.S. Army soft shelters. The proposed SOSIL will comprise an array of single light fixture assemblies, each a high-brightness white LED with a proprietary POC nonimaging beamformer. Each array of 16 light fixtures will evenly illuminate 1400 square feet of shelter with 200 lux illumination. The SOSIL is designed to illuminate without glare or dazzle, even when a light fixture is viewed directly. The SOSIL power supply will allow the lights to be dimmed. The SOSIL fixtures will be permanently integrated with the shelter, transportable, and deployable as part of the shelter. Unlike current systems, the SOSIL will be safe and reliable, with no fragile vacuum tubes or bulbs. The SOSIL will be powered from a 120 V, 60 Hz power line, and will automatically switch to a battery upon power line failure. A photovoltaic source will recharge SOSIL during daylight. The 100,000 hr. LED lifetime projects to a 15 yr. operating period, which exceeds the lifetime of the shelter. In Phase II POC will develop the SOSIL preproduction prototype and demonstrate system performance in a military tent.