Award Data

We propose to develop a high-efficiency, triple-junction, epitaxial lift-off (ELO) solar cell by incorporating quantum dots (QDs) within the current-limiting subcell. We intend to leverage existing QD epitaxy processes developed by the Rochester Institute of Technology and combine this with MicroLink's expertise in multi-junction cell growth and ELO technology. We will employ QDs to enhance ...

Infrared spectroscopy is an invaluable detection and measurement tool intensively used in Earth Science, Solar Physics and Astrophysics experiments pursued from satellite platforms. The geometrical characteristics and sensitivity of satellite infrared spectroscopy systems is often determined or limited by their optical elements. Improvements in optical components allow one to reduce the mass and i ...

The goals of reducing total cost and increasing reliability and safety of access to space continue to be top priorities for NASA. The most immediate propulsion launch challenge involves increasing lift weight from 70 to 130 metric tons by developing the heavy lift Space Launch System (SLS). Solid rocket motor analysis tools are needed to simulate ignition and propellant recession during the burn ...

ABSTRACT: In order to achieve precise guidance, navigation and control in re-entry vehicles, aerodynamic shape must be accurately known throughout the flight trajectory. For this Phase I program an ultrasonic-based technique for real-time, non-intrusive (5 KHz) measurement of recession during ablation will be developed. The system combines the elements of ultrasonic thickness gauging technology w ...

ABSTRACT: This proposal attepts to develop a new high efficiency process for conversion of carbon dioxide and water to syngas, as a first step in production of synthetic fuels. We have already demonstrated the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide at over 80% energy efficiency. The objective of the proposed work is to extend the process so that we can also produce syngas. BENEFIT: I ...

ABSTRACT: To address the need for covert, transparent optical taggants, which can upconvert and downconvert greater than 100 nm when stimulated by either 830 nm or 1064 nm laser light, a series of wide bandgap doped metal oxide nanoparticles will be developed and demonstrated. In Phase I, lanthanide-doped core-shell nanocrystals will be fabricated that are sufficiently small (e.g.

In this proposal, we demonstrate fabrication and characterization of diamond nanoribbons, novel strain-modulated diamond nanostructures (SMDN). Such structures are generated by applying strain force on nano-patterned diamond film as the nanopatterns are transferred to a flexible substrate. Once the strain is released, the rigid diamond patterns are converted to highly ordered diamond nanoribbons. ...

The proposed project will undertake the research, design, and development of key concepts and technologies for a high-speed electronically tunable channel filter, based on monolithically integrated ultra-high-resolution super-compact grating (UHR-SCG) technology that has been developed in OptoNet. The grating will be realized on Silicon-Photonic Electronic-Photonic Integrated (EPIC) Platform that ...

A notable failure mechanism in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is the attack by calcium-magnesium-alumino silicate (CMAS) deposits resulting from the ingestion of siliceous minerals with the intake of air. Existing TBC systems such as yittria partially stabilized zirconia (YSZ) are highly susceptible to CMAS infiltration. In this STTR program, QuesTek Innovations LLC, a leader in the field of comp ...

Current otoacostic emission probes used diagnostic evaluation middle and inner ear components of hearing are not capable of producing well-calibrated and high-quality acoustic stimuli that cover the entire frequency range of human hearing and are thus unsuited for rapid evaluation of the range of inner ear damage from ototoxic drugs, noise and the normal process of aging. The accuracy of stimulus ...