Solid-State LED Illumination System

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop 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. An array of 12 light fixtures will evenly illuminate an Army shelter. The SOSIL is designed to illuminate without glare or dazzle, even when viewing a light fixture directly. The SOSIL power supply will apply variable duty cycle 200 Hz light modulation for light dimming and heat management. The SOSIL fixtures will be permanently attached to the shelter, transportable, and deployable as part of the shelter. Unlike current systems, the SOSIL will have no fragile vacuum tubes or bulbs, and so will be safe and reliable. The LED's lifetime of 100,000 hr. projects to a 15 yr. operating period, which exceeds the lifetime of the shelter. In Phase I, POC will design the SOSIL and develop and test a light fixture prototype. In Phase II a SOSIL engineering prototype will be developed and tested at an Army facility.