High-refractive-index polyphosphonate resin for thin optical
This patent covers a family of high-refractive-index polyphosphonate plastics and a process for making them. The polymers are synthesized by reacting phosphonic acid halides with bisphenol compounds, producing materials that bend light more sharply than standard optical plastics. Because they are thermoplastic, they can be melted and injection-molded directly into finished lens shapes, which is the standard high-volume manufacturing route for eyeglass and camera lenses. The result is a moldable optical plastic that can potentially replace glass or heavier conventional polymers in thin, lightweight lenses.
What you could build
Injection-molded ophthalmic or camera lenses made from polyphosphonate resin, sold as pellet feedstock to optical lens manufacturers or molded directly into finished lens blanks; buyers would be eyewear brands, optical lab chains, and specialty optics OEMs.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense optics contractors, optical instrument manufacturers, or eyewear supply chain companies would have direct interest in moldable high-index optical polymers.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Hosadurga K. Shobha, Venkat Sekharipuram, James E. McGrath, Atul Bhatnagar
- Granted
- May 20, 2008
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7375178
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.