Two-photon Induced Photopolymerization and Photocuring with Improved Efficiency

Triton Systems responds to the Air Force need to determine the feasibility of developing a unique 2-photon laser-induced process for the effective non-autoclave on-aircraft repair of RAM, RAS, and gap treatment resins and elastomers. We propose todemonstrate a uniquely effective 2-photon polymerization and curing process for urethane-acrylic and epoxy-silicone gap treatment elastomers. Our key innovation is the use of specific photo-initiators and co-initiators that will improve the primary systemefficiency, the extent of resin curing at modest fluences, and the depth of curing (beyond the depth obtained using conventional uv-curing processes). The improved 2-photon processing will be performed under Ti:sapphire laser illumination, atfield-operable powers, and below the threshold of laser damage gap treatment elastomers. In Phase I we will screen unique Triton initiator systems using Air Force 2-photon chromophores, and will demonstrate at least one elastomer- 2-photon cured system atreasonable depth. In Phase II we will optimize one or more best systems to achieve a repair process to a 1