Novel Large Area Passive Broadband Laser Filters Based on Fullerenes

There is an acute need for novel broadband filters for unity vision equipment. This need can be satisfied with the recent discovery of a new pure form of carbon - fullerenes. Fullerenes have excellent nonlinear optical properties, show the best boradband limiting performance of all known material sand are extremely effective in the nanosecond pulse regime. This program will develop and demonstrate a fullerene based filter thatn can conveniently be integrated with existing unity vision equipment designs. The filter will have the desired attributes for a unity vision equipment, attributes such as durability, reggedness, minimal increase in device's bulk weight, laser safe, full color and stereo vision, perofrmance range at temperature and humidity extremes and manufacturability in large quantities at low cost. The effort involved will include economical production of fullerene materials, enclusure of the fullerene materials in glass substrates and extensive performance testing of various devices. Many different fullerene based materials are envisioned so as to ensure this program's success.