Award Data

Thin film multilayers of nanometer scale thickness are fundamental to the future of electronics and communications technologies. Chemical depth profiling by ion etching techniques are critical to the characterization of these structures. A fundamental problem with current ion etching technologies is that typical ion energies (~1k eV to 20 keV) create extensive damage and intermixing of nanometer t ...

The proposed research comprises design, analysis, and ultimate fabrication and operation of a microfabricated array of quadrupole mass spectrometers (QMS). The design capitalizes on recent advances in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and molecular-beam-epitaxy (MBE) technology so that the device can be mass-produced on a chip. In addition to analyzing a single element QMS in Phase 1, invest ...

We propose developing a prototype of a GUI-based wizard that: ¿ Guides users through the steps that are needed to define their processes using PSL in a visual/textual manner. ¿ Checks for consistency/correctness according to PSL ontology. ¿ Generates the PSL description. We believe that VISI-PSL will facilitate the generation of PSL descriptions to the extent that it will be used by process ...

Next-generation smart machine tools are currently under research and development. Critical to the success of these tools will be the inclusion of smart sensors. These sensor suites will need to measure physical parameters such as temperature, vibration, pressure and so on. Luna Innovations has extensive experience in developing solar powered wireless systems to transmit sensor data. Luna proposes ...

We propose to develop a prototype for direct electrochemical DNA sensor, using oligonucleotide-doped conductive polymer electrode. Phase I is dedicated to development and characterization of smallpox-specific DNA sensor. Stability, sensitivity,selectivity, reproducibility of DNA detection by the prototype electrode will be characterized with regards to both oligonucleotide- and double stranded DNA ...

Large X-ray generators using gas fill loads are a key element in the DTRA simulator program. Consistent relative timing between the injection of the gas shell and the generator current pulse is crucial to producing consistent, high-yield x-ray pulses.To that end HY-Tech proposes replacing existing high voltage trigger pin technology, with a sensitive, all fiber-optic heterodyne interferometer ba ...

This project will (i) extend and harden the PSL Editor and the Ontology-Driven XSLT Generator (ODXG) tools and (ii) extend the process description syntax (PDS) derived from the PSL for both KIF and XML/RDF formats. In addition, we will extend the PSL metatheoretical framework to support the PDS and the PSL tools by providing PSL extensions to support calendars and activity specialization, and by d ...

We propose to develop a robust framework, called the Process Knowledge Integration and Management Framework (PKIMF), to support the complete lifecycle of enterprise process knowledge that natively use the Process Specification Language (PSL). PKIMF uses a dashboard approach to design, analyze, integrate, exchange, and manage process knowledge. Its features and capabilities include the use of a pro ...

A smart machine tool must be able to monitor its condition and report problems. Every CNC machine should provide an alarm for tool condition problems, including tool wear, much as every automobile has a low oil indicator. Tool wear is particularly important for unattended machining as a worn tool can ruin a part. All current tool condition systems operate "blind" without direct information on curr ...

Williams-Pyro, Inc. proposes to model and develop software to provide an interface allowing a common method of incorporating sensing components within different systems. The proposed software package, called the Multifunctional Open-system Sensor Integration Tool (MOSIT), will provide the circuit designer with a complete sensor interface solution. MOSIT will provide not only the Network Capable Ap ...