Award Data

During the past century, physicists have explored subatomic particles in an attempt to understand the fundamental components of the universe, explain the origin of mass, and probe the possibility of an extra-dimensional universe. To advance these explorations, scientists from around the world are working together to develop the International Linear Collider (ILC). ILC applications will require det ...

Biodiesel production using supercritical alcohols not only is fast and clean but also allows the treatment of fats and oils that are lower in quality than those used in the usual method of base catalysis. However, the supercritical method has not been considered practical because of economic and safety issues associated with the high temperatures, high pressures, and amount of excess alcohol requi ...

Wind energy has numerous benefits as a power source, including price stability, lack of greenhouse gas emissions, and lack of dependence on imported fuels. As wind increases its penetration into the U.S. power market, it is imperative to minimize costs and maximize reliability, so that it can fully compete with traditional power sources. The primary recurring cost of energy in wind turbines is m ...

DNA microarray technology, in combination with statistical and predictive modeling tools, could be used to evaluate thousands of genes against distinct gene expression patterns induced by chemical/biological agents to provide early identification and speed therapeutic intervention. The overall objective of this Phase II effort is to leverage existing public domain resources and commercial tools t ...

Manning Applied Technology proposes to develop a handheld infrared spectrometer, ideally suited to detection of airborne chemical agents at and below permissible exposure limits. This approach offers unmatched sensitivity and specificity for detection of all types of chemical vapors. The instrument is modular, rugged, compact and highly sensitive. Volume pricing will be less than $1000 each. ...

78845S The Department of Energy desires to increase fuel efficiency by reducing vehicle weight. Carbon fiber composites offer one promising way to do this, but difficulties in building economical, consistent, high quality preforms has limited the introduction of this material. This project will to adapt a well established pulp molding technology to produce carbon fiber preforms for lightweight ...

79454S Despite advances in modern electron optics, which have permitted observation with unprecedented resolutions, most materials science research involves the quantification of static properties of materials. This is mostly due to limitations in modern day equipment and the time and cost associated with modifying existing microscopes. Consequently a need exists to extend the current ability t ...

Effective collective protection fabrics must have a reliable closure system. During our Phase I Work Plan, Sigma-K began developing a Hermetic Textile Closure Hardware (HATCH) system. The HATCH combines both a magnetic and geometric self locking mechanism that will provide a hermetic seal when closed. Our current Phase I successes include developing self closing samples that can provide a hermetic ...

79658B The reliable fabrication of high performance point electron sources is required for scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) systems with brightness greater than 109 Amp/cm2/steradian at an extraction voltage of 100 kV. Conventional point sources require a high vacuum for stable operation, and tip failure occurs by vacuum arcing and unstable emission due to atom migration. This p ...

79658B The reliable fabrication of high performance point electron sources is required for scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) systems with brightness greater than 109 Amp/cm2/steradian at an extraction voltage of 100 kV. Conventional point sources require a high vacuum for stable operation, and tip failure occurs by vacuum arcing and unstable emission due to atom migration. This p ...