SA PHOTONICS, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: AF203-CSO1

Description

Augmented reality (AR) displays are becoming more prevalent on the battlefield due to the increased situational awareness they provide by overlaying information on the real world, and because operators do not want to continually look down at chest-worn information displays. The “see-through” nature of AR displays means they emit light that is visible by adversaries, especially if the adversary is using night vision goggles (NVGs), making users into targets. A light secure display is necessary to ensure Special Warfare Operators’ stealth and safety, and to provide easy access to information provide by applications such as ATAK and BATDOK. SA Photonics has developed the architecture for a Light Secure Special Warfare Display (LSSWD) AR HMD that mounts on an ARC rail, based on our patent for a new method of providing light security in AR displays. LSSWD uses a fast liquid crystal shutter and a switchable display to prevent light from propagating downrange so that the Special Warfare Operator remains undetected by adversaries, even those with NVGs. This shutter also attenuates ambient illumination during the daytime to provide a high contrast display even in high ambient light conditions. We have demonstrated the operation of this shutter and its synchronization to the display in our lab, so it will be low risk to implement it into an HMD.