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  • Developed
    Technologies
    • Variable-Emittance Infrared (IR)-Electrochromic Skins for Spacecraft Thermal Control
    • Infrared (IR)-Electrochromic Skins for Dynamic Camouflage and Related Applications
    • Microwave Remediation (Disposal) of Hazardous (e.g. Medical) Wastes
  • Emerging
    Technologies
    • Electro-Osmotic Water Vapor Transport Across Membranes
    • Secondary and Primary Li-ion Batteries
    • Voltammetric Electrochemical Gas / Vapor Sensors
    • Voltammetric Electrochemical Sensors
  • Electrochromic
    Sunglasses & Goggles
    • High Contrast Electrochromic Sunglasses & Goggles
  • Electrochemical
    Instrumentation
    • AshwinStat1: Field-Portable Analysis Instrument Controllable by Android
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You are here: Home / Developed Technologies / Infrared (IR)-Electrochromic Skins for Dynamic Camouflage and Related Applications

Infrared (IR)-Electrochromic Skins for Dynamic Camouflage and Related Applications

World Leader In IR-electrochromic Materials and the Related Variable Emittance Materials

IR-Electrochromics-01-02Camouflage via chameleon-like matching with the background, not in the Visible spectral region that the human eye sees in, but rather in the mid- and long-wave infrared region (MWIR, LWIR, 3 to 12 microns). Yields an overwhelming advantage in night operations. A complete camouflage countermeasure against IR cameras operating in these spectral regions. (These IR cameras are not night-vision cameras, which operate in the near-IR to about 2 microns and need some ambient light to work- they don’t work on moonless nights.)

IR Electrochromic Materials
  • IR-electrochromic materials change “color” in the IR, dynamically. This “color” is variable and can be adaptive, i.e. matching the background, much like a chameleon, except in the IR.
  • These materials can thus provide camouflage countermeasures, in threat situations, against IR cameras operating in the 3 to 12 μm regions. These cameras are not night-vision devices, which operate in the near-IR (0.9 to 1.5 μm) region and are in reality image-intensifiers which need some, minimal light to operate (they do not work on, e.g., moonless nights). Such adaptive, IR camouflage can give tremendous advantage in night operations.
  • Performance can be judged by several parameters, e.g. %-Reflectance (%R) contrast in the IR, apparent temperature variation and emittance (integrated emissivity).
Ashwin’s Technology
  • Ashwin’s patented dynamic (switchable) IR-electrochromics technology is based on Conducting Polymer (CP) IR-electrochromics, a unique skin design, and a “smart” Controller for efficient, adaptive camouflage.
  • They have low power (+/- 3 VDC, < 50 μW/cm²), extremely low cost.
  • The electrochromic skins are thin (< 0.5 mm), flexible, very lightweight (0.12 g/cm² or 1.2 kg/m²), extremely durable, cuttable with scissors to any shape/size/area, affixable to any surface.
  • Typical performance:
    • 76% (extreme light, low-emissivity state) to 4% (extreme dark, high-emissivity state) at 10 μm (LWIR), as measured by FTIR Specular Reflectance.
    • 55% (extreme light state) to 13% (extreme dark state) at 5.5 μm (MWIR), as measured by FTIR Specular Reflectance.
    • Values “dialable” to any intermediate values between above light/dark extremes.
    • Skins can be optimized for the MWIR, LWIR or both.
    • Switching Time, for full switching between extreme light and extreme dark states is < 2 s.
    • Matching to all kinds of backgrounds, from cold sky, water and foliage to soil, desert sand and man-made structures like buildings, vehicles and soldier uniforms.
    • Demonstrated to have excellent durability against expected environmental conditions, including sand blasts, wind, heavy rain and extreme temperatures (-40 to +80°C).
  • Superior in performance as well as cost to competing technologies such as Peltier plates, other electrochromic systems, thermochromic systems.

Learn more…

  • IR-ELECTROCHROMIC SKINS PRIMER
  • DESCRIPTION OF ASHWIN IR-ELECTROCHROMIC SKINS
  • PERFORMANCE
  • COMPARISON OF PERFORMANCE AND COST WITH COMPETING TECHNOLOGIES
  • DATA: CONSTRUCTION, APPEARANCE
  • DATA: TYPICAL PERFORMANCE DATA
  • RELEVANT LITERATURE REFERENCES
  • AVAILABILITY AND FURTHER INFORMATION
INFRARED (IR)-ELECTROCHROMICS PRIMER
  • IR-electrochromic materials change “color” in the IR. This “color” is variable and can be adaptive, i.e. matching the background, much like a chameleon, except in the IR.
  • These materials can thus provide camouflage countermeasures, in threat situations, against IR cameras operating in the 3 to 5 μm (mid-wave IR, MWIR) and 8 to 12 μm (long-wave, LWIR) regions. These cameras are not night-vision devices, which operate in the near-IR (0.9 to 1.5 μm) region and are in reality image-intensifiers which need some, minimal light to operate (they do not work on, e.g., moonless nights).
  • Such adaptive, IR camouflage can give tremendous advantage in night operations.
  • Performance can be judged by several parameters, e.g.:
    • IR Reflectance spectra in the two spectral regions of interest (3 to 5 μm (mid-wave IR, MWIR) and 8 to 12 μm (long-wave, LWIR)). Typically, Specular (rather than Diffuse) spectra give the most information. The larger the contrast between light and dark states, the better the performance.
    • Apparent temperature, as measured by an IR camera. For best camouflage, the temperature of the IR-electrochromic skin should be as close as possible to that of the background that one is trying to match.
    • Emittance (integrated emissivity). See description of Ashwin-Ushas Variable Emittance Skins.

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DESCRIPTION OF ASHWIN IR-ELECTROCHROMIC SKINS
  • Patented technology based on:
    • Conducting Polymer (CP) as the active IR-electrochromic, yielding the variable IR signature.
    • Unique design, allowing direct exposure of active IR-electrochromic to external environment and single-microporous-membrane construction.
  • Thin (< 0.5 mm), flexible, very lightweight (0.12 g/cm² or 1.2 kg/m²), extremely durable skins, cut with scissors to suit any shape/size and area.
  • Can be affixed to any surface.
  • Operate with small, applied DC voltage (less than +/- 3 VDC).
  • “Smart” Controller for efficient, adaptive camouflage.
  • Extremely low cost.

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PERFORMANCE
  • Typical IR contrast:
    • 76% (extreme light, low-emissivity state) to 4% (extreme dark, high-emissivity state) at 10 μm (LWIR), as measured by FTIR Specular Reflectance.
    • 55% (extreme light state) to 13% (extreme dark state) at 5.5 μm (MWIR), as measured by FTIR Specular Reflectance.
    • Corresponding emittance variations are ca. 0.15 to 0.80.
    • Values “dialable” to any intermediate values between above light/dark extremes.
    • Skins can be optimized for LWIR, MWIR, or both. Quasi-independent control of IR and Visible signatures.
  • Switching Time, for full switching between extreme light and extreme dark states is < 2 s.
  • Matching to all kinds of backgrounds, from cold sky, water and foliage to soil, desert sand and man-made structures like buildings, vehicles and soldier uniforms.
  • Cyclability: Tested to 10,000 light/dark cycles without significant degradation.
  • Demonstrated to have excellent durability against expected environmental conditions, including sand blasts, wind, heavy rain and extreme temperatures (-40 to +80°C).
  • Power requirements: +/- 3 VDC, < 50 μW/cm².
  • Indefinite shelf life in packaging and at storage temperatures between -20 and +50°C.

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COMPARISON OF PERFORMANCE AND COST WITH COMPETING TECHNOLOGIES
  • Essentially no competing technology with even comparable performance. Examples of extant, competing technologies:
    • Arrays of Peltier plates which are actively, rapidly heated/cooled. These are primarily for countermeasures against night-vision, i.e. near-IR, have very high power requirements and, of course, do not work in the MWIR or LWIR. They are also very expensive and bulky.
    • Other electrochromic systems, e.g. those based on poly (2,7 carbazole) derivatives. These have extremely poor IR performance, no match for our systems.
    • Thermochromic systems, e.g. those based on, and choleric liquid crystals, or active heating of a metallized plastic surface. These again have extremely poor IR performance, no match for our systems.
  • Other variable emittance technologies developed for use in space are not suitable for adaptive, terrestrial IR-camouflage. (See description under Ashwin-Ushas Variable Emittance Skins).
  • 1⁄5 to 1⁄10 the cost of other technologies described above (which in any case do not work well in the MWIR and LWIR).

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DATA: CONSTRUCTION, APPEARANCE

Click images to enlarge.

LWIR (8 – 12 μm) images:
Side view (IR, 8-12 mm) of person with device affixed to arm/shoulder. IR picture taken with VideoTherm 300.

Side view (IR, 8-12 mm) of person with device affixed to arm/shoulder. IR picture taken with VideoTherm 300.

MWIR (3 – 5 μm) images with IR-electrochromic skin heated to 60°C from behind:
Left: Light (non-emissive) state of skin, showing matching to person’s clothing and complete camouflage of heated area. Right: Dark (emissive) state of skin, showing area heated.

Left: Light (non-emissive) state of skin, showing matching to person’s clothing and complete camouflage of heated area. Right: Dark (emissive) state of skin, showing area heated.

LWIR (8 – 12 μm) images with IR-electrochromic skin mounted on Cu plate heated to 66°C:
The tailorable variation of the apparent temperature (i.e. IR signature), as shown, allows matching with different backgrounds.

Visible photo of the skin, highlighted in blue circle.

Visible photo of the skin, highlighted in blue circle.

Various electrochromic states of skin, with apparent temperatures (as measured by IR camera, at elliptic spot inside blue circle) shown.

Various electrochromic states of skin, with apparent temperatures (as measured by IR camera, at elliptic spot inside blue circle) shown.

Various electrochromic states of skin, with apparent temperatures (as measured by IR camera, at elliptic spot inside blue circle) shown.

Various electrochromic states of skin, with apparent temperatures (as measured by IR camera, at elliptic spot inside blue circle) shown.

MWIR (3 – 5 μm) images with IR-electrochromic skin mounted on Al plate cooled from behind to 11°C:

Bottom row: Left and Right, respectively, light (non-emissive) and dark (emissive) state of skin. Top row: Same, Visible-region photo.

Bottom row: Left and Right, respectively, light (non-emissive) and dark (emissive) state of skin.
Top row: Same, Visible-region photo.

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DATA: TYPICAL PERFORMANCE DATA

Click tables and graphs to enlarge.

LWIR (8 – 12 μm) data

IR-Electrochromics-07
IR-Electrochromics-08

MWIR (3 – 5 μm) data

IR-Electrochromics-09
IR-Electrochromics-10

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RELEVANT LITERATURE REFERENCES

Our Technology

  • Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2014, 131(19), 40850 (October 2014); DOI: 10.1002/app.40850
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Publications (downloadable pdf)

Competing Technology

  • Adaptiv, Active Camouflage Technology
  • Multicolored Electrochromic Cells Based On Poly(2,7-Carbazole) Derivatives For Adaptive Camouflage
  • Thermal/optical Camouflage with Controlled Heat Emission
  • Thermal and Visual Camouflage System
  • Passive Control of Emissivity, Color and Camouflage

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AVAILABILITY AND FURTHER INFORMATION

For inquiries, please Contact Us.

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Developed Technologies

Variable-Emittance Infrared (IR)-Electrochromic Skins for Spacecraft Thermal Control
World leader in variable emittance and related IR-electrochromic materials.

Infrared (IR)-Electrochromic Skins for Dynamic Camouflage and Related Applications
World leader in IR-electrochromic materials and the related variable emittance materials.

Microwave Remediation (Disposal) of Hazardous Medical (e.g. Hospital) Wastes
Highly innovative, green technology for localized, point-of-service medical waste remediation.

Learn More...

Emerging Technologies

Electro-Osmotic Water Vapor Transport Across Membranes for Humidity Removal with Simultaneous Blocking of Hazardous Chemicals, for use in Soldier and Industrial Uniforms in Hazardous Environments
Innovative technology actively pushes out water vapor from inside garment.

Secondary and Primary Li-ion Batteries Based on Unique Ionic Liquid Electrolytes, with Very Wide Operating Temperature, Very Long Shelf Life, Non-Flammability, Radiation Resistance and High Capacity / Power
Originally developed for use in near-space or LEO.

Voltammetric Electrochemical Sensors for Chemical Warfare Agents, Toxic Industrial Compounds, Hazardous Chemicals, Metal Ions and Explosives
Rapid, ppb- or sub-ppb-level detection, good discrimination of interferents, portability, Android cell phone interface.

Learn More...

Electrochromic Sunglasses & Goggles

Best-Performing, Highest Contrast, Fastest Switching, Most Practical, and Inexpensive Electrochromic Sunglasses and Goggles to Date. Automatically Switching Based on Ambient Light
Switch in less than 2 seconds. Automatically adjust to ambient light. Work indoors and in cars. Li battery rarely needs recharging. Available with prescription inserts.

Learn More...

Electrochemical Instrumentation

AshwinStat1: Inexpensive, All-in-One Potentiostat / Galvanostat, Teaching Potentiostat and Field-Portable Analysis Instrument Controllable by Android Cell Phone, with Wide Current Range
Very wide current range. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and AC Voltammetry capabilities. Coming soon.

Learn More...

Developed Technologies

  • Variable-Emittance Infrared (IR)-Electrochromic Skins for Spacecraft Thermal Control
  • Infrared (IR)-Electrochromic Skins for Dynamic Camouflage and Related Applications
  • Microwave Remediation (Disposal) of Hazardous (e.g. Medical) Wastes

Emerging Technologies

  • Electro-Osmotic Water Vapor Transport Across Membranes
  • Secondary and Primary Li-ion Batteries
  • Voltammetric Electrochemical Gas / Vapor Sensors
  • Voltammetric Electrochemical Sensors

Electrochromic Sunglasses & Goggles

  • High Contrast Electrochromic Sunglasses & Goggles

Electrochemical Instrumentation

  • AshwinStat1: Field-Portable Analysis Instrument Controllable by Android

About Ashwin-Ushas

  • Developer of advanced technologies in the defense, aerospace, space, materials, and environmental fields.
ASHWIN-USHAS CORPORATION
2 Timber Lane, Unit 301
Marlboro, NJ 07746-1443, USA
Phone +1 732-739-1122
Fax +1 732-739-1133
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