Chameleon Optics Inc. was founded on March 10, 1998 in Philadelphia, PA, for the purpose of developing unique devices based on proprietary chromogenic (color-changing) coatings. The company is a resident organization of the University City Science Center, one of the largest and most successful business incubators in the world. Chameleon Optics Inc. enjoys technical support from Drexel University and financial support from the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the U.S Department of Energy. The objective of this Phase I effort is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a novel laser resistant chromogenic coating. This proposed conformal coating is normally transparent, but senses potentially damaging laser radiation and instantly becomes reflective at the point of impingement. The coating reverts to transparent at the end of the attack. The coating is a polymer composite applied in a manner similar to paint and cured under relatively mild conditions. It is durable and cost effective. We propose to (1) formulate the coating, (2) evaluate the physical and spectral properties of the coating, and (3) issue a technical report on the results. These operations will take place at Chameleon Optics and Drexel University. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: Laser Resistant Chromogenic Coatings would be the first of an entirely new class of materials-- flexible chromogenic (color-changing) films. Large and diverse potential markets for chromogenic films include military camouflage, concealment and deception; electronic displays; and solar control devices. Taking the solar control device market as an example, there is an immediate demand for hundreds of millions of square meters of a practical chromogenic window film that cycles between opaque and transparent. This would be applied to architectural and automotive glass to provide thermal control and privacy. Chromogenic window film would be a multi-billion dollar business with an estimated growth rate of 20%, creating thousands of new manufacturing jobs. Other markets for chromogenic films are potentially as large.
Keywords: laser, coating, vanadium, chromogenic, sensor
