Award Data

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is a widely used and extremely sensitive analytical technique for qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Superconducting Transition Edge Sensor (TES) microcalorimeter detectors have now been developed that achieve an energy resolution of 2 eV for 1.5 keV X-rays, which is sufficient to enable the measurement of the small shift of the X-ray line position that ...

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 ...

The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing flex hoses for hydraulic and other piping system interfaces that can withstand high pressure environments, hydrodynamic, and other forces unique to deep submergence system operating environments. This hose and connecter system coined FlexiHOSE© proposed by MEI-Charlton, Inc. (MEIC) will meet the need of operating under ...

Modern supercontinuum (SC) light sources are generated by non-linear interactions between ultrashort pulse lasers and optical fibers. Output in near-ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelength ranges has been demonstrated. These light sources have high brightness and are spatially coherent. Recently, output to 4.5 µm was achieved using fluoride glass fibers; optical absorption by the fiber prevents l ...

Southwest Sciences proposes development of residential fire sensing systems based on low cost optical imaging sensors combined with newly introduced highly miniaturized, low power CO sensors. Sensor modules will also include temperature sensors. The modules will be part of a low power wireless network. Each module will be about ½ the size of a business card, a few mm thick, and will operate for ...

A key factor of international efforts to identify and suppress the supply of and demand for nuclear materials, and thereby to deter potential traffickers, is the ability to accurately identify contradicted material and ultimately to trace it back to its origin. Alpha particle spectroscopy is widely used in nuclear forensics to assay trace quantities of sensitive nuclear materials, but the limited ...

Voxtel proposes to develop fiber-coupled near-infrared avalanche photodiode (APD) receivers with photon detection efficiency (PDE) and dark count rate (DCR) with more than two orders of magnitude faster maximum count rate (MCR) than Geiger-mode APDs, which are constrained by a fundamental tradeoff between DCR and MCR: if the APD is cooled to reduce DCR, then its dead time must increase to avoid af ...

THE DIFFICULTY IN PREDICTING STRUCTURAL DEGRADATION RATES FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT COMPONENTS DUE TO CORROSION AND OTHER FACTORS HAS LED TO THE NEED FOR COSTLY, TIME CONSUMING INSPECTIONS AND INCREASED COST FROM INTENTIONALLY OVERDESIGNED COMPONENTS. THE SITUATION INDICATES A SERIOUS, UNMET NEED FOR A SIMPLE BUT ACCURATE SYSTEM FOR REAL- TIME, IN SITU, NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ...