Far-IR-through-Visible Electrochromics Based on Conducting Polymers for Spacecraft Thermal Control and Military Uses: Application in NASA's ST5 Microsateliite Mission and in Military Camouflage

摘要

The largest known, dynamic infrared signature variation in any material, to our knowledge - > 50% Reflectance variation in the 2 to 25 μm region and an emittance variation > .0.5 — is reported for Conducting Polymer-based electrochromic flat panels which are to be flown on NASA's ST5 microsatellite mission. The very thin (< 0.5 mm), flexible, lightweight, variable area (1 cm~2 to 0.5 m~2), entirely solid state flat panels show durability in a space environment, switching times < 5 s, and concomitant Visible-region electrochromism. Applications in military camouflage, e.g. against IR-homing missiles, are also briefly described.