Award Data

Research is proposed for the development and implementation of state of the art, reduced order nonlinear aeroelastic models for multidisciplinary/multi-fidelity optimization problems. Highly efficient and accurate aeroelastic simulation tools will be constructed based upon the mathematical formalism of optimal prediction theory and a novel implementation of a filtered harmonic balance solution met ...

This program will demonstrate, for the first time, a commercial prototype high power fiber laser in the 3-5µm band, based on Agiltron chalcogenide glass infrared optical fiber technology. High power IR lasers that emit multiwatt output at various infrared wavelengths in the 212µm region are a long-standing technical challenge. Fiber lasers, widely considered the choice for almost all high power ...

Multi-modal photodetectors and focal plane arrays (FPA) with adaptive multi-spectral polarization sensing and signal processing functionalities will greatly enhance Air Forces target recognition and discrimination capabilities. Current existing multi-spectral imaging systems employ scanning dispersive optics (gratings or prisms) to obtain spectral and polarimetric characteristics. These systems ar ...

A key challenge for net-centric warfare in the age of information is: How do we know that our actions are having the desired effects? This deceptively simple question often goes unanswered despite the increasingly massive amounts of information available. In the Air and Space Operations Center (AOC), the Operational Assessment Team is responsible for answering this question for the Joint Forces A ...

Busek Co. Inc. and Stanford University propose to develop and test an advanced high power plasma propulsion concept referred to here as a Coaxial High EnerGy Thruster, or CHENG thruster.  The thruster is first and foremost a propulsive device.  However, because the device is pulsed, compact, and efficient the plasma beam is highly condensed and energetic. For this reason, the thruster may also b ...

Busek proposes, with the MIT Space Propulsion Lab, to develop and characterize a variable-Isp colloid thruster operating only in the ionic mode and achieving its variable-Isp through use of a deceleration grid.  This approach overcomes the usual inefficiencies encountered in variable-Isp colloid thruster operation, where lower Isp is accomplished through operation in droplet or mixed droplet/ion ...

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Busek Co. Inc. propose to develop high total current (10A) planar and cylindrical cold cathode for high power magnetrons.  The cathode will be based on Vertically Aligned Carbon Nano-Fiber (VA CNF) technology.  Emission uniformity and burnout prevention will be achieved by individual ballasting of the CNFs.  MIT will demonstrate high total current ...

The goal of this program is to build a system for growth of alloy semiconductors with electro-magnetic stirring, and to use this system to grow AlGASb crystals.  The growth system will be built to be easily configurable for crystal growth by the Vertical Bridgman,and Traveling Heater methods. It will include two different setups for generation of stirring forces in the liquid semiconductor, each ...

The proposed barium strontium titanate (BST) nanodielectric devices will combine some of the best features of bulk and thin-film based tunable dielectrics: low microwave losses, high tunability at high fields, the potential for low operating voltages, and less temperature dependent dielectric response. The miniaturization of devices and reduction of insertion losses requires developments of mater ...

CMU and Magnetics, A Division of Spang and Co. have developed a new high-saturation induction, high-temperature nanocomposite alloy for high-power inductors. This material has FeCo nanocrystals with an A2 or B2 structure embedded in an amorphous matrix. Field annealing resulted in a linear B-H response with a relative permeability of 1400, constant up to fields of 1.2 T. The material was used in ...