W911QY24P0017

Small Technology Transfer Research Program (STTR) Phase I

Path to broad transmission window VTE

Ultrawide Transmission Range for Variable Transmission Eyewear (VTE)

The safety and performance benefits provided to military personnel wearing variable transmission eyewear (VTE) is evidenced by the resources allocated by different branches of the military toward their development and deployment. Currently, the only military grade VTE available to armed services personnel are manufactured by AlphaMicron, using their proprietary e-Tint liquid crystal technology. These first-generation devices meet or exceed MIL-PRF 32432 and ANZI Z87.1 ballistic, optical, and weight requirements while providing a transmission window of 64% in the OFF state and 18% in the ON state. However, the capabilities of this generation of military eyewear are predicated materials and manufacturing methods developed nearly a decade ago. Feedback from field testing by military personnel indicates a significant increase in overall utility can be achieved if transmission window can be expanded in both operational modes. Higher OFF state transmission improves low light and nighttime functionality, while lower ON state transmission decreases glare from sun or other intense light sources. To create a system meeting the program goals for VTE, the AMI team proposes a next generation high-performance film (HPF) based on e-Tint LC technology. Using new materials and manufacturing techniques, the HPF provides a path to increase both OFF and ON state transmission. Phase I work efforts build on recent development in LC mixture materials, plastic substrates, optical coatings, and drive electronics. AMI will lead program efforts, creating and characterizing LC film prototype, while Miami of Ohio adds expertise electronics. Successful development of a HPF film will establish a new performance baseline as well as create a core technology platform for future improvements. The continuity of using e-Tint technology allows the team to leverage its extensive experience in eyewear design and manufacturing for rapid prototyping on an eyewear platform. Program deliverables will be a next generation e-Tint film with OFF state transmission of at least 70% and ON state transmission of lower than 18%, targeting lower than 16%. The LC films will be laminated to a ballistic lens blank for the deliverable.

The goal of phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of proposed R&D efforts and determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization. STTRs are completed in conjunction with a research institution.

Miami University

A23B-T021

A23B-T021-0157

23.B

Michael Ghebrebrhan