Award Data

In this proposal, AlphaSense, Inc. proposes to develop an innovative real time probe for online monitoring of plastic bonded explosive manufacturing process. Key innovations of the proposed sensor probe include: a) the use of a white light interferometer (WLI) to form real time images of the particles for accurate particle size measurements, and b) the use of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) base ...

Mid-infrared (MWIR, wavelength ~10 micron) imaging has significant importance in military surveillance and target recognition, since human body radiation peaks in MWIR. The GaSb/InAs type-II Strained Layer Superlattice (SLS) MWIR detector has been under intensive investigation recently. While much progress has been made to enhance wavelength coverage, one of the few remaining issues has been its r ...

Low light level infrared imaging has significant importance in military surveillance and target recognition. The proposed broadband low-light-level nano-BiCMOS camera covers visible and near infrared bands from 400 nm to 1,550 nm wavelengths. With a proven nano-technology, the proposed nano-BiCMOS photo-detector solves this long-standing tradeoff between quantum efficiency and dark current by in- ...

Cermet proposes to demonstrate MgZnCdO based light emitting diodes on native substrates. This will be accomplished by focusing on three technical areas. First, Cermet will increase its existing p-type ZnO capability to greater than 1e18 holes per cm^3. Second, Cermet will refine alloy growth across the quaternary system to address a wide emission wavelength range. Finally, Cermet will develop ...

This phase I development will provide a low defect InGaN p-n junction tuned to 2.6 eV. The characteristics of the junction will be high electron and hole concentrations, low defect density and no phase separation in the InGaN. This will be accomplished using a revolutionary epitaxial technique, combined with lattice-matched substrates and state of the art device fabrication.

Recent advances in computing have produced special-purpose hardware comprised of vector processors streamlined for high-performance computations. Development of these devices, such as graphics processing units (GPUs) and the Cell Broadband Engine (Cell Processor), has been advanced by the videogame industry. In an effort to increase flexibility and enter new markets, vendors have increased platf ...

Lithium metal possess a high specific capacity of 3860 Ah/kg, and can provide high voltages in electrochemical cells, thus creating the basis for high specific energy batteries. However, batteries based on lithium metal suffer several drawbacks, due to the poor morphology of redeposited lithium and possibility of dendrite growth, which can short circuit the battery and pose safety hazards. We pro ...

Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc. (JRD) proposes development of a key component for an innovative, highly efficient heat engine that can operate as a versatile power generator and heat pump for either cooling or heating. The Johnson thermo-electrochemical converter (JTEC) is an innovative all solid state heat engine that operates on the Ericsson cycle (Carnot equivalent) and directly con ...

Aging and newer composite aircraft fleets have led to the need for advanced damage detection systems. Inspections for damage in the field are limited due to equipment capability, size/weight, automation challenges, human error and disassembly issues. A portable, lightweight, robust inspection system powered by an user-friendly, automated software system, with remote scanning capability, could imp ...

This research will develop and demonstrate the feasibility of preparing reusable and recoverable solid, porous acid and base catalysts for biodiesel production using activated carbon generated from agricultural and forestry residues (i.e., a sustainable biomass). These new catalysts will greatly reduce amounts of waste pollutants that are generated compared to current methodology that uses sodium ...