Novel, switchable optical filters are required for spectral imaging applications. Switchable technology is desirable so that the absorption or reflection characteristics of the filter can be quickly switched from a highly transmissive broadband open state to a blocking state, which selectively reflects or attenuates wavebands of interest. Several example technologies have characteristics that suit the above filtering scheme; Chiral Nematic or Guest-Host liquid crystal devices are two examples of technologies with desirable characteristics. Either could be used to provide an initial highly transmissive open state, which could then be switched to an attenuating or reflecting state through the application or removal of an electric field. Other technologies with similar performance characteristics are equally of interest. Although there are numerous materials and devices available commercially or described in the relevant literature, these are limited in their application against the current requirement due to their open state optical losses or their limited blocking capability. Further research and optimisation activities are therefore needed to identify suitable materials and approaches to satisfy current requirements. This extra-mural-research is aimed at funding the most appropriate UK research provider to undertake prototype filter development to the specifications as set out by Dstl. The research is to be split into the following phases: • Phase 1 (Identification) – Literature survey, material down-selection and prototype device design for the most appropriate candidates to meet the given specifications. Identification of equipment and consumables needed for device build. • Option Phase 2 (Optimisation) – Following the Dstl selection of the most appropriate candidate technology or technologies, this phase is to cover iterative materials optimisation and optical testing of prototype devices to meet the given specifications. • Option Phase 3 (Delivery) – At a pre-defined point in the research the best performing materials are to be placed in an agreed device and delivered for optical testing at Dstl.
Defence Science & Technology Laboratory
Commercial services G02 - iSAT D,Bldg 005,Porton Down
Salisbury
SP4 0JQ
Nosheen Aftab
01980658287
naftab@dstl.gov.uk
Contract value: 10000.00 - 113000.00GBP
Published: 6 Dec 2012, Receipt by: 18 Dec 2012
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