Ultrawide Transmission Range for Variable Transmission Eyewear (VTE)

This STTR Phase I proposal is to develop ultrawide variable transmission eyewear (VTE) in anti-ballistic spectacle and/or goggle format using our recently advanced liquid crystal (LC) technologies to accommodate lighting level between bright and dark environments.Ā In daylight, the VTE attenuates the light to reduce staining and fatigue of the eyes. Under low light environments and twilight conditions, the VTE exhibits high transmission of the light to enable natural vision for situational awareness.Ā The VTE will fully comply with the MIL-PRF-32432 and ANSI Z87.1 standards The proposed VTE features the following main characteristics. 10-80% light transmission range; 80% power-off transmission; < 1 second transition speed; 72-hour continuous operation after one battery charge; Anti-ballistic capability; 1.6 oz weight for spectacle and 5.1 oz for goggle, respectively; Truly color neutral. Phase I is the feasibility study to select the VTE prototype format, i.e., spectacle and/or goggle, and candidate technology(ies) via lab tests and trade analysis. Phase II develops the VTE prototype of TRL6, and associated fabrication process on the pilot line.