Award Data

Fibertek proposes to develop a space qualifiable, small, optical modem board to support interoperable, encoding and decoding for free-space optical communications links. Space is a contested environment where traditional RF communications are susceptible to being jammed and intercepted. Optical communications offer a resilient solution, and its inclusion on SmallSats and in constellations is an Ai ...

Physically UnclonableFunctions (PUFs) have been proposed as central building blocks in cryptographic protocols and security architectures. PUFs are physical devices that exhibit a challenge/responsebehavior: when presented with a challenge, the device produces a response that is a random function of both the challenge and the physical properties of the device.In contrast to most digital designs, i ...

A novel integrated inter-propellant seal and thrust bearing (IPS/TB) for rocket turbopump applications that uses the latest technology developments in seal coatings and additive manufacturing to advance the state-of-the-art. The IPS/TB has low propellant loss, requires little or no purge gas, and no continuous purge when the turbopump is not in operation. The thrust bearing portion can handle all ...

This Air Force Phase I STTR program would develop self-calibrating, conformal nanomembrane (NM) based pressure sensors for embedded sensing applications, using SOI (Silicon on Insulator) NM techniques in combination with our pioneering nanocomposite materials.Such low-modulus, conformal nanomembrane sensor skins with integrated self-calibration, interconnect elements and electronic devices that ca ...

Comparatively little research has explored the influence of mechanical vibrations on energetic materials (or other polymer-bonded composite materials), despite the importance of these materials in defense-related applications.Recently, interest has started to grow, but the vast majority of research has been focused on developing a basic physical understanding, rather than establishing standardized ...

We will develop chip-scale components at 780/795 nm, for a superluminal ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer (SRLGA) using Rubidium.The components include high-power and narrow-band lasers, modulators, detectors, low-loss waveguides, and micro-resonator based magneto-optic isolators, integrated on a single chip. The components will be built on GaAs substrate.GaAsP Quantum Wells (QWs) will enable ...

Echo Ridge proposes to study the utility of non-GNSS satellite-based broadcasts as additional RF sources to provide PNT in GPS-unavailable environments.The capability will be used in conjunction with two on-going Air Force-sponsored efforts; one addressing a dismount need where LEO satellite broadcasts are currently being used to provide PNT in a commercial handheld UE devices, and a second direct ...

The purpose of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility, through modeling and simulation, of integrating engineered polyhedral Phase Transforming Cellular Matrix (PXCM) materials as a dynamic, elastically deformable solution for non-pneumatic tires that can; 1) resist loss of mobility due to hazards that include ballistic/explosive threats, and road debris, 2) extend capability allowing the ...

Veracity Forecasting and Analysis will develop a capability to predict reliability and maintainability issues using existing data for nuclear weapons systems. During Phase I, Veracity will (1) identify multiple reliability and maintenance data streams for use in modeling; (2) develop methods to process, clean, and fuse the data; (3) design a software framework for using data to predict reliability ...

Force protection represents a critical safety priority for Army units serving in Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). While current systems are extending sensor reach beyond the base’s perimeter via elevated sensor platforms, further advances in threat detection beyond the boundary are possible with sensors outside the FOB. Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) can provide a safe and cost-effective wa ...