Liquid crystal modulated optical amplifier for night vision imaging

Alexander Parfenov; X. Winston Xia; Indra Tengara; Tin Win; Jason Holmstedt; Neven Rakuljic; Tin M. Aye; Mathew W. Swinney; Peter L. Marasco

doi:10.1117/12.795345

27 August 2008 Liquid crystal modulated optical amplifier for night vision imaging

Alexander Parfenov, X. Winston Xia, Indra Tengara, Tin Win, Jason Holmstedt, Neven Rakuljic, Tin M. Aye, Mathew W. Swinney, Peter L. Marasco

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7050, Liquid Crystals XII; 70500U (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795345
Event: Photonic Devices + Applications, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Image intensifier tubes, as part of night vision devices, have been the primary devices for the detection and amplification of near infrared light for night vision operations. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel all-optical night vision amplifier device with a potential to replace the image intensifier tube in night vision goggles. This image amplifier is based on a novel structure of semiconductor and spectrally tunable liquid crystal (LC) materials within a thin cell. The LC reacts to near-infrared (NIR) radiation but is unaffected by visible light, allowing see-through capability including visible-wavelength cockpit light. The technology is made very attractive by its high sensitivity, spatial resolution, and contrast without expensive, bulky, and heavy optics or high-voltage components.

Citation Download Citation

Alexander Parfenov, X. Winston Xia, Indra Tengara, Tin Win, Jason Holmstedt, Neven Rakuljic, Tin M. Aye, Mathew W. Swinney, and Peter L. Marasco "Liquid crystal modulated optical amplifier for night vision imaging", Proc. SPIE 7050, Liquid Crystals XII, 70500U (27 August 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795345

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available