Defense and security systems often depend on precise control of light, heat, and electromagnetic signatures. Engineered nanomaterials offer tunable optical and thermal properties that can support applications ranging from near-infrared protection and broadband obscuration to infrared signature control and advanced thermal management.
Developing an optical or defense technology?
Our team develops precisely engineered nanomaterials with tunable optical, structural, and surface properties for demanding research and development programs.
Nanomaterials for Spectral & Optical Control
Particle composition, size, morphology, and formulation can be engineered to control how nanomaterials interact with light across visible and infrared wavelengths. These properties create opportunities to address a range of optical and spectral challenges.
NIR Attenuation
Tune nanoparticle composition, size, and morphology to control absorption across near-infrared wavelengths.
Broadband Obscuration
Engineer high optical cross sections and broad spectral attenuation across visible and infrared regions.
IR Signature Engineering
Tailor spectral emission and absorption behavior for infrared countermeasure and signature-control research.
Optical Coatings
Integrate plasmonic nanomaterials into films and composites while balancing wavelength-selective attenuation with visible transmission.
Selected Defense Applications
Government-funded development programs demonstrate how engineered nanomaterials can be tailored to specific optical, spectral, and operational requirements.
NIR Laser Protection with Plasmonic Nanomaterials
Non-visible near-infrared lasers can threaten both personnel and sensitive optical systems. Conventional dye-based filters and reflective films may be limited by stability or angle-dependent optical performance. Working with the U.S. Air Force, nanoComposix developed plasmonic nanoparticle coatings with tunable NIR absorption and high visible-light transmission. The project demonstrated how engineered nanoparticle optical properties can support passive protection across a broad NIR wavelength range.
Funding agency: U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force
Broadband Visible-to-IR Obscuration
Conventional obscurants may require different formulations to attenuate visible and infrared wavelengths. Working with the U.S. Army, nanoComposix developed highly compressed, aerosolizable anisotropic nanopowders designed for broadband optical extinction. The materials were incorporated into a grenade-format prototype that generated a cloud capable of attenuating visible and infrared radiation, demonstrating the potential for engineered particle morphology to broaden spectral obscuration.
Funding agency: U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Army
Engineered IR Signatures for Aircraft Decoys
Infrared countermeasures depend on producing spectral signatures capable of diverting heat-seeking guidance systems. Working with the U.S. Navy, nanoComposix developed pyrophoric nanoparticle formulations that generated rapid heating upon exposure to air and enabled control of the resulting infrared signature. The program explored nanoparticle-based approaches to next-generation infrared decoys designed to address evolving countermeasure requirements.
Funding agency: U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Navy
Related Aerospace Application
Nanofluids for Spacecraft Thermal Management
Weight and reliability constraints create demanding thermal-management requirements for spacecraft. Working with NASA, nanoComposix investigated high-aspect-ratio nanomaterials for nanofluid formulations designed to increase thermal conductivity and critical heat flux at low particle concentrations. The work also evaluated particle size and formulation characteristics relevant to settling, abrasion, clogging, and integration into coolant systems.
Funding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Need a nanomaterial engineered for a specific optical or spectral target?
We develop custom nanoparticles and formulations around application-specific requirements including composition, particle size, morphology, optical response, surface chemistry, and integration constraints.