ملف:Scientist measures the optical limiting performance of a nonlinear material - ALC.jpg

Andy Mott is measuring the optical limiting performance of a nonlinear material in a testbed used to simulate low F/# Army optics".

With the threat of battlefield frequency-agile lasers on the horizon, the soldier will need optical protection that can protect his eyes and sensors from threats across the entire operating bandwidth, not just at fixed, discrete frequencies. The Nonlinear Optics team mission is to research and develop nonlinear optical limiting materials and devices that passively filter out damaging laser radiation at any incoming wavelength from an optical system, including soldiers eyes. Nonlinear materials and devices are transparent to the optical system until a laser threat is present, then turn-on, blocking the threat laser, but still allowing the viewing system to function normally in the presence of the threat.