Infrared Transparent Electromagnetic Shielding Utilizing Carbon Nanotubes

"Eikos Inc. proposes to develop transparent EMI shielding materials to meet the design objectives of Naval IR transparent optics. In the proposed Phase I program, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWnT) will be incorporated into inorganic polymers to impartEMI shielding while maintaining optical transparency across several infrared bands in the EM spectrum. This novel material is based on NanoshieldT EMI shielding technology already demonstrated and patented at Eikos Inc. It represents a new class ofnanocomposite polymers utilizing the extraordinary properties of carbon nanotubes. Eikos will compound nanotubes into inorganic polymers and organic polymers to form nanocomposites, fabricate films/coatings, measure the electrical, optical, and EMIshielding properties. The development of these nanocomposite materials is crucial to overcoming the current plateau in materials development which is constraining the development of new multispectral and low cost sensor systems. This material will replacemetal grids currently in use and allow new electrically insulting IR optical materials to be utilized. This technology lends itself to application and enhancement of existing IR sensor optics in night vision goggles, missile seekers, cameras and windows.The development of an EMI shielding transparent material will have immediate application in meeting the needs for military and commercial transparences. EMI shielding products are experiencing rapid