Theoretical Modelling of Liquid Crystal Electro-Optical Material Display Elements to Achieve Optimal Low Power Consumption Ship Stealth

Christopher R Lavers,

doi:10.21926/rpm.2102019

Abstract

Advanced optical stealth techniques are of growing importance in the role of manned and unmanned aircraft or ship platforms. We consider here the concept of using passive reflective display elements rather than high power active light projection to achieve a low observable camouflaged ship platform. This paper presents practical consideration towards minimal radiated power user-driven requirements using adaptive liquid crystal electro-optical methods. Optical reflectivity for a multi-layer liquid crystal cell structure composed of a glass/ ITO/ aligning layer/ liquid crystal/ aligning layer/ ITO/ glass will support optical guided modes. Reflectivity as a function of angle and voltage are compared with theory generated from a Fresnel matrix formalism. Voltage device modulated reflectivities are then simulated across a ship platform to evaluate this method for low power consumption, with minimal radiated optical radiation.

Highlights

Optical or optimal stealth technology today is seen as essential to the role of manned and unmanned aircraft, with active projection or passive reflective display elements
Cell fabrication is achieved by deposition of 40nm Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), with a sputter deposition rate of 10nm min-1
Filling was achieved by capillary action from the bottom of the assembled cell to prevent creation of air bubbles that interfere with formation of a uniform liquid crystal structure

Summary

Introduction

Optical or optimal stealth technology today is seen as essential to the role of manned and unmanned aircraft, with active projection or passive reflective display elements. In the same way optical methods may help to reduce the optical signature of a small stealth warship platform like the Swedish Visby stealth corvette following the method demonstrated recently by Lavers and Johnson [1], proposed seven years ago [2]. Optical prism-coupling is an established method used to probe advanced electro-optical materials such as Liquid Crystal (LC) layers, to provide vital optical information on material parameters, and is a potential means to providing large switchable display surface areas. Real achievable reflectivities may be used to simulate contrast across a ship’s platform with typically up to 60,000 pixel elements, to evaluate methods for minimising passive power consumption

History of Optical Stealth

Theoretical Approach

SPR Experimental Arrangement

Conclusions