Multiphase Nanocomposites for Optical Power Limiting

A consequence of improved laser technology is an increase in the potential for it to be used as an effective weapon. The principle intended targets are the sensitive tissues of the eye and a variety of optical instruments. Protection from these threats rests in the deployment of inexpensive power limiting materials which act by rapidly increasing their absorption at wavelengths between 400 and 700 upon exposure to laser radiation within this wavelength range (the other wavelengths are negligibly important for human vision and can be blocked permanently with the use of well known filter materials. LPT proposes to use its experience and that of its consultant's in photonic polymers to address this problem. The proposed series of polymers are known to dramatically and quickly change their absorption profile as they undergo changes in electronic configuration induced by strong illumination. The polymers are soluble in a number of solvents and are expected to be highly processable and therefore useful in a large number of device configurations. The materials will be synthesized, thoroughly characterized, and tested. Having demonstrated the potential of these materials to meet the requirements of the solicitation, subsequent work will involve optimization of the prototypes delivered to the Army.