Award Data

The proposed project is to demonstrate a novel technique for producing GaN single-crystal boules that yield GaN wafers and substrates suitable for fabrication of GaN high-power devices. The two key attributes of the proposed novel GaN growth technique (a bulk crystal growth technique) are: a high growth rate and an ability to achieve a superior crystal quality. The novel GaN crystal growth techn ...

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 ...

Every asset ages. Pipes, roads, computers, cars, etc. This fact is inevitable. And, as a result of the aging process, every asset suffers a degradation in its intended capability or performance over time. Yet every day, millions of people in the U.S. get up in the morning expecting that they will be able to travel to work, drink clean water, use the Internet, and so on. It usually takes a catastro ...

Training in the symptoms of Spatial Disorientation (SD) has shown to be valuable in aiding pilots to recognize its onset and provide a means for mitigating its effects, but such demonstrations have traditionally been associated with specialized equipment and devices. Since the vast majority of pilots for the commercial aviation jet fleet are trained (or recertified) on 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) h ...

Conceptual design tools for rotorcraft are used to size vehicles for intended flight operations, as well as reveal trends on the relative benefits certain configuration choices have on the resulting aircraft performance. This information is useful for indicating potentially valuable areas for further technology development that would enhance rotorcraft capabilities. These tools must therefore co ...

NASA's "Ground Systems Development and Operations Program" is moving towards transforming parts of the Kennedy Space Center from a historically government-only launch complex to a spaceport bustling with activities involving government and commercial vehicles alike. The success of this transformation drive largely depends on achieving the ability to process multiple types of vehicles, within ...

The overall goal of this proposed program (through Phase III) is to build a space-worthy Drug Stability Analyzer that can determine the extent of drug degradation. It will be able to monitor the drug active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and its degradation product concentrations as a function of time, as well as determine if a drug is suitable for use (likely based on the presence of 90% or mor ...

New technology is needed to collect, stabilize, safen, recover useful materials, and store human fecal waste for long duration missions. The current SBIR Phase I proposal will examine an innovative torrefaction (mild pyrolysis) processing system that can be used to sterilize feces and produce a stable, free flowing powder than can be easily stored or recycled, while simultaneously recovering all o ...

Advanced lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are currently under development for Extravehicular Activity Suits, Altair Lunar Landers, and Lunar Mobility Systems. However, low voltage operation and low capacity cathode of current Li-ion batteries limits both volumetric and gravimetric energy density. High capacity cathode materials with high voltage operation are needed to offer the required gains at t ...

Thermal Transfer is a critical part of power electronics application in both terrestrial and space environments. Due to longer lifetime expectancies and harsh operational conditions, space vehicles require unique materials to deal with the increasing electrical and thermal loads placed upon the structure. Increasing use of power electronics including high current carrying semiconductor devices s ...