Award Data

Longwave infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) based on Type-II InAs/GaSb-based strained layer superlattice (SLS) photodiodes show good performance at the current time. A key remaining challenge is the reduction of dark current, dominated by pixel surface leakage in FPAs and low minority carrier lifetime in the bulk material. We propose to address the former in this Phase I and develop a unique sche ...

Thermal batteries are a power source for most MDA weapons systems. Some of these applications place severe constraints on battery weight and size. The key components of thermal batteries are typically made by hydraulically pressing powders into"pellets". The pellets must be greater than a minimum thickness to avoid breakage, and for batteries that must supply high current for a short time this ...

In Phase I we developed a novel infrared photodiode based on Type-II InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattices (SLS) that showed pingpong dualband action, wherein the spectral response of the diode was switched between extended midwave (~ 8 micron cutoff) and longwave (~ 10 micron cutoff) infrared by the polarity of the voltage bias applied across it. In Phase II we will improve quantum efficiency i ...

"SSSC is pleased to propose the development and delivery of a Hostile Fire Indication Sensor (HFIS) based on the Phase I design concept. The resulting system will limit the number of circuit card assemblies to two: one for the short wave infrared (SWIR)

During this Phase 2 program, which has been submitted under Pre-2002 MDA Phase 2 Guidelines, we propose to transition the status of potentially ultrahigh temperature-capable, highly cost-effective, HfN-based monolithic ceramics and cermets (two-phase ceramic + metallic) materials from the laboratory scale to engineering status. It is our hope and expectation that follow-on funding for our Phase 1 ...

Exothermics and their Phase 2 partner Northrop Grumman Space Technology seek to increase the reliability, producibility and performance of cryocoolers which cool Long and Very Long Wave Infrared (LWIR and VLWIR) focal planes in space surveillance systems. The materials proposed for investigation address the regenerator, a critical thermodynamic component in pulse tube and Stirling cryocoolers. In ...

In light of MDA's stated requirement improve the affordability, maintainability and performance of propulsion system components, whether via refinement of existing products, or development of new products Exothermics is developing a new class of ultrahigh temperature (~ 3000°C) refractory composite materials for KKV SDACS applications. Ultrahigh temperature SDACS components would be extremely de ...

Our goal is to develop a single device or modular group of devices weighing less than three pounds that can provide all of the functionality required for individual dismounted special forces for surveillance, small arms fire control, and tactical network connectivity. This challenge requires expertise not only in each of the individual modules for day sights, night vision, range finding, GPS, com ...

The focus of the Phase I SBIR effort, SMDC Contract DASG60-03-C-0093, was to initiate a study of this same material for different RF frequencies, specifically, X-Band. The preliminary results are very promising. Purposely, MSI utilized its core competencies to develop a viable X-band candidate solution and leapfrogged the bulk of the material properties analysis to evaluate the electrical stabil ...

The focus of this proposal is to continue the R&D efforts of the Si3N4 radome solution. In Phase I, MSI demonstrated the ability to produce near theoretical density conventional RBSN, as well as RBSN reinforced with Nextel 610 Alumina chopped fibers. In Phase II, MSI proposes to refine these approaches, fabricate multiple samples to create a materials property database, and scale up the processing ...