Lamda Guard

Atlantic Canada-based Lamda Guard has reached an agreement with Airbus to test a new technology designed to deflect unwanted bright light or laser sources from impacting aircraft flight paths that lead to pilot disorientation or injury.

The development comes weeks after the release of an FBI report citing 3,960 aircraft laser strikes in the US in 2013, according to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).

With the help of metamaterial technology, Lamda Guard’s new thin films on cockpit windscreens selectively block and control light coming from different angles even at the highest power levels.

Lamda Guard president and CEO George Palikaras said that the announcement marks a milestone in optical applications of nano-composites.

"We are working to introduce our metamaterial technology for the first time as a solution to laser interference in the aviation industry."

"Through our collaboration with Airbus, we are working to introduce our metamaterial technology for the first time as a solution to laser interference in the aviation industry," Palikaras said.

Over the last year, Lamda Guard has been working together with teams at the University of Moncton and the University of New Brunswick, along with stakeholders, investors and funders to demonstrate the benefits of nano-composites.

In 2012, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) helped Lamda Guard facilitate technology commercialisation and recently upgraded its contribution to $500,000 to further assist the company in developing and manufacturing its products for the aviation industry.

The latest Lamda Guard Airbus partnership marks the first time an optical metamaterial nano-composite has been applied on a large-scale surface.

Image: Lamda Guard president and CEO George Palikaras demonstrates the effectiveness of uniquely transparent yet 100% deflective nanocomposite windshield film. Photo: courtesy of CNW Group/Lamda Guard.

Defence Technology