France | NATO DIANA Energy & Power 2026
Acoustic surface-wave cleaning to keep optics operational in all weather
NATO DIANA 2026 Cohort
ClearDrop employs a patented technology that uses invisible surface vibrations to keep optical sensors crystal clear. It effectively removes a wide range of environmental contaminants including water (rain, condensation, sea spray), muddy water, snow, frost, dry sand, and dust. This ensures uninterrupted vision for critical optical devices in various challenging environments.
ClearDrop stands out due to its robust, military-grade design with no mechanical parts, ensuring high reliability and longevity in harsh conditions. It is small, lightweight, and integrates with a minimal footprint, making it compatible with a wide range of optical devices, from small to large windows. The technology is the result of 15 years of dedicated Research and Development, developed in collaboration with the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN).
ClearDrop is crucial for defense tech because it ensures continuous operational readiness and uncompromised vision for critical surveillance and detection systems. Blurry optics due to environmental factors can degrade mission effectiveness, compromise threat detection, and lead to costly downtime. This technology provides a reliable, automated solution to maintain peak sensor performance in all weather conditions.
While specific cost figures are not provided, the Return on Investment (ROI) for ClearDrop stems from significantly reducing operational costs associated with manual cleaning and maintenance. It enhances system longevity by preventing wear and tear from mechanical wipers and ensures mission success by guaranteeing uninterrupted optical performance. This translates to fewer failures, less downtime, and improved overall system efficiency.
Given 15 years of R&D and its described 'product' status with broad applicability, ClearDrop appears to be at a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL), likely TRL 7-8. It has moved beyond basic research and demonstration, indicating a mature and validated solution ready for widespread deployment. The collaboration with a research institute further solidifies its scientific backing and development rigor.
ClearDrop offers a cutting-edge, patented acoustic surface-wave technology designed to keep optical sensors crystal clear in all weather conditions. By silently vibrating away water, snow, dust, and mud, it ensures continuous operational readiness for critical systems across defense, naval, and commercial sectors. This robust, non-mechanical solution enhances reliability, reduces maintenance, and improves the overall effectiveness of optical assets.