AlphaMicron, Inc (AMI™) was founded in 1997 by three faculty members from Kent State University’s Liquid Crystal Institute in order to fulfill a U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. This Phase I effort, “Ambient Light Control Using Guest Host Liquid Crystal Dye Systems,” lead to a Phase II contract that focused on the development of “Variable Transmittance Visors” (VTVs) to be used in conjunction with “Helmet Mounted Displays” (HMDs) on pilots’ helmets.

A major result of this effort was AlphaMicron’s patented VALiD™ (Variable Attenuation Liquid Crystal Device) technology, the basis of its Digital Lens eyewear.

AlphaMicron teamed with Uvex Sports in 2004 to develop the first “switchable” ski goggles incorporating Digital Lens technology. The tint (transmittance) of the goggles can be changed at the touch of a button to suit the wearer’s preference. The goggles, Uvex Sport’s F1 Magic Goggles, won a Popular Science “Best of What’s New” Award in 2004.