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Rapid RF Switching Conducting Polymers

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N41756-02-M-1041
Agency Tracking Number: N01-142-04
Amount: $69,974.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2002
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 John Lennhoff
 Principal Research Scient
 (978) 689-0003
 lennhoff@psicorp.com
Business Contact
 B. David Green
Title: Executive Vice President
Phone: (978) 689-0003
Email: green@psicorp.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to further develop its conductive polymer (CP) ink jet printing technology for application to microwave shutter construction. The working electrode switchable polymer element of microwave shutters is typicallydeposited using electrochemical techniques which produces a coating that has poor uniformity resulting in less than optimum transmission loss, contrast and switching speed. Using PSI technology developed for the fabrication of chemical sensors, an inkjetprinted interdigital deposition of CP can be produced with exceptional uniformity and edge definition. The counter electrode and polymer electrolyte can also be applied using the ink jet technology, providing a complete, scalable manufacturing solution tothe current microwave shutter construction difficulties. Additionally, PSI's experience with high performance materials will result in a package with environmentally stable construction. On the proposed Phase I program, PSI will demonstrate enhancedsingle electrode performance. On a Phase I Option, PSI will construct a solid state RF shutter using the material developed on Phase I. The ink jet printing of CP has been extensively described as an emerging method for fabricating circuit boards,inexpensive electronic circuits, and flat panel displays. This program would further develop both the ink jet printing technology and the CP materials required for advanced applications.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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