Multifunctional composite materials for optical power limiting applications in space environments

Abstract

A novel optical power limiter (OPL) has been designed and fabricated by synergistically combining the different optical power limiting mechanisms of various chromophores that include nanoparticulates such as fullerenes. The multi-mechanistic material, thus obtained, has been put together in a hyperbranched-polymer-based matrix system. Solid films and filters have been successfully fabricated using a solventless curing process, resulting in OPL filters of very high optical quality. These OPL filters have been subjected to gamma radiation and the effects on the OPL properties have been evaluated. The fabricated filters show potential for protecting optical sensors from laser-pulse damage in the space environment. Temperature- and space-radiation-induced effects in optical and electronic materials are well known and can cause disruption in OPL functions or, in the worst case, even failure of a sensor.