Award Data

The recent emergence of the Silicon Drift detector (SDD), for use in Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), has made possible x-ray event streams with input count rates in the range of 1-10 Mcps. Modern digital pulse processors are therefore required to run at fast time constants to achieve reasonable throughput; however, this causes significant coincidence artifacts to appear in the spectrum ...

This proposal seeks to develop a simple, and sensitive molecular diagnostic assay for the detection of Streptococcus equi; the causative agent of strangles. Outbreaks of this disease at racetracks and training establishments caused major disruptions, and economic losses to owners, and trainers in the United States in recent years. The control of the spread of strangles relies on a combination of d ...

Almost all citrus is harvested by hand. The resulting high cost in the U.S. is burden to growers and positions them at a disadvantage to overseas competitors with low labor costs. Automated methods are needed to ensure the long-term viability and prosperity of the U.S. citrus industry. Past attempts at automated harvesting have largely focused on either bulk removal without extensive sensing and c ...

SITUATION: Pesticides are among the most widely used toxic chemicals in the world, and also among the most dangerous to human health. There is convincing evidence that pesticides play a role in human cancers. Contamination of natural waters with pesticides from agriculture is a problem of primary concern. Accurate detection and measurement of pesticides in aqueous solution has historically require ...

NOAA supports over 25,000 underwater dive programs per year. To increase the duration and depth of these dives, the use of closed circuit mixed gas rebreathers (CCRs) is being considered. As there currently are no sensors to detect CO2 levels in the breathing gas, Giner, Inc. proposes to develop an electrochemical CO2 sensor for CCR use. The technical innovation will be to develop a reversible ...

The United States produces over 58 million tons of animal manure every year. These wastes pose a significant risk of environmental damage and human disease if not treated. However, most treatment methods are themselves either energy intensive or environmentally harmful. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to optimize and 
commercialize a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) cap ...

This SBIR project aims to develop a new class of low-field magnetic sensors based on magnetic tunnel junctions with magnesium oxide (MgO) tunnel barriers. The phase 1 effort aims to maximize the high-frequency sensitivity of the MgO-MTJ sensor devices by optimizing the magnetic characteristics of the free electrode. By using new and novel combinations of magnetic materials, in conjunction with pro ...

Biodiesel production using supercritical alcohols is fast, clean, and can treat lower-quality fats and oils than can the usual method of base catalysis. The supercritical method has not been considered practical because of the economic and safety issues associated with the high temperatures, high pressures, and amount of excess alcohol required. The proposed innovation overcomes these objections, ...

Physical Sciences Inc. proposes to continue development of a software tool that is capable of defining the selection and placement of a constellation of standoff and point sensors for the protection of base facilities and forces deployed in the field. The network will be defined using an algorithm that optimizes the collective performance of the sensors as a function of deployment need, geography, ...

The Phase II effort is to be conducted to complete the development of a new ethylene monitor with a detection limit at or below critical levels for storage of perishable commodities. The research effort will help with the development of a new ethylene monitor for use with control systems to regulate ventilating and/or scrubbing of the atmosphere within storage and transport contains to minimize da ...