Award Data

A new type of thrust vector control (TVC) system is proposed to enable a high-performance, low-cost defense against ballistic threats. Approved for Public Release 19-MDA-10203 (4 Sep 19)

In this SBIR effort we will develop an ultra-compact, high-speed, low RIN and high-power transmitter for high-performance RF photonic link applications based on our cutting-edge lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) modulator. In phase I, we will design, fabricate and characterize a low Vp, push-and-pull LNOI modulator. We will study the optical couplings at the laser/modulator/fiber interfaces to a ...

For this program, we propose implementing a novel laser-design concept that will significantly increase the active-region volume in order to maximize the continuous-wave (CW) output power from a single-element, quantum cascade laser (QCL), while maintaining stable, single-spatial-mode CW operation at all drive levels. This is possible, because, unlike infrared (IR) light in conventional diode lase ...

Innovative Advanced Materials (IAM), Inc., founded by Dr. W. Alan Doolittle, proposes to demonstrate new betavoltaic fuel source innovations and to utilize recent materials advances (last two years) that facilitate a new geometry betavoltaic energy convertor that circumvents many of the previous power limiting bottlenecks. The proprietary IAM “TJ LEG” architecture will allow for: a) efficient ...

Next-generation naval ships will require electric machinery with at least 50% greater power density than is available today. Such machines must deliver up to 10’s of MW at 100-200 rpm with very high energy efficiency, extremely low noise signature, and reasonable cost. Electrostatic machine technology is often overlooked but is perfectly suited to achieving these goals. C-Motive Technologies pro ...

In this SBIR effort we will collaborate with Dr. J.C. Campbell’s research group at the University of Virginia (UVA) in developing a high-power, high-speed, high-linearity photodiode (PD) receiver optimized for operation at 1 micron wavelength. In phase II, we will fabricate, characterize, package and commercialize the 1 micron photodiode that we have successfully designed and studied in our phas ...

The technical objectives of this proposal are: 1) demonstrate a single-element, 4.6 micron-emitting quantum-cascade-laser (QCL) with > 40 % continuous-wave (CW) wallplug efficiency (WPE) at room temperature; (2) perform a comprehensive simulation to achieve a design for a monolithic QCL operating in a single spatial mode to 10 W CW output power; 3) perform a thermal-management analysis for the des ...

Monolithic surface-emitting (SE) semiconductor lasers hold promise for significant advantages over edge-emitting lasers in terms of both reliable operation, scaling the CW single-mode output powers into the multi-watt range, and manufacturing cost. Grating-coupled (GC) surface emitters offer a path to achieving single-spatial-mode, single-frequency CW operation, with the added advantage that relat ...

Installation of fasteners and bushings is a perennial problem for the FRCs and remote detachments, since wet-install failures and installation of bare bushings leads to rapid galvanic corrosion.This program will develop a wet-install approach based on Al-rich primer for galvanic corrosion inhibition on bushings and fasteners installed in aluminum airframes. Electrochemical modeling developed under ...

Accurate and timely weather information for situational awareness is critical to the success of Air Force missions. To date, space-borne sensors for weather forecasting primarily include visible, infrared, and microwave instruments. While visible and infrared sensors have reached a high level of maturity and performance, those operating in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum conti ...