3D-Printing of Ultra-High Refractive Index Polymers for Fabrication of Optical Components and Devices

Through utilization of sulfur based, high refractive index copolymers and 3D printing, this invention seeks to enhance the physical properties and capabilities of optical components and devices.

Background:
High refractive index polymers (HRIP) are most commonly found in optical oriented devices. These HRIPs offer several significant advancements over older and current technologies in this field like reduced densities, greater strengths, and overall increased performance.

Applications:

• Military (scopes, sights, binoculars, etc.)
• Medical (x-ray machine manufacturing, microscopes, etc.)
• Public (glasses, protective glasses, general eyewear, laser tag equipment, etc.)

Advantages:

• Proposes a refractive index level of n=2.0 and above, which would substantially increase the value of any finished product containing this HRIP
• Higher refractive index values ("n") result in greater resistance to damage/breakage and reduces lens weight/product weight

Status: issued U.S. patent #10,920,020; 11,795,248