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 ...

"A shock mitigating suspended seat which places the Special Forces Operator in an optimal ergonomic position will be developed for use in small Maritime Combatant Craft. It will feature an actively controlled shock absorber to optimize the suspension for abroad range of operator weights and sea states. In Phase I, a conceptual design of all the major components as well as the architecture for bo ...

"We propose to develop Co-Located Dual Band (VLWIR1/VLWIR2) Focal Plane Arrays on Strained Layer Superlattices (SLS) Material. We propose innovative Al(x)Ga(1-x)As/InAs SLS layers to produce detectors for very long wavelength (22 um). The key features are:1) SLS Material Growth by Migration Enhanced Epitaxy (MEE) Technique. Type II SLS layers are grown with Migration Enhanced Epitaxy Technique by ...

"This proposal addresses MDA's stated requirement to significantly improve the affordability, maintainability and technical performance characteristics of kinetic kill vehicle propulsion hardware; specifically, divert and attitude control system (DACS)components. In light of these challenges, Exothermics proposes that a new, ultrahigh temperature-capable category of refractory nitride cermets (tw ...

"Development of detection and demodulation algorithms for selected DS spread spectrum emitters and perform laboratory testing of the algorithm against a simulated operational environment. Development of a software solution to the threat signals currentlyonly addressed with special purpose hardware. Incorporation planned into the DRT family of hardware receivers."

"During the past 5 years, Mentis Sciences has developed advanced material processes to produce high performance composite radomes for missile interceptor applications. These unique and proprietary processes have enabled us to produce radome prototypes thathave inherently low dielectric constants and loss tangents for Ka band applications through 1500¿F, exceed the structural requirements and hav ...

"The Department of Defense (DoD) will require cryocoolers for future missions to cool space-based infrared sensor arrays, space-based lasers, and orbital transfer vehicles. Turbo-Brayton cryocoolers are ideal candidates for these missions because they areefficient, lightweight, highly reliable, produce negligible vibration, and have an adaptable layout that allows them to be easily integrated wit ...

"We propose to develop an innovative high capacity multistage cryocooler for dual cooling loads at temperatures of 85 K and 35 K. The cooler is based on proven turbo-Brayton technology that has been flight demonstrated and qualified for use on the HubbleSpace Telescope (HST). This technology will be adapted to the unique requirements of DoD infrared sensor applications at lower temperatures and ...

The proposed innovation is a deicing system for aircraft leading edges using a high-efficiency, electrically actuated thin-film elastomer. The entire aircraft industry needs this technology to improve safety while minimizing the overall impact on aircraft weight and fuel consumption. We propose to use a low-cost, electrically actuated thin-film elastomer to break the ice bond in a manner similar ...

"A high-performance cooling system for gimbal-mounted infrared sensors is a critical need for future space-based target acquisition and tracking systems. The optimal approach uses a high performance cryocooler remotely located on the spacecraft platformcombined with a high conductance, cryogenic heat transport system to exchange heat from the sensors to the cryocooler. The heat transport system ...