We propose to study and develop space qualified electro-optical devices that are capable of ultra high speed signal processing and logic operation and are compatible with the pulse-power and repetition rates available with picosecond pulses from a mode-locked semiconductor diode laser, which we have… More

Normal tissue surrounding the tumor we propose to develop a number of novel techniques involving simultaneous imaging of laser-induced fluorescence in multiple wavelength bands from hematoporphyrin derivative bearing tissue, permitting contrast enhancement for cancer-tumor localization with ultra… More

We propose a novel transmission fiber optic temperature sensor consisting of a semiconductor platelet sandwich between two parallel fiber ends. a new measurement configuration eliminates not only the influence of the fiber absorption but also the influence of the coupling factor of the fiber coupler… More

Advanced avionics and aviation materials will utilize light weight structures capable of maintaining superior electrical, mechanical and thermal properties in hostile operational environments. rapid developments in state-of-the-art conductive polymers have created unique opportunties to the further… More

Ye propose to investigate a sensitive electromagnetic field sensor whose output is coupled via an optical fiber to remote processing electronics. this device should provide a convenient and very sensitive method of detecting pulsed electromagnetic fields. it also will be inexpensive and can be quite… More

We propose to investigate optical signal processing technology involving electro-optic devices that combine fiber-optics, microwave theory, and integrated circuit technology. our proposed ideas are based on the pulse-power and repetition rates that are currently available from a mode-locked… More

The investigation of a fiber-optic chemical sensor that will provide localized chemical analysis by nonintrusive, optical methods is planned. the planned fiber-optic probe will have the additional advantages of providing a real-time response; it can be used in hostile (temperature, pressure, and… More

We propose to investigate optical fiber sensors for the determination of temperature. we expect our new design to have a temperature range from below room temperature to nearly 2000 deg c. the configuration used here will be applicable to the testing of temperatures in turbine environments. the very… More

We propose to design the interface board logic in modular form so that it can be implemented in application specific integrated circuits (asic's). a high degree of integration is necessary to fit the logic of the host interface and a minimum of eight fiber optic transceivers on a single circuit… More

As a growing class of novel electronic materials, conducting polymers must be evaluated as fast response nonlinear optical materials. we propose to carry out a series of studies with three focal points designed to utilize nonlinear semiconducting polymers. this would include: (a) a detailed… More

We propose here to investigate a new method of generating tunable, visible coherent radiation. such lasers can be pumped by semiconductor diode laser arrays, q-swirched for high peak power with a small acousto-optic modulator, and tunable with intercavity birefringent filter. visible output may be… More

We propose to investigate the potential of using optically pumped semiconductor and semiconductor arrays as gain media for lasers. we will also explore multiple quantum well infrared lead salt superlattices for infrared laser operation at room temperature. we will use a semiconductor algaas diode… More

In this proposed effort, interprocess communication (ipc) techniques are evaluated in the context of a three-tiered distributed system architecture designed for real-time applications. the proposed work will yield a high-level architectural design and a model for evaluation of ipc techniques. the… More

As the geometries of very large-scale integrated chips grow smaller and denser, and as computations become faster and more complex, the capacity of electric circuits is being outstripped. the connections simply cannot handle electric signals fast enough and reliably enough. in advanced systems, the… More

We propose to investigate several new configurations of optical fiber sensors for the determination of temperature. we expect our new design to have a temperature accuracy of 0.01 deg celsius. the proposed sensor could be used to micrometeorological measurements of the atmosphere. this sensor has an… More

Optical image processing using neural network concepts show promise in those applications requiring real time target detection, and classification. in particular, the principles of optical bidirectional associative memories (bams) for heteroassociative processing exhibits all of the characteristics… More

We propose to investigate an asymmetric-coupled-well, multiplequantum-well structure and its applications to both bistable and nonbistable optical switching. the coupled-well feature may provide for lower switching thresholds.

This study investigates the use of optical switching in hybrid optoelectronic structures. the program approach is to analyze the performance of a high-speed optical switch that allows a small optical signal to control the transmission of another, larger optical signal. this switchgives input-output… More

We propose a prototype ultra-sensitive, fast, compact, and reliable fiber optic based magnetic field sensor particulaly suited for operation in environments appropriate for nuclear weapon simulation and testing. the design will take advantage of an innovative which will permit remote measurements of… More

We propose to investigate high-speed, optical switching for nonsinusoidal radar applications. the technology is based on switching with picosecond laser pulses in double or multiple transmissions lines. the proposed technique has several advantages when used with wideband radar transmitters. these… More

The accurate measurement of electric field pulse shape and intensity is often difficult due to the perturbing effect of the measurement antenna itself and the associated cable. previous attempts to minimize these effects have resulted in the development of electromagnetic probes using metallic… More

Methods will be investigated to improve on the upper temperature limit, response, and durability of fiber-optic sensors for high temperatures. present high-temperature, fiber-optic sensors (both commercially available products and laboratory prototypes) use sapphire rods, tubes, or fibers that… More

A coherent lidar system for measuring the range and velocityof solid objects will be developed. the illumination and local oscillator beam are both derived from a frequency-modulated laser. for stationary targets, this causes a beat signal related to the range-induced time delayof the target… More

The accurate measurement of electromagnetic fields is often complicated by the interaction between the field being measured and the receiving antenna with its associated electronics and cabling. with the development of high frequency fiber optic analog links, optical cables have been used to isolate… More

The fuzzy cognitive map, a neural-network approach to knowledge representation, has several characteristics that make it highly attractive for use in planning and control tasks: ease of combining knowledge acquired from various sources; a capacity for adaptive refinement through supervised and… More

Ultrawideband radar with short duration pulses (10 ps-10 ns) is a candidate for new sensor systems. This approach may provide improved capabilities for target detection and identification through examination of target resonance characteristics. Detection and processing of short duration,… More

We propose to investigate new types of materials and methods for sensor applications. the proposed investigation will explore and develop novel approaches for the application of polymeric materials to sensor technology. of particular interest are materials that can perform several functions for a… More

We propose to use epitaxial ligtoff technology to remove semicondutro layers which are only a few micrometers thick from the original substrate. the removed layers can then be transferred to a heat conducting material which is also a good electrical insulator. this type of structure maximizes the… More

Accurate measurement of turbine engine temperatures under actual operating conditions remains a major technical challenge due to the harsh engine environment. reliable high temperature data will result in improved engine designs and performance. tacan will study two versions of a new optical sensor… More

Fiber-optics technolgoy for modern communcations requires wide bandwidth, large dynamic range, performance analog data links. in order to improve these fiber-optic systems, progress is needed to reduce the demands on the optical transmitter. the development of large dynamic range, linear response… More

Based on our related experience in the development of ultra-wide bandwidth laser diode drivers and multiple quantum well (mqw) optical modulators, we propose to perform a design study for an rf laser diode modulator. this study will compare the operating characteristics and design considerations of… More

The objective of this work is to use advanced multifunctional polymers for ultrahigh speed, electro-optical modulation modules. For electro-optic modulators, polymer-based devices can gave large electro-optic coefficients, small dispersion, larger frequency response, and greater fabrication… More

TACAN Corporation proposes an innovative technology that will have a significant impact on promoting the optoelectronics industry in the United States. This technology is based on the development of wavelength-stable semiconductor diode lasers. With the proposed technology the wavelengths of these… More

There is a need to rapidly identify biological and chemical contaminants in regenerated air and water in extraterrestrial environments. Conventional sensors all fail this application because of deficiencies in several areas, including size, weight, versatility, power requirements, specificity,… More

We propose to use epitaxial liftoff techology and patterned overlays to develop new approaches to multichip module fabrication and testing that will facilitate in process testing and improve thermal management of dense multichip modules (MCMs). Thin, single-crystal semiconductor films can be… More

The objective of this work is to develop a small, reliable, low cost pulsed fiber optic laser. The fiber will be rare-earth doped and will deliver pulses of several megawatts with a width of ten nanoseconds. Fiber optic communications has already stimulated the development of low power cw fiber… More

The objective of this work is to develop new, digitally-programmable, fiber-optic delay lines for wideband microwave signals. Our unique approach will use novel, polymeric switches and electro-optical modulators together with a 1550 nm source and optical fiber amplifiers and fiber delay lines. The… More

Tacan corporation is developing a new approach to high-power diode laser array transmitters that is ideally suited for laser satellite communications. the transmitter uses an array of our patented wavelengths stabilixation circuits to lock all of the lasers in the transmitting array to the same… More

A fly-by-light (FBL) system is proposed for use with vehicle management systems (VMS). These FBL systems offer opportunities in improved safety with immunity to electromagnetic interference, electrical isolation, no cross-talk between cables, greater transmission bandwidth, and greater transmission… More

The development of large dynamic range, linear response optical transmitters would allow significantly lower cost lasers to be used in many microwave analog data links for video, sensor, and optoelectronic signal/image processing in phased array applications. Our approach will decrease the… More

There are a wide variety of needs for improved monitoring and analysis of trace chemicals in several different industries. These needs are increasingly being addressed with immunoassays specific of individual analytes or for restricted chemical classes. The sensitivity, selectivity, and cost of… More

Epitaxial liftoff and grafting technology with photo lithographically-defined interconnects offer new approaches for the development of mult ichip module fabrication. Our approach facilitates improved thermalmanagement, testing, and packaging. As demonstrated already at TACAN Corporation, thin… More

The objective of this work is to develop photonic true time delay lines for broadband phased array antennas. The work will concentrate on two special architectures: the chirped fiber grating-tunable laser delay line, and the on-wafer all polymer binary delay line. Depending on the specific system… More

The objective of this work is to develop a class of highly reliable, low cost, alignment-free fiber pigtailed integrated optic chip for fiber-optic gyroscope applications. The traditional lithium niobate based integrated optic chips fabrication requires waveguide end-face polish and… More

The objective of this work is to develop a class of highly reliable, low loss input/output couplers for polymer and semiconductor waveguide devices. The adiabatic taper provides, theoretically, a lossless transition between different waveguide mode sizes. When an adiabatic taper is used in a… More

A program for the investigation of a novel man-machine interface technology employed for reliable and robust decision processes is proposed. The proposed technology is based upon the inherent causal inference and knowledge synthesis properties of the fuzzy cognitive maps which provide a nonlinear… More

TACAN Corporation proposes an innovative technology that will have a significant impact on promoting very large bandwidth wireless communications. This technology is based on the developemnt of wavelength stable semiconductor diode lasers. With this technology, an array of wavelength stable lasers… More

The objective of this work is to use advanced nonlinear optical polymer materials for ultra-broadband, high performance electro-optical modulators. Polymer-based nonlinear optical materials can have large electro-optic coefficients, low and nondispersive dielectric constant, and greater… More

The objective of this work is to develop novel high polar order, high chromophore density, thermally robust ferroelectric liquid crystalline polymers for electro-optic device applications. The second-order nonlinear optical property of a polymer is a combination of three factors: the number… More

Novel interdigitated metal-semiconductor-metal structures offer new approaches for the development of broad area, high speed photodetectors. Inherent advantages include: lower capacitance than typical p-I-n structures, a wide dynamic range, and ease of fabrication. Our unique approach further… More

We propose to investigate the use of new three-layer metallization schemes for wire bond pads to improve the reliability of wire bonding interconnects used in high temperature silicon carbide electronics. Current wire bonding technology does not have the ability to survive elevated temperatures… More

The objective of this work is to develop a new class of highly reliable, low cost, miniature, fiber pigtailed integrated optic chips for inertial navigation applications. The traditional lithium niobate based integrated optic chip fabrication requires waveguide end-face polish and precision fiber… More

A research program for the investigation of a novel knowledge-based technology employed for command and control decision making in amphibious warfare is proposed. The proposed technology is based upon the inherent causal inference and knowledge synthesis properties of the fuzzy cognitive maps… More

A program for the investigation of a novel man-machine interface technology employed for reliable and robust decision processes is proposed. The proposed technology is based upon the inherent causal inference and knowledge synthesis properties of the fuzzy cognitive maps which provide a nonlinear… More

The objective of this work is to develop novel high polar order, high chromophore density, thermally robust ferroelectric liquid crystalline polymers for electro-optic device applications. The second-order nonlinear optical property of a polymer is a combination of three factors: the number… More

An unconventional and novel technology of integrating fiber-optic half blocks and epitaxial lift-off semiconductor layers is proposed for the fabrication of rugged in-line electro-optic modulators with ultralow insertion loss. The proposed in-line electro-optic modulator has many advantages over… More

Due to the serious hazards of biological warfare agents, advanced detection capabilities must be developed to protect personnel in a variety of field situations. Aerosols, in particular, are a likely means of delivering the potential biohazards. Analyzing these aerosols rapidly and accurately is… More

Small numbers of biological particles can be a serious threat as warfare agents and health hazards due to their ability to rapidly multiply. Therefore, accurate and rapid identification of low biohazard concentrations would be useful for early battlefield warning systems, cleanup and surveillance… More

Not Available It is proposed to develop a series of antennas which are miniaturized by conventional, innovative, and dielectric material loading. They are specifically designed to be located in a small surface towed module or in the buoyant cable system to which it is attached. Three basic antenna… More