Award Data

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project will evaluate the feasibility of an innovative optical sizer for estimating drop sizes in sprays that have very small drops. The technique is based on the NIST provisional patent (application number 62/358,264). The NIST invention sorts particles by size over the range of 10nm to 10μm. Drop sizing is achieved in these sprays using an intense ...

This proposal represents a collaborative response by XpressRules and NIST to a two-fold demand from the information security marketplace. The business requirement (for true policy governance) is that asset owners and steward themselves-and not IT—become directly accountable for the life cycles of their rules and policies. The technical requirement (for an adequate data model) is that the policie ...

Bridger Photonics, Inc. proposes to develop an absolute length metrology sensor that will simultaneously provide >1,000 measurements per second, 0.5 m maximum measurement distance. Bridger’s solution is will fill a gap in precision measurement technology for applications that require rapid monitoring of macroscopic distances such as positioning and calibration of surface metrology systems (CMM, ...

This project team will fully develop and test AlphaBear 2, a vocabulary learning game for grade 4 to 7 students. Vocabulary is a prerequisite for academic success, as it is linked to stronger performance across academic subjects and improved reading comprehension. It is more difficult for students to participate in educational activities without understanding the key vocabulary associated with tha ...

In prior projects, including a 2015 ED/IES SBIR award, the team developed two immersive multiplayer virtual game environments. In Eco and Colony, middle school students collaboratively apply scientific practices within the virtual worlds to address challenges, such as the availability of resources and energy and maintaining clean water. With this Phase I funding, the team is developing a prototype ...

"Deep Learning for standoff detection of Special Nuclear Material (DLeN) applies the same deep learning techniques that allow computers to beat human performance in image recognition and the game of Go to detecting Special Nuclear Material. Spectral analysis and signal processing can in some cases be augmented by the use of much larger neural nets that conduct much deeper analysis of features of t ...

Traditional weapon systems often fail to meet the requirements of close combat typical of the previously discussed engagement, where insurgents often blend in or store weapon amongst friendly or non-combatant forces, to shield them from precision strike munitions of a technologically superior force. This type of warfare has led to an increased focus on the use of less-lethal weapons, to reduce let ...

In an effort to development more robust optical system coatings DTRA, in collaboration with Sandia National Labs, is working to characterize the degradation of optical materials for space systems when exposed to high intensely EUV/ cold x-rays. The experiments utilizes the Double Eagle z-pinch facility which generates high current, high voltage arc pinch plasma to produce an intense EUV and cold x ...

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing issue on the modern battlefield as well as training facilities. The brain experiences damage, inflammation, and termination of cell functions when a patient has a TBI. Infection, usually accompanied by an increase in temperature, can exacerbate the after-effects. Studies have shown that cerebroprotection such as quickly cooling the brain can reduce long te ...

A very fast 1xN optical switch capable of handling high-optical power is proposed. It is designed for switching laser power from a central source to multiple outputs using photonic switch technology that does not have any mechanical moving parts. It is designed to have a very compact size and high-reliability operation suitable for airborne environment. The switching speed will be >10 W of optical ...