Award Data

Category theory has recently been successfully applied to translate information from one computer system to another. Researchers at MIT have developed a prototype software tool based on category theory for solving information-integration programs. The tool has successfully solved small-scale information-integration problems including a problem identified by NIST about enriching the manufacturing s ...

Robotic actuators exceed human speed, accuracy, and strength, but human hands are regarded as the ultimate in dexterity. We propose this is due absent human-like tactile sensing and intelligent reflexive behaviors in robots. We’ve created multimodal compliant tactile sensors that mimic the sensory ability of the human fingertip and algorithms that fill this absence. In this research we will inte ...

To address the NIST need for an instrument to detect aerosolized-droplet dose delivery of vaccines, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Aerosolized Vaccine Dose Analysis (AVIDA) system based on the combination of planar laser-induced fluorescence, laser diffraction, microscope optics, and an advanced image processing algorithm. This system, using temporal image splitting, p ...

The Air Movement Efficiency Monitor is composed of small, inexpensive Micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) sensors, connected wirelessly to the Internet, and distributed through a building to measure pressure readings at key points. We consider this a “FitBit” for a building’s air-movement efficiency, employing many of the sensors used by a fitbit – temperature, humidity, acceleration. We ...

A-ACPTS Phase 2 transitions NIST Access Control Policy Tool (ACPT) R&D with innovative enhancements into commercialization, developing a commercially successful access control policy testing product that improves access control policy testing (minimizes error potential, faster, more usable, more efficient). A-ACPTS Phase 2 extends ACPT through a number of innovations that improve testing beyond th ...

Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversion (SPDC) is currently an active research area in quantum communications (QC) to develop entangled single photon sources. However, the bandwidth of current SPDC sources is too broad for many applications. NIST researchers have modeled a solution to this problem that reduces the bandwidth by >50. We propose to fabricate a prototype of the NIST device by developin ...

In this SBIR effort, Nikira Labs Inc. proposes to develop a compact Raman fiber optic probe with inline spectral filtering that improves fiber-coupled Raman measurements by filtering out Raman scattering from the excitation fiber and elastically scattered laser light from the collection fibers. The technology will enable compact fiber probes for Raman studies and complement existing NIST Raman spe ...

Current Border Gateway System (GBP) does not include provisions for security features and is vulnerable to malicious attacks targeting the control plane. The Internet Engineering Taskforce is developing BGPSEC (BGP with Security) to provide path security for BGP route advertisements. The extension is meant to provide resiliency against route hijacks and Autonomous System (AS) path modifications. ...

Accurate quantitative characterization of materials is crucial for a wide range of industrial and research applications. New transmission scanning electron microscopy (t-SEM) methods have the potential for high-resolution imaging similar to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with a less expensive, more widely available SEM system. In Phase I, RadiaBeam Technologies demonstrated the feasibility ...

New shape-engineered iron-based microscopic contrast agents (MCAs) for magnetic resonance imaging promise to increase diagnostic accuracy while reducing side effects, and enhance scientists’ ability to track stem cells. Currently, techniques used for making multispectral microscale contrast agent particles are cost prohibitive. In Phase I, an innovative technique (employing template-guided elect ...