Next Generation Electrochromic Materials for Dynamically Tinting Eyewear

The current mechanical visor/shutter available to Air Force airmen allows for only two visibility states (clear and fully dark) and must be manually lowered. This presents a cognitive burden, resulting in reduced situational awareness. Giner, Inc. proposes to develop dynamically tinting eyewear using next generation anodically coloring electrochromes (ACEs) that can switch between variable dark and clear transmittance states based on the ambient lighting conditions. ACEs provide exceptionally low absorbance when in their clear transparency state when compared to other electrochromic technologies. Consequently, they are ideal for use in eyewear applications. In this program Giner will demonstrate the feasibility of an electronically dimmable visor that could be integrated into eyewear (pilots, airmen, etc.) to provide high optical contrast between dark (<10% transmission) and clear (>95% transmission) across the visible spectrum.