Award Data

Ultrasensitive sensors used in NASAs scientific missions (for example infrared sensors) typically require operation at deep cryogenic temperatures for optimum performance. However, to make full use of their performance requires an ultralow-noise preamplifier co-located in the same, or a nearby, cryogenic environment at liquid-helium (~1-4 K) or sub-Kelvin temperatures. A severe impediment to makin ...

Wireless automated threat detection networks currently concentrate on non-imaging technology such as acoustic, seismic, and magnetic data. This proposal details our innovative “TimeScan” solution to fully enable video imaging devices to become a powerful yet economical addition to the arsenal of automatic threat detection sensors. Our solution encompasses the end-to-end goal of achieving reli ...

NASA, DoD, DHS, and commercial industry have a pressing need for miniaturized, rugged, low-cost high-vacuum systems. Recent advances in sensor technology at NASA and other government laboratories, in academia, and in industry have led to the development of very small mass spectrometer detectors as well as other analytical instruments such as scanning electronic microscopes. However, the vacuum s ...

Creare proposes to develop a novel, laser-assisted, pre-finishing process for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) coated silicon-carbide ceramics. Our innovation will enable the affordable single-point turning of CVD silicon carbide from a near-net shape blank to a pre-finished aspheric optic. We will use our extensive experience and expertise in the advanced machining of ceramics to establish the p ...

Long-life, high-capacity cryocoolers are a critical need for future space systems utilizing stored cryogens. The cooling requirements for planetary and extraterrestrial exploration missions, Crew Exploration Vehicles, extended-life orbital transfer vehicles, and space depots will range from 10 to 50 W at temperatures between 20 and 120 K. Turbo-Brayton cryocoolers are ideal for these systems bec ...

Solid State Scientific Corporation (SSSC) is pleased to propose a Phase I SBIR program to develop a unique multi-spectral imaging sensor prototype The proposed spectral sensor will be lightweight, portable, low-power and rugged with simultaneous imaging of all the spatially registered spectral bands. The optical system which is less than 1 cubic centimeter in volume will provide a sensor field of ...