Smart filters - Protect from Laser Threats

Optical systems as well as the human eye are susceptible to saturation or damage caused by high power lasers. We present a non-linear, solid-state passive wideband optical protection filter. As opposed to fixed spectral filters, which permanently block only specific wavelengths, the wideband filter is clear at all wavelengths until it is hit by damaging light. At input powers below threshold, the filter has high transmission over the whole spectral band. However, when the input power exceeds the threshold power, transmission is decreased dramatically. We propose a novel technology for protection of any imaging system, sensors and the human eye against laser threats from the visible and up to the IR.