Award Data

Adaptive Optics allow ground-based astronomical observatories to overcome atmospheric distortion limited observation by using natural and artificial guide stars to measure the distortion. Sodium-layer guide stars provide near all-sky coverage for high resolution astronomy. Over the last 20 years, Optically Pumped Semiconductor Laser (OPSL), also referred to as Vertically Extended Cavity Surface ...

In partnership with the Strausfeld Lab at the University of Arizona, BNS proposes to develop an Amplitude and Polarization High-speed Image Display (APHID) based on our previous VIS/NIR Hyperspectral Image Projector (HIP) design. Using BNS-developed liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulators (SLMs), this display will provide high-speed multispectral wide-field visual stimulus to invertebrates ov ...

The aerothermal environment for hypersonic flight vehicles is severe and can generate extremely high material temperatures. These high-temperature environments can cause intense localized heating, which may result in local pockets and/or structural instabilities, especially at vehicle leading-edge regions, and may lead to disruptions that affect vehicle performance. The aerothermal environment may ...

Thermoelastic structures poses a critical challenge to designers due to the inherent proportionality of the thermal loading on the structural thickness. This is further exacerbated by structural nonlinearity where any out-of-plane deformation further increases the effective loading on the structure. As a result of this, conventional design optimization procedures, which are typically based on line ...

In partnership with the Colorado School of Mines Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technologies and with support from the Johns Hopkins University Energetic Research Group, Special Aerospace Services will provide the Air Force with characterization of fully dense Selective Laser Melted GRCop-84 subjected to a variety of manipulations that affect key performance metrics for regene ...

Detecting explosives and weapons under clothing or in hand carried packages, and imaging terrain and objects through fog and smoke are two high-priority needs that can be met using light in the Terahertz frequency range. However, to image concealed threats, and aid in navigation in fog and smoke, a practical, low cost THz camera is needed. Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) in collaboration with Re ...

ABSTRACT: The U.S. Air Force has a need to develop a new class of advanced, wide field of view (WFOV) imaging sensors that sample the radiation field in multiple modes: spectral, temporal, polarization, and detailed object shape. These multimodal sensors are to be deployed on high altitude drones to enhance their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Smaller versio ...

ABSTRACT: Tanner Research, Inc., in collaboration with University of Maryland, will determine feasibility and plan for development of technology based on insect visual sensing and processing, which will integrate three modes related to navigation and guidance: motion detection from imaging sensing; polarization sensing and processing to implement a celestial compass; and ocellar sensing and proce ...

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force"s need for a novel advanced imaging sensor concept that samples all of the information in the radiation field, taking inspiration from biological systems, Luminit proposes to develop a new Biomimetic Integrated Optical Sensor (BIOS) system. The system will be based on the unique integration of a wide field-of-view (FOV) miniature staring multi-aperture compound ...

A Battlefield Airman (BA) has one of the most challenging positions in the military. BA personnel are tasked with the dual roles of being warfighters as well as Combat Controllers, Pararescuemen, Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) members and Special Operations Weather Technicians often while behind enemy lines. These complex duties require high fidelity training. In some cases, such as pararesc ...