Electronically Switchable Optical Filter

This SBIR Phase II proposal proposes to develop a formal prototype of a fast speed electronically Switchable Optical Filter in 900-1700nm. The result is a compact plate-like filter with 50mm optical aperture in diameter and 3.4mm physical thickness. The filter can be electronically switched between a broadband transmission state over the entire 900-1700nm and a narrow bandpass transmission at 1,550nm with a bandwidth =5nm. The switching from one mode to another is completely stationary and fast within <10 ms. The filter is made of a proprietary polymer-stabilized liquid crystal composite which inherently exhibits a high environmental durability against temperature, mechanical shock, and chemical attack. The filter is regarded as an innovative component enabling the birth of a dual-mode sensor that can perform both normal broadband multispectral 2-D imaging and be used as a LIDAR instrument. Due to the reduced size, weight and power consumption plus cost (SWaP-C), the sensor is critical for applications on both small platforms such as UAVs, satellites, and large platforms of ground, water, and air vehicles. The products can also find wide applications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Vision, etc. At the completion of Phase II, the prototype is anticipated to reach a TRL 8.