Award Data

Nano Terra and the El-Shafei group (North Carolina State University) propose to demonstrate, optimize and expand a universal platform for textile functionalization. The approach is one developed in the El-Shafei group that has already been explored for its utility in cotton, nylon-cotton blends and polypropylene. The functionalization method imparts a high-level of flame retardancy (without haloge ...

On this effort Toyon Research Corp. and The Pennsylvania State University are developing deep learning-based algorithms for object recognition and new class discovery in look-down infrared (IR) imagery. Our approach involves the development of a hybrid classifier that exploits both transfer learning and semi-supervised paradigms in order to maintain good generalization accuracy, especially when li ...

PS-MS is a simple and powerful method for rapid ambient sample preparation. However, its simplicity also means separation of undesirable components (particulates and molecular interferents) is not possible. Furthermore, samples must be collected by other means (e.g., dried blood spot cards) and placed on the ticket in liquid form before analysis. Although the technique is sensitive (nanograms to t ...

Historically, the monitoring and detection of biological threats has been carried out via the deployment of high sensitivity / high complexity monitoring nodes to insure high probability of detection and low false alarm rate. Unfortunately, this detection strategy has inherent limits with respect to coverage and response due to its high deployment/support costs, mandating a new approach to environ ...

Physical Sciences Inc. in cooperation with University of Notre Dame proposes to develop a method for the persistent surveillance and detection of aerosolized biological warfare agents using a distributed point bioaerosol detector network, local meteorological sensors, existing infrared surveillance cameras, and crowdsourced georeferenced network traffic and phrase monitoring. The proposed technolo ...

Novel photonic structures, such as periodic metal-dielectric photonic bandgap structures (MDPBG) have the potential to revolutionize the field of optical windows. The large mismatch in the permittivities of the metal and dielectric creates resonant tunneling, which allows for high transmission in regions where metals are typically opaque. This property makes MDPBGs very attractive for screening or ...

Current scene projection hardware is challenged to simultaneously meet the requirements for high peak temperature (> 2000K), high resolution (> 1Kx1K), response time < 1 ms, cryogenic and temporally uniform photon flux. MEMS, Resistor arrays, liquid crystals, and photonic crystals all suffer in one or more areas. MEMS suffer from flicker and low dynamic range. Resistor arrays suffer from low frame ...

Many environmental factors can potentially affect a communitys security. In this project, we propose to develop an open source system, called RiskWatch, for harvesting data from multiple sources and linking that data to security outcomes. Relevant data can potentially be found in a wide variety of sources, including structured, numeric data sets and images published by governments and NGOs, in na ...

Robotic autonomous systems (RAS) are currently being used for many different applications using a wide variety of vehicle platforms. The environments in which RAS are being used are becoming increasingly complex. Vehicle path planning and control is challenging in environments with many obstacles and uneven terrain. This proposed research will develop and compare multiple techniques to improve veh ...

The purpose of this proposal is to additively manufacture (AM) smart structures with embedded electronics such as sensors, accelerometers, antennas, etc. The goal of these smart structures will be to enhance the effectiveness and survivability of the Armys ground systems. The use of additive manufacturing smart structures provides flexibility in the materials used and the functionality of the elec ...