Programmable Emissivity Panels for Identification of Friend or Foe

The ability to successfully identify friends or foes (IFF) on the battlefield remains a challenge in operations during a number of conditions, including by close air support and in all weather conditions. Many IFF solutions rely on visible identification (e.g. colored smoke, orange fluorescent nylon, etc.) or short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging (e.g. strobe LEDs, laser signaling) solutions that are readily mimicked and visible to non-friendly forces. Identifying friendly ground forces requires an innovative solution that cannot readily be mimicked and remains unique to the daily operations of US forces. The DoD, specifically through the US Army, has identified the need for a LWIR IFF panel solution that provides dynamic emissivity changes during operations, capable of being pattern coded. Lynntech has identified unique and innovative ways to address this IFF problem using specially designed materials that can be made into low-cost IFF panels that can be driven with low power. These specially designed materials provide dynamic emissivity in the LWIR on fast time-scales. In this Phase I effort, Lynntech will design a series of these specialized materials and IFF panels to demonstrate proof of concept for dynamic pattern design and feasibility of the approach for use in IFF solutions.