IMAGE ACOUSTICS, INC.

97 Elm Street

Cohasset, MA 02025 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (781) 383-2002

John L. Butler

NAVY 00-072 Title: Multistatic Acoustic Source for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) Abstract: A low frequency underwater acoustic source for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) will be developed. The transducer will operate in the 300 Hz to 500 Hz spectrum with an acoustic source level of at least 205 dB /1uPa @ 1m. The proposed innovative transducer design will be based on the X-spring design (U. S. Patent 4,845,688 "Electromechanical Transduction Apparatus,"). The new X-spring transducer element configuration proposed uses a large 33 mode ring which drives two concave cone shaped shells which, in turn, amplify the motion translated to two symmetrical pistons. The design allows an increase in radiating area and a magnified motion resulting in a larger volume velocity than could be achieved from a ring alone. Also, the radiation load is magnified yielding a low Q and high mechanical efficiency even at low frequencies. Although a single transducer should be capable of achieving the desired acoustic source level, we present a directional capability scheme where an improved directivity index can be achieved reducing the power needed for the desired level. A UUV transducer for multi-static sonar applications will be developed. The ring driven X-spring approach should provide a scalable approach applicable to current and future underwater acoustic systems. The technology should provide improvement for low frequency sonar systems, and for oceanographic and possibly tomography applications.

QUANTUM MAGNETICS, INC.

7740 Kenamar Ct.

San Diego, CA 92121 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (858) 566-9200

Robert Mathews

NAVY 00-077 Title: Integration of Advanced Magnetic Sensors into Underwater Vehicles to Provide High-Quality Spatiotemporal Magnetic Data Abstract: Ultrasensitive magnetometers have demonstrated their responsiveness to Navy needs ranging from basic science (ocean floor geomagnetic surveys) to military operations (detection, classification and localization of buried mines). Taking advantage of their sensitivity requires means to suppress noise caused by sensor motion in the earth's magnetic field. An additional problem with using magnetometers on an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is magnetic interference generated by the AUV itself. A unique new instrument, the Room Temperature Three Sensor Gradiometer (RTG), developed by IBM, Quantum Magnetics and the Naval Coastal Systems Station, lends itself especially well to solving the AUV interference problem. It offers unprecedented potential for magnetic measurements of high sensitivity from AUV platforms for both research and military operations. In Phase I, we propose to characterize the magnetic interference field of low-cost, plastic-body AUV's and to use the information to design a generalized RTG optimized for AUV operation. In Phase II, we will fabricate, integrate and demonstrate the RTG aboard an AUV. Room Temperature Three Sensor Gradiometers (RTGs) integrated into small, inexpensive AUVs offer a new capability in sea floor geological research and military operations such as shallow-water mine reconnaissance. The generalization of RTG technology proposed here allows implementation in new application areas such as magnetic detection of corrosion and biomagnetometry.

INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION, INC.

2 Research Place, Suite 202

Rockville, MD 20850 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (301) 590-3155

Donald R. Myers

NAVY 00-078 Title: Quadruped Robotic Manipulator as Multipurpose Positioning System Abstract: This proposal describes an approach to building a Quadruped Robotic Vehicle (QRV) for use as a heavy-lift, stable, reconfigurable, omnidirectional, naval multipurpose mobility platform. The QRV will be able to maneuver both below-deck and on-deck in a way that could never be achieved with a wheeled vehicle. For use below-deck, the QRV could move down narrow passageways and through elevator doors easier than existing forklift vehicles. The QRV can fold to a low profile for easy storage. On-deck, the QRV could step over tie-down chains, over or around aircraft landing gear, and maneuver its payload in tight spaces near aircraft pylons. In addition, the QRV provides a mulit-DOF motion base for manipulators, end-effectors, and tools to assist in the loading and off-loading of payloads. The QRV we propose exploits four legs, each configured as a Stewart Platform. In previous work, we simulated the dynamics of such a vehicle. In this work, specific shipboard applications will be identified and the simulation will be enhanced to demonstrate the QRV's capability of performing each application. The most immediate application of the work proposed is an omnidirectional, multipurpose mobility platform for material handling and for logistics support. The QRV would be ideal as a mobility base for a robot in any application where the ability to move in tightly constrained areas is important.

AEROTECH ENGINEERING & RESEARCH CORP.

3115 W. 6th Street, Suite I

Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (785) 841-9823

Kyle Wetzel

NAVY 00-081 Title: Smart Materials-based Quiet Turning and Propulsion Mechanisms for Marine Vehicles Abstract: The need for quieting the propulsion system of naval vessels is identified Quiet turning capability and non-rotating propulsion systems are two concepts that can be employed to increase the stealthiness of ships, without the associated loss of propulsive performance. By using propellers running in variable-geometry shrouds, thrust vectoring can be achieved, in lieu of using a rudder or turning the shroud. It is also possible to create a non-rotating propulsion system that uses variable geometry to impart energy to a flow, providing propulsive power for the vessel. Both these proposed concepts utilize smart materials to effect the desired shape change. Aerotech proposes to develop two smart materials-based systems for enhancing the stealth performance of Navy ship propulsion systems: the first is a variable geometry shroud for thrust vectoring, and the second is a propulsion system that uses variable geometry to effect propulsion. The use of smart materials such as magnetostrictives and piezoelectrics offers unique advantages to designers and operators of engineering systems. Such systems can produce "solid-state" actuation, and are simple, compact, flexible, and reliable. These concepts also offer the advantages of reliable operation and increased blade life to commercial ship operators. Actuators developed for these applications can be inserted into actuation systems used in medical, aerospace, automotive, industrial motion, optics and other fields.

SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES & SYSTEMS, INC.

7655 E. Redfield Rd. #10

Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (480) 483-1997

Walker Butler

NAVY 00-090 Title: Innovative Air and Surface Strike Weapons Technology Abstract: Sensor Technologies & Systems' personnel have over 35 years experience designing, building and testing active, semi-active and passive RF seekers for air-to-air and air-to-surface missile systems. STS has recently been working at millimeter wave frequencies for low cost ($500-2000) commercial sensor applications. STS proposes to investigate the application of this commercial technology for a very low cost air-ground seeker. This seeker would feature beam steering in aximuth for search and high range resolution for clutter rejection and target identification. STS has been engaged in the design, fabrication, and test of millimeter wave radar sensors for several years. STS was initially contracted under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Integrated Vehicle Highway System program to evaluate the effectiveness of forward-looking radars for collision warning and cruise control for future cars and trucks. This effort lasted from 1993 to 1998 and included the design, fabrication, and test of a 76.5 GHz FM-CW radar mounted on the front of a test vehicle. Since then STS has started development of a miniaturized 76.5 GHz radar for use in this application. This radar has many of the generic features which would qualify it for use as a missile seeker, such as a narrow azimuth beam (1.6 degrees), good range resolution (1.5 feet), a scanning antenna in azimuth (20 beam positions), and radar image processing for scene recognition. The radar transmits only a few milliwatts of power, yet it can easily detect vehicles over 200 meters away. While this range is not sufficient for a seeker, one kilometer should be, so the concept is worth considering. There is component development occurring in the 76-77 GHz band because of the automotive applications. STS Proposes to take advantage of this development to design and test an extremely low cost missile seeker.

TOUCHSTONE RESEARCH LABORATORY, LTD.

The Millennium Centre, R.D. 1, Box 100B

Triadelphia, WV 26059 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (304) 547-5800

Darren K. Rogers

NAVY 00-091 Title: Reducing the Cost of Naval Vessels through Use of Inexpensive, Lightweight Structural Foams Abstract: Within focus on Product Design and Material Technologies under MARITECH's Strategic Investment Plan, there is opportunity for development of novel materials and designs that will reduce systems costs and offer performance improvements. A technology, based on domestic materials and expertise, is being developed by Touchstone Research Laboratory that will support low-cost shipbuilding and market differentiation with international shipbuilders. It is a lightweight, fire-resistant, structural carbon foam produced from readily-available bituminous coal. Carbon foam advantages that support shipbuilding affordability include (1) finished component costs projected at less than $6 per pound, (2) widely available precursors from a robust, domestic supplier base, (3) parallel development for commodity industries to reduce manufacturing costs with increased volume, and (4) reduced maintenance/replacement costs in a marine environment. Initial concept testing has been supported under Navy Phase I and II SBIRs aimed at illustrating the multifunctionality of carbon foam. There are many naval applications for carbon foam, utilizing its structural properties and fire and corrosion resistance. In the proposed effort, Touchstone seeks to broaden exposure of carbon foam to include other vessels, such as submarines and smaller surface vessels which also offer applications for lightweight, inexpensive, and fire resistant structural materials. Ship, home and building ventilation ducts and fireproof walls for home, office and emergency shelters; fire and ballistic protection for law enforcement, fire fighting and military personnel

JAYCOR, INC.

9775 Towne Centre Drive

San Diego, CA 92121 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (256) 837-9100

T.G. Bo Henderson

AF 00-048 Title: Robust Microtip Emitter Arrays for Microelectronics Abstract: The technology to fabricate wide band semiconductor microtips and vacuum field effect transistors will be developed. More specifically, micro-vacuum-tube electronics utilizing CVD diamond microtip emitters (patent pending) as the cold cathode, a CVD diamond micro-patterned grid or self aligned gate, and a CVD diamond anode will be developed. Each device will be 3 microns square and will be fabricated in an array having 10 million devices in 1 cm^2. The very small vacuum tubes will have plate currents of 100 micro-amps at grid voltages of a few volts. Individual microtriodes could be connected together using modern semiconductor metalization methods to form extremely radiation tolerant high temperature processors. Or the microtriode array can be ganged together to form an extremely high power RF amplifier which has plate current of 1,000 amps/cm^2 and plate voltages in the kilovolt range. Grid voltages on the order of tens of volts will control the current emission and potentially produce megawatts of power from a 1 cm^2 device. During Phase I, CVD diamond microtip emitter arrays will be fabricated and tested in the laboratory in a diode configuration. The Phase II program will design, fabricate, test, and deliver CVD diamond microtriodes.

NANOMATERIALS RESEARCH CORP.

2620 Trade Center Avenue

Longmont, CO 80503 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (303) 702-1672

Dmitri Routkevitch

AF 00-048 Title: Arrays of Aligned WBGS Nanotips for Rugged Field Emission Sources Abstract: Affordable and reliable technology is needed for fabrication of micro- and nanotip field emitters from wide band gap semiconductors (WBGS), which could enable new high current electron sources for severe operating conditions, such as high temperature and harsh electromagnetic radiation. Although several approaches for making field emitter arrays were demonstrated up to date, their emission threshold, sustainable current density, and survivability are not sufficient for many military and commercial applications. The proposed effort seeks to develop novel arrays of aligned WBGS nanoemitters, prepared in self-organized nanoporous ceramic substrate. The arrays will be integrated into field emission cathodes for vacuum field effect transistors and other vacuum microelectronic devices, operating in harsh environments. The approach is compatible with conventional microfabrication, economical and scaleable to large areas. The Phase I will demonstrate the proof-of-concept by fabricating and evaluating a prototype of a vacuum field emission microdiode with integrated array of WBGS nanoemitters. Phase II will design, fabricate and demonstrate the operation of vacuum field effect transistors in harsh conditions, provide packaged prototypes to the Air Force and to industrial partners for evaluation, and initiate commercialization effort.

LASSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

6059 Bristol Parkway

Culver City, CA 90230 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (310) 216-4049

Bruno Pouet

AF 00-144 Title: Laser-based ultrasonic detection of defects under thermal barrier coatings Abstract: This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine the feasibility of laser-based ultrasonic inspection for the detection of defects under porous coatings, specifically thermal barrier coatings. Laser ultrasound is a developing field and can be used for remote measurements of parts in hostile environments where traditional transducer-based ultrasound techniques cannot be used. A laser-based ultrasonic system is composed of a generation laser and a laser receiver. The generation laser is a pulsed laser. The absorption of a short laser pulse causes local heating of the sample, generating an ultrasonic stress wave. This wave is detected where it reaches the surface by a laser interferometer. One promising interferometric receiver uses two-wave mixing in a photorefractive material to coherently combine a plane-wave reference beam and a probe beam which has been distorted while interrogating the rough test surface. In this program we will investigate a number of inspection geometries for high-sensitivity detection and localization of defects cracks. We will seek to optimize the sensitivity of our laser ultrasonic technique by taking advantage of modern appropriate signal processing techniques.

MP TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

1500 Sheridan Road, Unit 8A

Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (847) 491-7251

Hooman Mohseni

AF 00-156 Title: Materials for Superlattice Infrared Detectors Abstract: Recently, novel electronic and optoelectronic devices such as hundred gigahertz logic circuits, room temperature infrared lasers, and detectors have been demonstrated from III-V based mixed anion heterostructures. The importance of the interfaces quality and crystal perfection in this material system has been proven to be the key issue by many groups. The objective of this project is to develop epitaxial growth techniques that will significantly increase the interface smoothness and abruptness, as well as the material crystal quality. The proposed growth techniques and source material switching sequences will reduce some of the fundamental growth problems such as cross incorporation, cation and anion segregation, and atomic exchange. These techniques are expected to result in a root mean square (rms) surface roughness below 1/2 monolayer over large areas, abrupt interfaces, and high crystal quality reproducibly.

KERNCO, INC. 28 Harbor Street Danvers, MA 01923

Phone: PI: Topic#: (978) 777-1956 Martin Levine AF 00-237

Title: Ultraminiature Laser-Based Atomic Clocks (ULAC)

Abstract: As navigation accuracy, code encryption and data transmission rate requirements become more critical, it is a requirement that a suitable timing device be at the heart of the system. A Ultraminiature Laser-Based Atomic Clock (ULAC) will be a necessity to realize the stringent size, weight, and system performance requirements. While many solutions may exist, two technologies that appear to be the most viable for the ULAC application are: Coherent Population Trapping (CPT) and conventional Intensity Optical Pumping (IOP). It is inappropriate at this time to attempt to directly compare the relative merits of the various technologies as applied to a ULAC concept since existing data has been accumulated under widely varying conditions and incompatible environments. The IOP approach to the ULAC has previously been developed in prototype units with limited success. This SBIR Phase I program will provide further advances in the art of ultraminiature atomic clocks by: direct comparison of CPT and IOP technologies, selection of the optimum candidate, and fabrication of a demonstration unit. The natural follow-on to this effort would be a Phase II SBIR to demonstrate a prototype unit capable of interfacing with multiple application platforms which would allow simultaneous pursuit of DoD and Commercial applications.

UNITED SILICON CARBIDE, INC.

100 Jersey Ave., Bldg D

New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Phone:

PI:

Topic#: (732) 565-9500

Maurice Weiner

DARPA 00-025 Title: Development of an Advanced High Yield Cost Effective SiC Process Technology for Manufacturing a New Class of SiC Power Devices Abstract: We propose to develop an innovative cost-effective SiC process technology that would make it possible for the first time to fabricate and commercialize a whole now class of SiC power switches covering voltages from 1,000V to 10,000V. The proposed innovative process technology, if developed successfully, would make it possible to (i) reduce the high power dissipation of SiC devices to less than 200 W/sq.cm, (ii) drastically improve SiC power device reliability when operating at high temperatures, and (iii) reduce the costs of SiC power devices as a result of the greatly improved process and device yield. In Phase I, we plan to (i) perform fundamental experiments and computer simulations to show the feasibility of the innovative technology for applications to high power devices, (ii) demonstrate experimentally the proposed innovative technology through the fabrication of a novel SiC power switch, and (iii) deliver two novel SiC power switches capable of 10 Amp-1,000V with low power dissipation by utilizing theinnovative SiC process technology. In Phase II, we will greatly improve the process technology for the commercialization development in Phase III.