The creation of field-responsive fibers, chameleon fibers, is a multi-disciplinary endeavor. In addition to electroactive chromophores, polymeric materials able to generate a uniform, stable field for excitation of the color change process must be prepared. The requirements for these polymers include: appropriate electronic and optical properties, chemical compatibility with chromophores, processability and specific structural features. Not all of these requirements have been quantified, and even measuring some of them has required the development of new analytical methodologies. In this report we detail the progress made by the Chameleon Fibers Group over the past few year in designing and evaluating components of chameleon systems.

I. An introduction to chameleon fibers and some strategies for creating them.

II. Synthesis of new polymers as chromophores and signal carriers.

III. Synthesis of monmeric and oligomeric chromophores.

IV. Processing of electrically conducting polymers.

V. Surface attachment of chromophores to conducting polymers.

V. New analytical methodologies for investigating chameleon fiber structure.