Award Data

The proposed multi-spectral IFF beacon will use 40 to 50 % effient high power laser diodes at 863, 1064, and 1550 nm wavelengths. Thermal emitters including diamond-like carbon thin films, photonic crystals, and quantum cascade lasers will be characterized and compared. Finally a model to predict the detection range of IFF beacons will be developed using proprietary emitter power and atmospheric ...

Diffraction LTD will develop a multi-spectral battery powered combat ID beacon. Key emitter technologies will include vacuum encapsulated photonic crystals in the MWIR and LWIR spectral bands. In Phase 1, a complete optical, electrical, and mechanical design of the beacon will be produced. A model taking into account emitter characteristics, atmospheric transmission, ambient lighting, and vario ...

Embedded usage tracking of helicopter rotating components, combined with active radio frequency identification (RFID) has the potential to reduce maintenance costs, reduce weight, maximize structural life, & enhance safety. Energy harvesting used with advanced, micro-power wireless sensing electronics, enables the realization of truly autonomous sensing and recording. The objective of this SBIR ...

Structural health monitoring (SHM) of large structures such as Navy ships requires an in depth knowledge of operational loads and how these loads may change over time. A network of low cost, wireless strain sensors can provide this information. During Phase I, we will demonstrate a highly synchronized, scalable network of energy harvesting wireless strain sensors. By converting ambient cyclic stra ...

This program will encompass two main thrusts: First, development of numerical methods for calculation of the scattering from random surfaces which does not use any approximate analytical solutions. This method is suitable for calculations of the radar back scattering for a wide range of grazing angles, including low grazing angles. Second, development of data assimilation techniques for incorporat ...

Phase I development of concepts, signal processing techniques, and flight profiles for optimal discrimination of signature from objects of interest, comprising both theory and design of field experiments with sensor and sensor platform. Projected Phase II will comprise demonstration of concepts and signal processing methodologies in situ, using available sensors and platforms.

Microbial contamination in kerosene based aviation fuels has been a problem for the USAF since the 1960’s. Antimicrobial effect of earlier used fuel system icing inhibitor (FSII) became an initial solution to this problem, but later, such fuel additives were banned due to their extreme toxicity towards humans. Newer FSIIs, being more eco-friendly, do not possess the antimicrobial properties of ...

Biodiesel is our next generation eco

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has identified a need to reduce weight and improve manufacturability to insure cost effectiveness for structural components of its missile interceptors. Touchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd. (Touchstone) and San Diego Composites (SDC) have teamed to combine their respective tooling and composite materials technologies to achieve this goal. Touchstone has developed a ...

Industrial high-temperature furnace insulation materials currently consist of either carbon or graphite in various forms. Due to these limited materials choices, the results include significant heat loss, expensive maintenance costs incurred due to frequent replacement of the carbon insulation, and long lead times due to supply tightness of carbon fibers. End-users need to reduce expensive energy ...