Award Data

In this work, we propose to develop low-cost, high sensitivity high electron mobility transistor-based W-band millimeter wave focal plane array/camera based on mature ternary III-V epitaxial materials of InAlAs on top of InP substrate. The plasma-wave detector uses well established mature technology of high electron mobility transistors which allows future integration and reduces cost. The detecto ...

As bio-based composites see increased use in protective design more robust material data sets and alternative analysis tools are needed.  Improved material characterization and the capability to evaluate close-in effects will enable engineers to evaluate a broader set of design configurations and loading conditions.  Three technical objectives are proposed: comprehensively characterize the balli ...

Robotic systems in general, and Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs) in particular, pose a threat for both military and civilians when in the wrong hands. The triad of Kinetic, High-Power Microwave and Laser weapon systems currently used or considered for Counter-UAV (C-UAV) operation though effective in disrupting their performance, might be hazardous when used in a populated area. In the Phase I progr ...

Recent advancements in artillery, muzzle velocity, and post-launch propulsion technology have enabled precision guided munitions (PGMs) to travel faster and at longer ranges than ever before. To be most effective in flight and at range, the munitions must incorporate RF sensors to enable advanced, mission-critical functionality. The RF sensors must also be able to survive and operate through extre ...

Fast and accurate object detection in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) is critical for many DoD platforms including missile systems. Current object detection algorithms generally employ computationally heavy frontends to perform edge filtering tasks for keypoint identification and blob detection. Offloading the edge filtering tasks to optical components, which perform image differentiation or edge det ...

Advancements in thermal/infrared imaging can potentially permit improved detection of assets critical to the U.S. Warfighter, potentially affecting mission outcome. In other situations, improved heat trapping/thermal management may also be beneficial, especially in cold environments. To meet thermal management needs like these, Luna Labs proposes to develop a high-performing but more occupational ...

Military obscurants effectively absorb, scatter, or emit radiation in the visible, infrared and millimeter wavelength ranges to disrupt the line of sight between the target and observer. These aerosolized materials play a crucial role in preventing the detection of the US Warfighter by enemy sensors including seekers, trackers, optical devices, and the human eye. Recently, the Army has expressed i ...

Optical detection of objects hidden behind opaque layers is a challenging problem. As such, Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PB-IEDs) underneath clothing continue to be a persistent threat to the military and law enforcement communities. Safe stand-off detection in crowds is needed for the confirmation, identification, and neutralization of PB-IEDs. Technologies previously investigated i ...

krtkl (“critical”) will conduct a Phase I Feasibility Study to identify the best approach for reducing aviator cognitive load by optimizing information delivery and decision-making based on a thorough analysis of existing platforms, sensors, data sources, and onboard compute resources. This information will be used to identify Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning based algorithms for p ...

Coherent Technical Services, Inc. (CTSi) and the University of Texas at Austin Radionavigation Lab (RNL) propose developing prototype modules that exploit Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) mega constellations to provide Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) data to mounted and dismounted troops. These prototypes will be compatible with the Mounted and Dismounted Assured PNT Systems (MAPS and DAPS, respective ...