Kent Optronics, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: SF222-0023
Kent Optronics, Inc. — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Defense.
Phase I SBIR feasibility signal
- Phase I awards fund proof-of-concept work. For capture teams, they mark early interest from Department of Defense in a technical approach.
- Watch for Phase II follow-ons from the same firm/topic family — that conversion path is where budgets and transition pressure rise.
- Obligated amount $149,995. Cross-check similar awards in the same agency and technology tags for going-rate context.
- Topic code SF222-0023 links this award to a solicitation family — search the same topic stem for incumbents and recompete timing.
- Amount
- $149,995
- Agency
- Department of Defense · Air Force
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Topic
- SF222-0023
- Solicitation
- 22.2
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- NY
- Period
- 2022-12-22 → 2023-09-25
Description
In this SBIR Phase I proposal, we propose a low-cost spectrally agile self-responsive passive laser protection device (P-LPD) that is space qualified. The P-LPD is made of an optically reactive phase-changing Vanadium Dioxide (VO2) film imbedded in a structured thin, flexible, and monolithic plastic sheet. It aims to enhance resilience of satellites to directed energy of powerful lasers. It can greatly protect satellite and aircraft electro-optical and infrared (EO-IR) sensors from being destroyed by lasers. Under a normal condition with no laser threats, the P-LPD is highly transparent with >70% optical transmittance to allow a normal detection and tracking operation of EO-IR sensors. Once a powerful laser with unknown wavelength presents from an emitter such as a laser guided weapon, the P-LPD locally rejects the incoming laser beam over a broad spectral bandwidth. The rejected laser energy is deflected to exit from the P-LPD edge into the direction that can’t be detected or tracked by the enemy EO-IR sensor. Additionally, the P-LPD can be made into a tile-like format which can be applied as a coating to the satellite and aircraft to make them stealthy. Since the P-LPD coating does not retro-reflect laser light, it provides a stealthier capability against those laser-guided weapons and/or sensors. In Phase I, a feasibility study will be performed to evaluate the P-LPD designs emphasizing on low cost and space qualification with an in-depth analysis and lab experiment to down-select for Phase II development (reaching TRL 3). Phase II is to develop space qualified P-LPD prototypes via VO2 material synthesis, plastic WG fabrication, and P-LPD integration as well as lab qualification to reach TRL 6.