Anti-icing and anti-fogging metals and glass through laser surface patterning for aircraft applications

Alchlight has successfully completed a DAF phase I by demonstrating a femtosecond pulsed laser surface patterning technology that produces superhydrophobic surfaces on DAF-relevant metals and transparent materials. The altered materials also provide superior anti-icing and anti-fog capabilities. In this Phase II, AlchLight proposes to elevate our technology to the next level by implementing two key enablers, i.e. 1) introducing Machine Learning in our initial search for optimal processing parameters, which can speed up the parameter search speed from weeks to hours; 2) increasing our current workstation processing speed by over 10 times and implementing a full automation for 3D contoured surface patterning. With these significant upgrades, AlchLight will incorporate its technology to DAF metals and transparent materials, which are used in critical components of combat aircrafts, such as wings, tails, windshields, and directed energy weapon components to withstand across the flight envelope in different regions.AlchLight has a robust customer base and an outstanding technology transition track record. AlchLight is currently a DoD Phase III contractor with a 100% success rate beyond SBIR Phase II. Particularly, AlchLight is a technological leader in developing non-coating-based superhydrophobic anti-icing and anti-fog metals and glass. Currently, AlchLight is helping a number of key industrial customers in creating anti-fog and anti-icing polymer covers for protecting the sensors and detectors of self-driven vehicles. Our unparalleled technological know-how and extensive industrial involvement will guarantee AlchLight’s success in this DAF project.