Award Data

This Phase I project has two primary objectives. The first objective is to evaluate the feasibility of a fully ion implanted fabrication process based on the heterodimensional 2-D MESFET. The new device, the 2-D JFET, will have p+ ion implanted sidegates which laterally modulate a thin, highly doped n-type conducting channel. The 2-D JFET should have excellent high speed, low power characteristics ...

Unexpected coupling between nuclear reaction cross sections and the solid state of metal deuterides has been demonstrated in layered Pd-PdO deuterided structures. As a result, high rates of charged particle and neutron measurements have been observed through a reaction initiated by altering the chemical state of the system. Moreover, the system acts as an amplifier of fast neutrons, with a 200-to- ...

The development of a microwave curing method for resin matrix composites and jointing/bonding epoxy is proposed. This technique will take advantage of the ability of vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF) to absorb microwave energy with high efficiency. By adding VGCF to resin matrix composite material and epoxy, we hope that the materials can be processed by microwave irradiation in a manner that result ...

Essential Research, Inc. proposed to develop an ultra-high efficiency, dislocation-free, monolithic two-terminal, two-junction InGaP/InGaAs on Ge solar cells for space applications. The energy bandgap (Eg) values for the top and bottom cells will be 1.7 eV and 1.1 eV, respectively. These bandgaps are theoretically optimal for a two-junction tandem cell configuration. This solar cell will have a pr ...

Novel ionic self-assembled monolayer (ISAM) processes for the fabrication of advanced electronic materials and devices will be developed through this program. Revolutionary ISAM methods to create nanostructured multi-layer inorganic/organic thin-films offer major advantages over conventional manufacturing processes, since the process is simple, low-cost and environmentally friendly in that no vola ...

F&S and Virginia Tech will cooperatively develop high performance protective ionic self-assembled monolayer (ISAM) organic/inorganic coatings for space-based optical and structural components, and work with Litton to upscale practical coating manufacturing. Revolutionary ISAM methods of creating multi-layer protective nanopartwcle films offer major advantages over con-ventional coating processes, ...

The proposed effort focuses on the need for innovative, space realizable, self-contained solid state flexure mechanism for vibration attenuation/isolation. The proposed mechanism is a sealed linear actuator capable of high bandwidth (0-1 kHz) control. A design feasibility study will be performed on the use of piezoelectrics in an innovative flexure mechanism to provide robust vibration attenuation ...

Current rare earth permanent magnets have proven to be in adequate for higher temperatures (300-500_C) military and Air Force applications. Development of permanent magnetic materials which can operate in high temperature regime will enable design of simpler, more efficient magnetic systems. The More Electric Aircraft (MEA) concept pursued by the US Air Force drives this need. We propose a novel p ...

Aerospace composite panels containing a core structure usually use an expanded honeycomb of either aluminum, NOMEX, or carbon fiber. These types of composite panels are often used as structure since the honey-comb core provides stiffness in the "Z" direction. However, they provide no thermal insulation value. Aerospace craft operating both inside and outside the earth's atmosphere experience envir ...

Currently manufactured aerospace composites absorb water vapor to varying degrees. This moisture absorption adds weight to the composite, however, it lowers the glass transition temperature. And, subsequently, the ultimate strength of the resin holding the composite together, in the total composite matrix. For aerospace vehicles that slip the bonds of Earth and enter the vacume of space, any compo ...