Transparent Coating that Senses and Rejects Damaging Laser Radiation

"Chameleon Optics Inc. was founded on March 10, 1998 in Philadelphia, PA, for the purpose of developing unique devices based on proprietary chromogenic (color-changing) coatings. The company is a resident organization of the University City Science Center,one of the largest and most successful business incubators in the world. Chameleon Optics Inc. enjoys technical support from Drexel University and financial support from the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the U.SDepartment of Energy.The objective of this Phase I effort is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a novel laser resistant chromogenic coating. This proposed conformal coating is normally transparent, but senses potentially damaging laser radiation and instantly becomesreflective at the point of impingement. The coating reverts to transparent at the end of the attack. The coating is a polymer composite applied in a manner similar to paint and cured under relatively mild conditions. It is durable and cost effective.We propose to (1) formulate the coating, (2) evaluate the physical and spectral properties of the coating, and (3) issue a technical report on the results. These operations will take place at Chameleon Optics and Drexel University. Laser Resistant Chromogenic Coatings would be the first of an entirely new class of materials-- flexible chromogenic (color-changing) films. Large and diverse potential markets for chromoge