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An optical limiter structure which includes a limiter material preferably dissolved in a host. The limiter material is selected from substituted and unsubstituted phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanines, porphyrins, salts of these materials and mixtures thereof, whereas the host is selected from any material which can dissolve the limiter material to at least the extent of 0.1% by weight., Supersedes PAT-APPL-239-068-94, AD-D016 327.

A new class of materials; optically clear, non-birefringent phthalocyanine glasses and their thin film nonlinear optical properties are described. This synthetic approach consists of introducing functionality at the phthalocyanine ring periphery with a design for hydrogen bonding, stereochemical interaction, and irregular symmetry to promote glass formation by inhibiting molecular organization. Additionally, the peripheral functionality depresses the glass transition temperature to a practical processing range. The thin film nonlinear optical properties of these materials exhibit excited state absorption characteristics which give rise to a nonlinear optical response potentially useful for optical limiting. (MM)

An optical switching device employs a rare earth bis-phthalocyanine having good third-order nonlinear susceptibilities. In a preferred optical switch, the rare earth bis-phthalocyanine is employed as a nonlinear optical material body that fills the space between two partially reflecting mirrors. When light incident on the switch is below a given intensity level, light passes through the switch and the switch is in an open state. When light is above a given intensity level, light is trapped in the nonlinear optical material and the switch is in a closed state., Supersedes PAT-APPL-758 143-91, AD-D015 261.

The potential of the ablative mirror concept as an eye/sensor protection system is assessed from a materials science perspective. Realistic operating parameters for the ablative mirror device are determined through examinations of the critical device components. Using these operational parameters and a derived model of laser-surface interactions, the response of different mirror materials is examined. Based on the measured material responses from research literature and our calculated values, we conclude that the ablative mirror concept is not a feasible method of eye protection using typical mirror materials (assuming a device optical gain of 105 and a minimum material reflectivity of 70%). Analysis of the interaction between laser irradiation and material surfaces resulted in the identification of a number of important material parameters that can be used to guide material development and identify promising new mirror materials. Areas for future research are also suggested. Mirror, Sensor protection, Ablation, Optical fuse, Eye protection, Sensor hardening.

The potential of organic polymeric materials for use in acoustooptic and electrooptic devices operating at GHz frequencies is examined. This is accomplished by identifying and briefly discussing the important molecular properties for enhanced acoustooptic and electrooptic effects and then relating these to current polymeric materials.

Recent developments in organic nonlinear optical materials for application to eye and sensor protection are reviewed. This compendium includes a brief discussion of the functioning of the eye, delineation of some of the important eye protection parameters and an introduction to the origin of nonlinear optical effects and how they are measured. Specific examples of proposed or prototyped protection devices are also presented. A compilation of noteworthy organic third-order nonlinear optical materials is included as an appendix. Lasers are playing an important and increasing role in modern society. Their present uses range from compact disc players to optical data-storage and communication systems. Because of this wide-spread use, the continuing expansion of lasers into other arenas and the low damage thresholds of human eyes and electro-optic sensors, there is increasing concern about eye and sensor protection from laser irradiation.