Award Data

Users of phased arrays with large numbers of elements (e.g., 40,000 to 400,000) wish to have the capability of steering multiple beams simultaneously and to maximize the array bandwidth and dynamic range. Optical fiber"s light weight, small size, and immunity to electromagnetic interference have motivated researchers to propose photonic techniques for steering large arrays. In Phase I of the SBI ...

Active phased array radars are expensive and solid state power and low noise amplifiers are a major component of that expense. Phase shifters employing low loss, high linearity Radio Frequency (RF) Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) switches are an enabling technology for Electronically Steerable Antennas that can be employed for radar and Electronic Warfare applications. This program will deve ...

The goal of this proposal is to develop fast wafer-scale techniques for characterization of Zn-concentration and precipitates and inclusions of Cd and Te. A novel approach to spectrometry will be used to develop a fully automated system for generation of high resolution 2D map of Zn-concentration that promises to be 10x-100x faster than current spectrometers. Advanced image processing techniques ...

Under a recently completed Air Force SBIR Phase II program, we demonstrated the initial feasibility of a back-illuminated p-on-n LWIR HgCdTe junction photodiode formed by diffusion of arsenic from a vapor source. This initial successful demonstration used a mesa format. Our proposed Phase I program will continue the development of the basic arsenic-vapor-diffused lateral-collection micro-junct ...

Triton Systems, Inc. proposes an innovative nanostructured anode material for use in advanced high-energy-capacity space-rated lithium-ion batteries. The new anode material has the possibility of increasing the capacity of lithium-ion batteries by a factor of 10. The deposition processes used to manufacture the anode are non-vacuum-based and large area, lowering the cost in production of the ano ...

The most significant hardware costs on a missile interceptor propulsion system are associated with the thrusters, for which there are typically four divert thrusters and four, six, or eight attitude control thrusters per interceptor. The largest contributor to the thruster cost is the integrated valve/injector. Integration of the valve and injector into a single body provides the benefits of low d ...

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop validated plume codes for the hydrazine monopropellant thruster; the propulsion system that is being utilized for the Divert Attitude Control system in the kill-vehicles in several MDA sponsored defense systems. In Phase I, PSI demonstrated an approach to developing validated codes for the far-field plumes generated by the interaction of plume speci ...

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes a data-driven, multi-tiered, object-based approach to clutter and debris suppression during BMD engagements. Using models and signal processing innovations for clutter and debris developed during the Phase I program, improvements to the current and future generations of missile defense radars and sensors will be demonstrated and tested for effectiveness and ro ...

The work proposed here seeks to produce CZT substrates with superior qualities aimed at improving the performance of MCT detectors used in infrared detectors. The proposed work promises to overcome one of the major causes of dislocation formation in MCT structures.

SI2 Technologies, Inc. (SI2) proposes to design and develop a multifunction conformal antenna system for UHF Flight Termination System (FTS), L-band Global Positioning System (GPS), and S-band Telemetry applications for the SM-3 family of missiles and other platforms. To reduce the depth of protrusion, axial length, and weight of the multifunction antenna while maintaining wide bandwidth and high ...