Segmented Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal TFB Glasses

Surface mode nematic liquid crystal light shutters have previously been shown to supply sufficient switching speeds and optical densities to serve as thermal flash blindness (TFB) protection shields. Ferroelectric liquid crystal light shutters exhibit similar switching speeds and contrast ratios to surface mode nematics. In addition, ferroelectric liquid crystals shutters are bistable, so they can be employed in a multiplexed, segmented array of pixels. Segmented ferroelectric shields would improve the operational effectiveness of the aircrew by only darkening the portion of the shields between the operator's pupils and the blinding light source while leaving the remainder of the field of view unaffected. This proposal demonstrates the feasibility of segmented ferroelectric liquid crystal flash blindness shields by assembling a specialized segmented sensor, a microcontroller, driver circuitry, and ferroelectric shields into a proof-of-principle prototype. The prototype is tested for response time, switching speed, viewing angle, and spectral characteristics. Segmented shields would have an impact far beyond TFB protection. Configured as sunglasses, they would revolutionize glare protection throughout the military by improving visual acuity and curtailing eyestrain due to glare.