Award Data

Current bolometers are broadband detectors and tend to absorb broad IR spectrum for thermal imaging. A key issue with these systems is the lack of sensitivity of the sensors in target detection due to blackbody radiation limit. As a result, one of the many important applications such as low concentration chemical detection cannot be performed. A solution to this problem is to employ cryogenic syst ...

To meet the critical security needs of the Department of Homeland Security and others, we propose two methods for providing a secure root of trust for mobile devices. One method is designed to integrate as easily into existing systems, while the other requires deeper integration but provides correspondingly stronger security. The keys to our work are practicality and integration: practicality to e ...

In the proposed effort, we will leverage this extensive experience and capabilities to realize a frequency agile mmW radiometer that can cover the range of DC-110 GHz and can be scaled to DC-200 GHz under Phase II. Ours is a photonic system that multiplies and up-coverts a low-frequency reference signal onto an optical carrier (laser) using EO modulation, then uses the modulation sidebands to inj ...

Size reduction, or comminution, is a fundamental processing step for lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks used as a raw material for conversion to biofuels. Grinding or milling of herbaceous materials such as corn stover, switchgrass, miscanthus and other biofuel feedstocks consumes a lot of energy, produces particle shapes that are difficult to handle, requires dry raw material, and often results i ...

Combustion of biomass, especially in small-scale applications, produces high emissions of particulate matter (PM) that have been linked to adverse health effects and global climate change. Current industrial particulate control solutions are prohibitively expensive for use in small scale biomass burners. To overcome these challenges, inexpensive and effective combustion control solutions for small ...

Traditional chemical sedatives for the processing of farm-raised fish are considered animal drugs that are subject to specific regulations and usage constraints (as well as chemical-bath disposal concerns). As an alternative, we propose to evaluate the use of mild, non-lethal electrosedation techniques to narcotize farm-raised fish in an effort to evaluate the technologys potential to reduce pre-h ...

Rural communities that rely on, and are part of an agricultural-based economy where seed and grain cleaning facilities operate are plentiful in the Pacific Northwest and other parts of the U.S. Creating new opportunities for employment and income generation in these communities is frequently difficult because it can require considerable amounts of capital investment and new market development. We ...