Two-Photon Photocuring for Non-Autoclave Fabrication

The U.S. Air Force is seeking an innovative flight line repair technology for non-autoclave fabrication of polymers that can be used to repair cracks in Radar absorbing materials, Radar absorbing structures, and gap treatment composite materials. Toaddress this need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new two-photon based photopolymerization process and demonstrate the viability of a unique handheld photocuring device based on that process. The device will be based on leadingedge two-photon chromophore materials. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the deep-penetration, two-photon photocuring process by screening available high performance chromophores, selecting appropriate resins, and experimentallyestablishing optimum process parameters for successful deep penetration. The Phase I effort will also include preliminary investigation of a user-friendly, hand-held photocuring device. In Phase II, POC will optimize its new two-photon curing technologyand develop a unique photocuring device based on this technology. In Phase I, POC will also initiate activities, such as identification of source of other financial support that will ensure successful commercialization of the developed technology in PhaseIII.The new two-photon photocuring technology offers unique deep penetration depth photocuring, ease of use in a highly portable system, precise control of curing process parameters, resulting in high reproducibility and yield, and reduced maintenance ManHours per Flight Hour. It has good potential for fast prototyping and fabrication of micro-optical structures and componets such as waveguides, micro-gratings, or new applications for POC's proprietary light shaping diffusers.