Problem: Fox Lite is developing a new manufacturing process that requires the measurement of a temperature profile through a transparent polycarbonate wall. The infrared signature from the desired interface is masked by the signal from the outer surface of the wall.

Solution: Wright Technology Network (WTN) has entered into discussions with two Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/ML) scientific teams.  One is investigating the use of Raman scattering to measure temperature and the technique appears to be ideally suited to solution of the Fox Lite measurement problem.  The other team is expert in the area of thermosetting plastics and has already completed a study to help Fox Lite select the optimum material for their castings.  In both cases, discussions will define collaborative programs and Fox Lite will be invited to particpate as they see fit.

Benefits:

• The Air Force technology could be enabling for the Fox Lite manufacturing process.
• The Air Force will gain experience in applying new techniques in an application area that may have direct benefit to future Air Force programs.  

Current Status:

• A meeting between Fox Lite and AFRL/ML served to define a set of preliminary experiments that will provide a basis for a focused research effort. 

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