Variable Transmission Optical Device for Laser Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable transmission optical devices struggle to provide sufficient protection against intense narrowband radiation like lasers while maintaining adequate light transmission in other spectral regions, leading to color distortions and impaired vision.
Innovation Solution
A laser protection variable transmission optical device (LP-VTOD) comprising two electro-optic cells with narrow band absorption capabilities, each capable of switching between clear and darkened states upon electric field changes, allowing for selective absorption of narrowband radiation while preserving light transmission in other regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a variable transmission optical device increases optical density to protect against lasers, then laser protection capability is improved, but light transmission in other wavelength regions deteriorates causing color distortions and impaired vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing wavelength-selective absorption characteristics in the electro-optic material. The material is engineered to absorb intensely at specific laser wavelengths (narrowband absorption) while maintaining high transmission in other wavelength regions. This creates localized optical properties at different wavelengths rather than uniform absorption across the spectrum, thereby protecting against lasers without causing color distortions or impairing vision in non-laser regions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a static green-light absorbing strip is provided at the top portion of a face shield, then protection against green lasers is improved, but color distortions occur and general optical requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static absorbing strip with a dynamically controllable electro-optic device. The electro-optic material can be switched between different transmission states via applied electric fields, allowing the protection level to be adjusted or activated only when laser threat is detected. This dynamic capability enables the system to provide laser protection when needed while maintaining natural color perception and optical performance during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the electro-optic effect where the optical transmission parameters of the material are changed through applied electric fields. The material's transmission characteristics can be modulated between high transmission (clear state) and selective absorption (darkened state at laser wavelengths). This parameter control allows the device to adapt its optical properties based on operational requirements, providing laser protection only when necessary while maintaining color accuracy during normal operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a static tinted film blocking green laser is used, then laser protection is improved, but pilot vision and ability to view cockpit displays are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing wavelength-selective absorption that targets only laser wavelengths while preserving transmission in the wavelength regions critical for pilot vision. The electro-optic material is engineered with narrowband absorption characteristics that create localized protection at laser wavelengths without affecting the broader spectrum needed for viewing cockpit displays and approach indicator lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the pilot to control the laser protection function dynamically. The electro-optic device can be activated only when laser threat is present, allowing the pilot to maintain full visual capability during normal operations while gaining laser protection when needed. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction between protection and visibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The LP-VTOD effectively blocks intense narrowband radiation while maintaining sufficient light transmission in other spectral regions, minimizing color distortions and ensuring clear vision, with a darkened state transmittance of 10% or less for at least one peak absorption wavelength.
Implementation Method 1
The first electro-optic material is capable of changing from a state of higher light transmittance to a state of lower light transmittance in a first wavelength region upon a change in a first electric field applied across the first electro-optical material
Implementation Method 2
The first cell is characterized by a narrow band absorption having a first peak absorption wavelength and a first FWHM of 175 nm or less
Data Source
AI summary
A variable transmission optical device includes first and second cells, each capable of changing from a state of higher light transmittance to a state of lower light transmittance. The first cell is characterized by a narrow band absorption having a first peak absorption wavelength and a first FWHM of 175 nm or less, and the second cell is characterized by a narrow band absorption having a second peak absorption wavelength and a second FWHM of 175 nm or less. The optical device is capable of switching from a clear state having a clear state transmittance % TCS-P to a darkened state having a darkened state transmittance % TDS-P, wherein a change between % TCS-P and % TDS-P corresponds to an optical density difference (ΔOD) of greater than 0.5 OD for at least one of the first or second peak absorption wavelengths. Both the first and second peak absorption wavelengths are in a range of 380-780 nm.