Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Bunning
Timothy J. Bunning has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10955600Abstract: A spectrally-selective reflective optical film comprises at least two anisotropic layers, each of the layers having a phase retardation value and an optical axis orientation pattern within the layer; the optical axis orientation patterns exhibiting a discontinuity at the boundary of the at least two layers; and at least one substrate holding the film. At least a part of the anisotropic layers may be chiral. The materials comprising the anisotropic layers may be selected from liquid crystal polymers, azobenzene liquid crystal polymers, liquid crystals, azobenzene liquid crystals, polymer films with stressed birefringence, and combinations thereof. The materials comprising the anisotropic layers may be doped with at least one dopant from the list comprising nanorods, photorefractive nanoparticles, photovoltaic nanoparticles, lasing dyes, and combinations of thereof. The anisotropic layers may be transparent to infrared wavelengths.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Dean R Evans, Ighodalo U Idehenre, Nelson V Tabiryan, Timothy J Bunning
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Publication number: 20190072807Abstract: A dynamic self-organized helical superstructure device includes a chiral material and a liquid crystal material disposed between first and second substrates. The helical superstructure is reversibly switchable upon the application of at least one external stimulus from one state to another state among three states: a standing helix, a uniform lying helix, and an in-plane rotation state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2017Publication date: March 7, 2019Applicants: Kent State University, Government of the United States as Represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Quan Li, Timothy J. Bunning, Zhi-gang Zheng, Yannian LIi, Hari Krishna Bisoyi, Ling Wang
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Patent number: 7420733Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octancic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Richard L. Sutherland, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning, Bob Epling, Donna M. Brandelik
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Patent number: 7416818Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Richard L. Sutherland, Lalquidi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Patent number: 7413678Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Richard L. Sutherland, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Patent number: 7198737Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. A method for preparing a switchable grating can comprise the steps of placing a mixture between a first and second slide, wherein the mixture has a photopolymerizable monomer, a second phase material, a photoinitiator dye, and a chain extender or cross-linker. The mixture is exposed to a laser and optical intensity pattern is applied to induce photopolymerization. A method for recording slanted reflection gratings can comprise the steps of placing a sample between a first and second glass prism, the sample comprising a polymerizable monomer, a liquid crystal, a chain-extending monomer, a coinitiator, and a photoinitiator. An incident light is split into two beams, wherein the beams enter the sample from opposite sides. The first and second prism are rotated to adjust the slant of the grating.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Richard L. Sutherland, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning, Bob Epling, Donna M. Brandelik
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Patent number: 7081215Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octancic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Richard L. Sutherland, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning, Bob Epling, Donna M. Brandelik
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Patent number: 7077984Abstract: A method for preparing electro-optical polymer-liquid crystal photonic crystals, comprising: disposing between at least two optically transparent electrode plates, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal material that comprises, before exposure: (a) a polymerizable monomer comprising at least one acrylate; (b) a liquid crystal; (c) a chain-extending monomer; (d) a coinitiator; (e) a photoinitiator; and (f) a long chain aliphatic acid; and exposing this polymer-dispersed liquid crystal material to light in an interference pattern.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Richard L. Sutherland, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Patent number: 7018686Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Richard L. Sutehrland, Lalquidi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Patent number: 6878494Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Richard L. Sutehrland, Lalquidi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Patent number: 6821457Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octancic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Richard L. Sutherland, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning, Bob Epling, Donna M. Brandelik
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Publication number: 20040137204Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Richard L. Sutehrland, Lalquidi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Publication number: 20040089842Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventors: Richard L. Sutehrland, Lalquidi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Publication number: 20040091787Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventors: Richard L. Sutehrland, Lalquidi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Patent number: 6706451Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Richard L. Sutherland, Lalquidi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Patent number: 6699407Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between early 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Richard L. Sutehrland, Lalquidi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Patent number: 6692666Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made is with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Richard L. Sutherland, Lalqudi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning, W. Wade Adams
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Patent number: 6677086Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Richard L. Sutehrland, Lalquidi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Patent number: 6667134Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside, the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Richard L. Sutehrland, Lalquidi V. Natarajan, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning
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Publication number: 20030197157Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 1999Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: RICHARD L. SUTHERLAND, LALQUDI V. NATARAJAN, VINCE P. TONDIGLIA, TIMOTHY J. BUNNING, W. WADE ADAMS