Soldier Of For s/n: tune 2 BETA serial key or number

Bunker Alfa Codes (Year 2018)

• A19B-T001: Freeform Optics for Small Arms Fire Control
• A19B-T002: Universal Navigation Solution Manager
• A19B-T003: Uniform Dispersion and Alignment of Short Fiber Composite Reinforcement
• A19B-T004: Diamond Electron Amplifiers
• A19B-T005: High-Speed Mid-Infrared Free-Space Laser Communications
• A19B-T006: Isogeometric Analysis Methods for High Fidelity Mobility Applications
• A19B-T007: Low Temperature Deposition of Magnetic Materials on Topological Materials
• A19B-T008: Exploiting Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms for Extreme Performance
• A19B-T009: Optical Grating Enhancement of MWIR Structures for High Temperature Operation
• A19B-T010: Production of Natural Melanin for Affordable EMP Shielding
• A19B-T011: Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) as a Method to produce High Aspect Ratio Conductive Flakes for Advanced Bispectral or Infrared (IR) Obscuration
• A19B-T012: Mobile Metal Manufacturing Technologies For Repair And Retrofit of Infrastructure Systems
• A19B-T013: To Develop and Demonstrate a Technology Enabling the Detection and Quantification of Modified Nucleic Acid Bases from a Mammalian Genome such as Methylation Sites
• A19B-T014: Passive, Non-powered Re-chargeable Heat Storage Systems for Cold Climate Operations
• A19B-T015: Direct Hydrogen Production from Sunlight and Water
• A19B-T016: High Performance, Non-flammable Lithium Battery
• AF19B-T001: Open Call for Science and Technology Created by Early-Stage (e.g. University) Teams
• AF19B-T002: Advanced Kinetic Evolution of Oxidation Resistant Structures through Additive Manufacturing
• AF19B-T003: Fully Adaptive Radar Resource Allocation
• AF19B-T005: Image Segmentation for Target Attitude using a Priori Knowledge
• AF19B-T006: Information Extraction for New Emerging Noisy User-generated Micro-Text
• AF19B-T007: Ultra-Wideband Transmission Using Sub-wavelength Antennas on Airborne Platforms
• AF19B-T008: Networking for Wideband Links at Terahertz Frequencies
• AF19B-T009: Multiband Equipment for Spectrum Agility (MESA)
• AF19B-T010: Design and Develop a Methodology, Framework and Tool to Assess, Simplify and Automate Cybersecurity Controls and Reporting
• AF19B-T011: Cyber Attack Immunity for Embedded Systems
• AF19B-T012: Tailored Supersonic Flow Fields
• AF19B-T013: Modern, Rapid, Usable, Lower Order Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Development for Aerodynamic Analysis
• AF19B-T014: Improvements for Helicon Plasma Thruster Technologies
• AF19B-T015: Low Temperature Homogeneous Epitaxy of 4H-SiC Using Novel Precursors
• DHA19B-001: Neurofeedback Training and Hyperscanning for Mission Readiness and Return-to-Duty via Functional Near-Infrared Spectrometry (fNIRS)
• DMEA19B-001: Near Atomic Spatial Resolution Electrical Characterization
• DTRA19B-001: Hardened, Optically-Based Temperature Characterization of Detonation Environments
• DTRA19B-002: Improved Identification of the function of Novel and Partially Occluded Laboratory Equipment.
• DTRA19B-003: Dual-Mode Fast Organic Isotopic Scintillators
• N19B-T025: Overall Aircraft System-of-Systems Thermal Model and Simulation Tool
• N19B-T026: Fatigue Prediction for Additive Manufactured (AM) Metallic Components
• N19B-T027: Large Eddy Simulation (LES) Flow Solver Suitable for Modeling Conjugate Heat Transfer
• N19B-T028: Additive Manufacturing of Inorganic Transparent Materials for Advanced Optics
• N19B-T029: Data Science Techniques for Various Mission Planning Processes and Performance Validation
• N19B-T030: Robust, Low Permeability, Water-Filled Microcapsules
• N19B-T031: Innovations in Production of Rotorcraft Airframe Components using Advanced 3D Braiding
• N19B-T032: Strength Loss Indicator for Webbing
• N19B-T033: Analysis and Modeling of Erosion in Gas-Turbine Grade Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)
• N19B-T034: Model for Surface Finish Prediction and Optimization of Metal Additively Manufactured Parts
• N19B-T035: Universal Sensor Application Programming Interface (API) for Undersea Data
• N19B-T036: Three Dimensional Field of Light Display

Freeform Optics for Small Arms Fire Control

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons 

OBJECTIVE: OBJECTIVE: Design, develop, prototype and demonstrate a selection of Freeform Optics that allow for the reduction of lens elements required to reproduce color-corrected imagery. Evolve the technology for manufacturability and survivability in a military environment. This technology will benefit Squad, Crew Served and Sniper fire control systems by reducing the size, weight and complexity of Fire Control devices and enablers. 

DESCRIPTION: The necessity for snipers, soldiers, and crew served weapons operators to rapidly and accurately detect targets on the battlefield is a capability that is of high interest to the department of defense, across all agencies. Traditional optics are radially symmetric while freeform optics can be non-radially symmetric. The increased flexibility of freeform optics allow for potentially revolutionary optical designs. Previously freeform optics were not really practical due to manufacturing limitations. Additive manufacturing technologies such as three dimensional printing are making an entire new generation of optical components and designs possible. For example, an Alvarez lens system is capable of providing a continuously variable focal length with a compact size. A Freeform optical element that is able to precisely focus light at different wavelengths will reduce the number of optical components required in a weapon mounted fire control sighting system, greatly reducing the size and weight of the system. The threshold wavelength range is 390nm to 700nm (Human Visible Spectrum). The objective wavelength range is from 390nm to 1600nm. The intent is for the contractor to determine what level of achromaticity is achievable across the spectrum of visible light using this technology. The Freeform lens design and manufacturability technology developed under this effort will result in cost and weight savings across all branches of the armed forces. The transition of this technology to industry will reduce the size, weight & complexity of optical systems by reducing the number of lenses required in nearly every precision optical system. 

PHASE I: Identify materials, methods and models for producing Freeform Optics, in particular solutions that use 3d printed polymeric materials, however, it is not the intent of the author to specify how the optics are to be fabricated. Optical properties shall be modeled, and performance quantified. Small-scale proof-of-concept samples shall be produced with identified materials and methods. Any software utilized and literature addressed shall be identified by the contractor. Contractor shall clearly state in the proposal and final report how the phenomenology provides the unique capability for achieving the design goals. Freeform optic design software will be used to define how a fielded small arms fire control system could benefit from a Freeform design. Efficiencies of at least 10% shall be demonstrated through modeling of the optical system design complexity (the number of optical elements), the size of the optical system, and the commensurate savings in weight shall all be described in the final report. 

PHASE II: Develop prototype Freeform optical units. Prototype shall be F/7 or faster, with a half field of view no less than 5 degrees. Prototype shall be optimized for a minimum of three (3) visible wavelengths (486nm, 587nm, 656nm). A variable magnification system based on Alvarez lenses or another freeform optic is of considerable interest. The contractor shall perform modeling and simulation that quantifies the optical performance of the prototype (Spot Diagrams [Both Monochromatic & Polychromatic], Ray Fans, MTF [Modulation Transfer Function], Distortion, and Field Curvature). A prototype shall be fabricated and delivered to the Government. Testing shall be conducted on the prototype to verify its actual performance versus modeled expectations. The Government will keep at least one prototype. Any software utilized and literature addressed shall be identified by the contractor. Contractor shall clearly state in the proposal and final report how the phenomenology provides the unique capability for achieving the design goals. Efficiencies of at least 20% shall be demonstrated through modeling of the optical system design complexity (the number of optical elements), the size of the optical system, and the commensurate savings in weight shall all be described in the final report. Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 3 

PHASE III: Optimize the physical properties for military applications. Prototype a rifle mounted fire control sight using this technology that demonstrates the benefits in size and weight over currently fielded systems. Replace conventional optics with the design in a sight that represents the optical performance of a fielded military small arms sighting system. Test and report the results of the optical metrology/performance and weight savings. Create a partnership with industry to commercialize the technology and improve the manufacturability. The prototype will be TRL 4 at the end of phase III. 

REFERENCES: 

1: Freeform: S. Barbero, J. Rubinstein, J. Opt 13 (2011) 125705

2:  A. Moehl et al., SPIE vol 10690, 1069017 (2018).

3:  https://phys.org/news/2017-08-freeform-optical-device-smaller-package.html#nRlv

4:  https://phys.org/news/2018-05-method-guesswork-lenses-freeform.html

5:  http://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-04186-9

6:  https://phys.org/news/2015-11-telescope-mirrors.html

7:  https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/10690/2313114/Ready-to-use-a-multi-focal-system-based-on-Alvarez/10.1117/12.2313114.full?SSO=1

KEYWORDS: Conformal Optics 

Universal Navigation Solution Manager

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors 

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a universal navigation solution manager that provides the best possible navigation solution without human intervention using conventional and alternative navigation sensors in an environment where some or all of those sensors might be compromised, contested, degraded, or denied. 

DESCRIPTION: Increased dependence on Global Positioning System (GPS) has driven the need for alternative navigation solutions in using these systems for critical operations where precise system performance is desired and GPS might be compromised, contested, degraded, or denied. The navigation accuracy and availability of conventional and alternative navigation solutions provided in such a compromised, contested, degraded, or denied environment have the potential to vary depending on the challenges presented by the environment. In addition to accuracy and availability, one must also consider the integrity of the sensed information such that compromised data and/or data estimates that exceed specified limits are excluded from the final navigation solution [1]. Furthermore, the accuracy, availability, and integrity of conventional and alternative navigation information sources may change during the duration of the mission and may depend on factors such as flight dynamics, mission status, sensor parameters, location, system health, etc. The objective is to develop an innovative solution analogous to that of GPS Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) [2] that is capable of identifying and monitoring the accuracy, availability, and integrity of conventional and alternative navigation sources for the duration of the mission and ingesting them into a navigation solution accordingly to provide the best possible navigation solution without the intervention of a human. In advancing alternative navigation technologies applicable to Precision, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), this effort is a key enabler for precision engagements in compromised, contested, degraded, or denied environments in the Army Modernization Priorities for Long Range Precision Fires. Addressing the technical issue of computing the best navigation solution using conventional and/or alternative methods without human intervention will allow for performance improvements in compromised, contested, degraded, or denied environments. By advancing alternative navigation solutions applicable to Army mission scenarios, this effort is an enabler for extended range for systems in the Army Modernization Priorities for Long Range Precision Fires. 

PHASE I: Develop, test, and validate a universal navigation solution manager that demonstrates the capability to provide the best navigation solution by autonomously adjudicating the accuracy, availability, and integrity of conventional and alternative navigation sensors in compromised, contested, degraded, or denied environments. Further define the complete proof-of-concept universal navigation solution manager that will be developed in Phase II. 

PHASE II: Develop, test, and validate a universal navigation solution manager that demonstrates the capability to provide the best navigation solution by autonomously adjudicating the accuracy, availability, and integrity of conventional and alternative navigation sensors in compromised, contested, degraded, or denied environments. The complete proof-of-concept universal navigation solution manager will be delivered to AMRDEC at the end of Phase II. In the event that DoD Components identify topics that will involve classified work in Phase II, companies invited to submit a proposal must have or be able to obtain the proper facility and personnel clearances in order to perform Phase II work. International Traffic in Army Regulation (ITAR) control may be required. Contract Security Classification Specifications, DD Form 254, may be required. 

PHASE III: Advance the universal solution manager developed in Phase II to a marketable product addressing the size, weight, power, cost, and operational environment of military and commercial systems. Precision operation in contested, degraded, or denied environments is important to many missile applications. The ability to autonomously provide the best possible navigation solution in compromised, contested, degraded, or denied environments would be advantageous to many Army systems including current and future systems within Long Range Precision Fires. This technology has the potential to find uses in both military and commercial applications. Commercial applications could include emergency personnel or civilian operations where precision is required such as in urban canyons, mining and tunneling, and indoor environments where conventional and/or alternative navigation sensors have the potential to be compromised, contested, degraded, or denied. 

REFERENCES: 

1: Federal Radionavigation Plan. Technical Report DOT-VNTSC-RITA-05-12/DoD-4650.5, Springfield, VA: Joint Publication by US Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Transportation, December 2005.

2:  R. G. Brown. Receiver autonomous integrity monitoring. Global Positioning System: Theory and Applications, II(143-165), 1993.

3:  M. A. Sturza. Navigation system integrity using redundant measurements. Journal of the Institute of Navigation, 35(4), Winter 1988-1989.

4:  Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, 3rd edition, Wiley, 2007.

5:  S. Moafipoor. Updating the navigation parameters by direct feedback from the image sensor in a multi-sensor system. In Proceedings of the 19th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2006), 2006.

6:  Y. C. Lee. Navigation system integrity using redundant measurements. In Proceedings of the 17th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2004), 2004.

7:  Craig D. Larson, John Raquet, and Michael J. Veth. Developing a framework for image-based integrity. In Proceedings of ION GNSS 2009, pages 778-789, September 2009.

8:  J. L. Farrell and F. van Grass. Statistical validation for GPS integrity test. Journal of the Institute of Navigation, 39(2), 1992.

9:  Larson, C. An Integrity Framework for Image-Based Navigation Systems. Ph.D. Thesis, Air Force Institute of Technology, Dayton, OH, USA, 2010.

KEYWORDS: Autonomous, Integrity, Accuracy, Availability, GPS Denied, Alternative Navigation, Precision, Environment 

Uniform Dispersion and Alignment of Short Fiber Composite Reinforcement

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials 

OBJECTIVE: Develop a method for the uniform dispersion and alignment of short fiber reinforcement in highly loaded composite materials. 

DESCRIPTION: There is an on-going effort to reduce the weight of Army vehicles to increase combat effectiveness, improve fuel efficiency and reduce the burdens associated with transporting fuel to the battlefield. Currently, there are many fielded Army vehicle parts that are made of aluminum or other metals that could potentially be replaced by lighter and stronger fiber composite materials. The anisotropic nature of the fiber reinforcements often requires the fibers to be highly aligned to obtain advantageous material properties. However, this imposes restrictions on the part geometries due to the need to preserve the continuity of long or continuous fibers. Strong curvatures or sharp angles would cause the fiber reinforcement to break, compromising mechanical properties. A method of addressing this problem is to produce prepregs of highly aligned (>90% of fibers within 5º of the same orientation), short (<5 mm), discontinuous fibers with high aspect ratios (i.e., fiber length divided by fiber diameter), and high fiber volume fractions (>45%). This strategy has two advantages: (1) theoretical models [1, 2] have shown that high alignment with high aspect ratios (approaching 1000) should produce materials that have material properties that approach those of their continuous counterparts and (2) the short fiber material should be readily formable (e.g., it could be stamp formed or compression molded in a manner similar to that of aluminum) due to its discontinuous nature. Despite the central importance of formability while maintaining properties, there is currently no commercially available method for achieving the high precision short fiber alignment mentioned above. There are at least two reasons for this. The first reason is the difficulty in creating a uniform dispersion of short fiber reinforcement in a resin or other fluid media (e.g., air, water) used for alignment. It is extremely difficult to prevent clumping or agglomeration among the short fibers in highly loaded resins due to the electrostatic interactions and dispersion forces that attract fibers to each other, and surface energy mismatches between the reinforcement and the dispersion media that prevent full wetting of the fibers. In addition to compromising the alignment necessary to attain the desired material properties, fiber agglomerates and clumps can impair filling of the resin, creating processing defects in the composite parts. A second reason is the challenge associated with uniformly aligning well dispersed short fibers in a consistent and reproducible manner. Some alignment techniques have shown promise, but they have suffered from the following drawbacks: (i) low fiber volume fractions, (ii) insufficient alignment, or (iii) long overall fiber lengths, which prevented them from achieving materials with properties that approach those of similar continuous materials with better formability. Some of these challenges are themselves associated with the dispersion problems mentioned above. Recently, it was demonstrated that specific patterns or alignments of particles in a fluid can be created through the use of arranged ultrasonic transducers [3, 4]. This was accomplished by developing a sufficient mathematical understanding of the forces generated from ultrasonic interactions that the resulting particle patterns could be predicted. Other researchers have had success in employing electromagnetic fields to accomplish similar controlled alignments (5). Given that it has been established that it is possible to create dispersed and organized patterns using external fields, it should be possible to develop a methodology of creating well-dispersed and highly aligned composites via chemical, acoustic, electromagnetic, or mechanical methods. A method of consistently creating uniform well dispersed and oriented short fiber reinforcement in highly loaded composite materials would not only enable the development of more flexible and inexpensive composite fabrication 

PHASE I: The offeror(s) shall develop a technique to (1) consistently disperse a short fiber (<5mm) reinforcement (e.g. carbon, or glass) in a medium without clumping or agglomeration and use this dispersion to (2) produce a highly aligned (>80% of fibers within 15º of the same direction) in a highly loaded (>30 vol% fiber) thermoplastic or thermosetting matrix (e.g., Nylon 6 or an epoxy resin). Offeror(s) should take care to address or counter the electrostatic interactions between fibers and surface tensions that promote agglomeration. Potential solutions for obtaining good dispersion include, but are not limited to, chemical modification of the fiber and matrix, ultrasonic dispersion, or utilization of EM interactions for dispersion. Potential solutions for alignment include, but are not limited to, fluid flow, (di)electrophoresis, and pneumatic techniques. The goal of phase I is to demonstrate an ability to consistently produce a 30vol% or higher fiber loaded composite sheet with a uniform alignment of short fiber reinforcement. The parts produced by said method should be a minimum of 0.5 mm thick and of sufficient lateral dimensions for a simple tensile test in the fiber direction. Adequate dispersion and alignment of the fibers should be confirmed via microscopic or non-destructive evaluation. Samples shall be provided to Army researchers for independent testing and validation. For Phase II to be awarded, the offers should also be able to articulate a technically viable path for the dispersion and alignment methods to be employed in a flexible composite manufacturing process such as stamp forming or compression molding. 

PHASE II: The offeror(s) shall expand the method in phase I to the development of 45vol% or higher short fiber composites with highly aligned fibers. Highly aligned is defined as 94% of the fiber reinforcement deviating by a maximum of 10° in alignment. The goal of Phase II is to demonstrate the methodology by producing two example parts. One example part is at least 1 mm thick having an angle feature that is >85º and the other is at least 1 mm thick and has a hemispherically shaped feature with a radius of about 2 inches. The offeror(s) shall measure the tensile modulus, tensile strength and short beam shear strength of flat plates of the produced material in a manner consistent with ASTM Standard D3039 and demonstrate variance of no greater than 10% in a set of ten samples. Offeror(s) shall provide additional example parts and test specimens to Army researchers for independent testing and validation. 

PHASE III: The offeror will adapt the dispersion methodology to as many fiber/matrix systems as possible, and develop commercial processes that employ the dispersion/alignment solution for the production of commercial composite parts. The offeror will begin to offer high fiber loaded short fiber composite parts for use in military ground vehicles, military autonomous vehicle, military rotorcraft, and commercial applications in automotive, aerospace, and robotics. 

REFERENCES: 

1: Fukuda, H. and T.-W. Chou, A probabilistic theory of the strength of short-fibre composites with variable fibre length and orientation. Journal of Materials Science, 1982. 17(4): p. 1003-1011.

2:  Lauke, B. and S.-Y. Fu, Strength anisotropy of misaligned short-fibre-reinforced polymers. Composites Science and Technology, 1999. 59(5): p. 699-708.

3:  Prisbrey, M

4:  Greenhall, J

5:  Vasquez, F

6:  and Raeymaekers, B, Ultrasound directed self-assembly of three-dimensional user-specified patterns of particles in a fluid medium. Journal of Applied Physics, 2017. 121: p. 014302

7:  Greenhall, J

8:  Homel, L

9:  and Raeymaekers, B, Ultrasound directed self-assembly processing of nanocomposite materials with ultra-high carbon nanotube weight fraction. Journal of Composite Materials, 2018.

10:  Ma, W-T

11:  Kumar, S

12:  Hsu, C-T

13:  Shih, C-M

14:  Tsai, S-W

15:  Yang, C-C

16:  Liu, Y-Y

17:  and Lue, S-J, Magnetic field-assisted alignment of graphene oxide nanosheets in a polymer matrix to enhance ionic conduction. Journal of Membrane Science, 2018. 563, p. 259-269

KEYWORDS: Composites, Manufacturing Processes, Short Fiber, Dispersion, Fabrication 

Diamond Electron Amplifiers

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors 

OBJECTIVE: To develop high current, high brightness and long lifetime electron amplifiers based on diamond cathodes. 

DESCRIPTION: Stable and efficient electron emitters are critical for a wide range of applications such as high power vacuum electronic microwave/millimeter-wave/terahertz power amplifiers, coherent x-ray sources, electron diffraction and microscopy, electron-beam lithography, flat panel displays, and thermionic energy conversion (TEC) through thermal electron emission for renewable energy generation. Traditional thermionic electron sources operate at cathode temperatures over 1000o to produce appreciable electron emission. Such high temperature have serious consequences in terms of lifetime and reliability. As an electron emitter, diamond offers several advantages over conventional electron emitters. These advantages include a wide bandgap, large breakdown field, high electron mobilities, and high thermal conductivity. Its ability to control electron affinity through surface termination and doping is also extremely important for electron emission. Negative electron affinity (NEA) has been demonstrated through hydrogen termination of the diamond surface. This has resulted in superb electron emissivity even at room temperature. Recent advances of diamond thin film growth based on techniques such as chemical vapor deposition and thermodynamic growth under high-pressure high-temperature have resulted in commercially available large-size, single-crystal, and high-purity synthetic diamond substrates. Furthermore, post growth processing techniques such as surface polishing and atomic layer etching have also significantly reduced surface roughness of these diamond films. All of these new developments now open the door for realizing practical diamond-based applications including efficient and low temperature field-emission electron sources. In a diamond electron amplifier (DEA), electrons are generated as secondary emission from a hydrogen terminated surface of a diamond film after excitation by a primary electron beam. It has demonstrated the ability to amplify an electron beam current by several orders of magnitude while at the same time yielding high current and high electron beam quality with ultralow emittance and energy spread while maintaining relative low cathode temperatures. All of these are desirable characteristics for the aforementioned applications. However, key scientific and technical challenges still need to be addressed for DEAs to realize their full potential. Issues such as hydrogen desorption under high current and elevated temperature and DC shielding by surface charge build-up due to surface dangling bonds and impurities have been observed and resulted in reduced electron emission efficiency. The origin of these surface degradation processes need to be investigated and eventually compensated in order to recover the reduced emission efficiency. New surface processing techniques for surface termination with molecules other than hydrogen and incorporating dopants into diamond can also be investigated and developed to achieve higher NEA and further improve electron emission efficiency. The goal of this topic is to investigate electron emission process from diamond, develop new surface processing techniques for diamond to improve electron emission efficiency, and create DEA prototypes which incorporate these new techniques to achieve high current, high brightness and long lifetime operation. 

PHASE I: During the Phase I effort, a numerical model and design methodology for diamond electron amplifiers (DEAs) will be developed. A prototype DEA will be designed and tested to verify the model and design methodology. Technical risks will be identified and plans for minimizing these risks will be devised. The prototype devices should have the following specifications: electron energy of 10 KeV, average current of 0.5 µA, bunch charge of 200 pC, diamond amplifier gain of ~200. New techniques for surface termination and doping to improve emission from diamond and related materials will be investigated. 

PHASE II: A prototype diamond electron amplifier (DEA) will be designed based on the numerical model and design methodology developed in Phase I. The prototype device will be built, assembled, and tested. Target specifications for the Phase II design are as follows: electron energy of 100 keV, average current of 0.3 mA, bunch repetition frequency of 3 MHz, thermal emittance of 0.2 µm, maximum peak current of 100 mA, diamond amplifier gain of >200 and a lifetime of at least one year. Technical risks will be identified and plans for minimizing these risks will be devised. New techniques for surface termination and doping to improve emission from diamond and related materials will be investigated, and incorporation of these new techniques into the Phase II prototype will be explored. 

PHASE III: Diamond electron amplifiers (DEAs) would be highly beneficial for applications requiring high current, high brightness and stable electron beams, e.g., high power, high frequency vacuum electronic power amplifiers for radar and directed energy applications, coherent x-ray generation, and thermionic energy conversion (TEC) through thermal electron emission for renewable energy generation. Phase III effort will explore opportunities for integrating DEAs with suitable electron beam parameters into these systems for improved performance in both defense and commercial sectors. An example of a potential Phase III product demonstration will be a high power microwave source such as a traveling wave tube with an integrated DEA cathode. The targeted frequency and power level should be in the range of X-band (8-12 GHz) and ~10s-100 KW which would be suitable for insertion into existing radar and/or directed energy systems. 

REFERENCES: 

1: J.Y. Tsao, et al., "Ultra-wide-Bandgap Semiconductors: Research Opportunities and Challenges," Adv. Electron. Mater. 4, 1600501 (2018).

2:  X. Chang, et al., "Electron beam emission from a diamond-amplifier cathode," Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 164801 (2010).

3:  W.F. Paxton, et al., "Thermionic Emission from Diamond Films in Molecular Hydrogen Environments," Front. Mech. Eng. 3, 18 (2017)

4:  M.C. James, et al., "Negative electron affinity from aluminium on the diamond (1 0 0) surface: a theoretical study," J. Phys: Condens. Matter 30, 235002 (2018)

5:  K.M. O'Donnell, et al., "Extremely high negative electron affinity of diamond via magnesium adsorption," Phys. Rev. B 92, 035303 (2015)

KEYWORDS: Ultrawide-bandgap Semiconductors, Diamond Thin Films, Electron Sources, Negative Electron Affinity, Hydrogen Termination, Field Emission, Secondary Electron Emission, Diamond Electron Amplifiers 

High-Speed Mid-Infrared Free-Space Laser Communications

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors 

OBJECTIVE: To develop high-speed mid-infrared free-space laser communications devices at wavelengths significantly longer than current short wave infrared commercially available systems. Specifically, to develop Watt-level mid-wave and long-wave infrared high-speed semiconductor lasers for transmitters and related high-speed photodetectors for receivers. 

DESCRIPTION: Mid-infrared photonics components such as quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and p-n junction based photodetectors are poised to make an impact on free-space laser communications. Such transmitters and receivers could produce high power beams from very compact packages. Speeds of multi-Gbps data rates should clearly be achievable with potential to go even faster than bipolar lasers thru use of unipolar QCLs due to faster carrier transport of purely electron based devices. However, few advances have occurred to push such approaches beyond the initial investigation phase [1]. More recent advances in reliable, Watt-level output power QCLs show the readiness for further pursuit of free-space laser communications based upon these devices [2]. Other lasers based on antimonide semiconductors have also progressed to Watt-level output powers needed for significant link distances [3]. Mid-infrared photodetectors have also advanced in various materials showing promise to be developed into high-speed receivers for sensitive, low bit-error-rate (BER) performance [4, 5]. Such laser communications links would have high applicability for military scenarios as well as civilian systems [6] where 1.55 micron components have been dominant. Long-wave infrared (LWIR) wavelengths in the 8-12 micron range, and to a lesser extent mid-wave (or MWIR) wavelengths at 3-5 microns, have clear advantages over such commercial systems due to reduced Rayleigh scattering. However, the receiver signal to noise ratio (SNR) may be strongly influenced by other factors including background infrared radiation sources (manmade or otherwise) that could encourage multi-channel development (both in MWIR and LWIR). This project is aimed at developing both detectors and lasers that could be used in such systems for high-speed laser communications. Military relevance would be found in both primary and alternative communication pathways and commercial relevance is seen for high-speed data communications with extended range operation. 

PHASE I: To develop the epitaxial growth, design and fabrication processes for the lasers and photodetectors needed for high-speed free-space laser communications. The laser should be capable of 1W output power (continuous-wave, room temperature) and modulated at 5 Gb/s or more. MWIR and LWIR wavelength ranges should be considered for multichannel solutions to make robust data communications links. Photodetectors need to meet the specifications to create a low BER and high data rate. Justification should be made whether the very highest detectivity HgCdTe based detectors or needed or more cost effective and sufficient III-V semiconductor based solution has merit. 

PHASE II: To pursue a full device demonstration for high-speed data communications in a laboratory environment. Data rates of at least 5 Gb/s should be achieved for a laser communications link demonstration with studies to show BER performance versus speed. Minimum requirements would be for BER of 1e-12 at 5 Gb/s. Insertion of the devices into bulk optics systems would be sufficient for link demos. Exploration of the limits of the data speed should be made up to 50 Gb/s. Production scale costs of the devices should be studied to show viability for reasonable cost devices at manufacturing volumes. Motivation for phase III follow-on investment should be made evident. 

PHASE III: Pursuit of free-space laser communications links products – transmitters and receivers based upon the laser and photodetector devices developed in phase II. Such products would need to include the packaging of the full transmitter and receivers including the optics, driver circuitry and related software needed to monitor and use the equipment. The range and speed that these products can achieved would need studied in both military and commercial application scenarios. Multi-channel, e.g. multi-wavelength products should be explored to improve BER performance. Wall-plug efficiency of the transmitter and detectivity of the receiver photodetector should be evaluated relevant to the application and costs of the transmitter and receiver. Atmospheric turbulence mitigation systems and experiments would also need to be pursued, particularly for military relevant scenarios. Applications would include networking across a battlefield or environment where RF jamming signals are in use and may involve multi-hop, non-line-of-sight networks for avoiding obstacles, obscurants or for other reasons such as lower signal distortion of certain paths. Other considerations may be incorporation of components into beam steering systems, for agile, moving systems, e.g. UAVs, UGVs, planes, other mobile platforms. 

REFERENCES: 

1: S. Blaser, D. Hofstetter, M. Beck, and J. Faist, "Free-space optical data link using Peltier-cooled quantum cascade laser," Electronics Letters, Vol. 37, No. 12, June 2001.

2:  Y Bai, N Bandyopadhyay, S Tsao, S Slivken, M Razeghi, "Room temperature quantum cascade laser with 27% wall plug efficiency," Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 98, No. 18, 181102, 2011.

3:  T. Hosoda, G. Kipshidze, G. Tsvid, L. Shterengas, G. Belenky, "Type-I GaSb-based laser diodes operating in 3.1-3.3 µm wavelength range," IEEE Photon. Technol. Lett., Vol. 22, 718, 2010.

4:  K. K. Choi, S. C. Allen, J. G. Sun, Y. Wei, K. A. Olver, and R. X. Fu, "Resonant structures for infrared detection," Applied Optics, Vol. 56, Issue 3, pp. B26-B36, 2017.

5:  M. Kopytko, A. Keblowski, P. Madejczyk, et. al., "Optimization of a HOT LWIR HgCdTe Photodiode for Fast Response and High Detectivity in Zero-Bias Operation Mode," J. of Electronic Materials, Vol. 46, No. 10, 2017.

6:  X. Pang, O. Ozolins, R. Schatz, et. al., "Gigabit free-space multi-level signal transmission with a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser operating at room temperature," Optics Letters, Vol. 42, No. 18, Sept. 2017.

KEYWORDS: Mid-infrared, Photonics, Lasers, Photodetector, Free-space Optical Communications 

Isogeometric Analysis Methods for High Fidelity Mobility Applications

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea 

OBJECTIVE: To create a mathematical and numerical framework for the design, analysis, and optimization of performance of mobility system components that are subject to significant fluid-structure interaction effects. 

DESCRIPTION: The intent of this solicitation is to achieve superior accuracy and high-fidelity solutions in computational flow and fluid-structure interaction analysis for com-plex engineering applications, including military and commercial applications, through efficient conforming methods such as Isogeometric Analysis (IGA). Software objectives include extending CAD models to IGA models for high-fidelity computation on supercomputers, doing the required mesh generation automatically or without substantial user effort, and developing a good graphical user interface for conducting simulations and post-processing of results. IGA [1], because of its special higher-order nature, has several very desirable features in multiscale computation of flow and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems, including superior spatial and temporal accuracy in the flow solution and more accurate, sometimes exact, representation of the solid surfaces, in-cluding and especially those coming from CAD models. This plays a crucial role in many classes of problems. Compared to classical methods such as the finite differences and finite elements, it performs well even in computations with high-aspect-ratio elements; such elements are inevitable in real-world flow and FSI problems where accurate representation of boundary layers requires very small/thin elements near complex solid surfaces in internal flows and FSI prob-lems where contact between solid surfaces requires meshes in very narrow spaces. Also, for the same level of accuracy, it generally requires fewer un-knowns than classical methods, and so it has larger effective element sizes and therefore the computations can be done accurately with larger time-step sizes, resulting in substantial savings in computing time. Because it shifts the compu-tational burden from the number of unknowns to the number of floating-point operations per unknown, and because it does that without creating any compu-tational disadvantages, it is very suitable for efficient parallel computing. This makes IGA attractive in real-world flow and FSI analysis and is the reason this solicitation seeks to implement it in important mobility applications. IGA-based computation has been applied to FSI problems in turbomachinery [2], tire aerodynamics [3], ship hydrodynamics [4], and gas turbines [5-7]. However, mesh generation with IGA, such as in Nonuniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) mesh generation, is not as established and straightforward as mesh generation in the classical methods such as the finite differences and finite elements. To make IGA-based flow and FSI computations even more powerful and practical, this solicitation seeks implementations that make the mesh generation more straightforward and automated, similar to current finite difference and finite ele-ment methods. It seeks easier adaptivity of solutions, such as creating thin lay-ers of elements near solid surfaces to accurately represent the boundary layers with less user effort. It seeks more user-friendly and dynamic mesh motion that matches the structure motion and deformation in an FSI computation, automati-cally maintaining the thin layers of elements created near solid surfaces. Basically, extending the CAD models to IGA models in terms of mesh generation, solution adaptivity and FSI mesh motion has to be more automated, embedded in a good graphical user interface (GUI). The product will enable IGA-based computation to play an expanded and significant role in enabling mobility design in military and commercial applications. 

PHASE I: a) Identify the most promising path(s) forward from existing methods and implementations of NURBS mesh generation in real-word mobility applications of interest, such as turbocharger turbines with exhaust manifolds, parachutes, and rotor-stator interactions in adaptive axial-flow or centrifugal turbomachinery with pitching blades/stator vanes. Identify typical applications and regimes of interest, and identify relevant geometries and parameters suitable to demonstrate the feasibility of IGA-enabled solutions. b) Develop and demonstrate the generation of a NURBS mesh made of patches, demonstrate recovery of the original model surfaces, and demonstrate the suitability of the recovered surface for accurate and robust fluid mechanical computations. c) Develop GUI implementation of the method. The focus will be on NURBS meshes. In problems with complex geometries, it may be necessary to use multiple NURBS patches; making that more user-friendly should be one of the GUI features. There should be two options for handling the joints be-tween patches: C0-continuity, or C-1-continuity (probably with discontinuous functions). d) Automate the mesh motion matching the structure motion and deformation in an FSI computation. The motion of the solid surfaces can be represented by using time-dependent NURBS basis functions as one of the possible feature choices in the GUI implementation. e) Implement the foregoing scheme numerically and conduct appropriate proof-of-concept computations. 

PHASE II: a) Expand the computational technique to basis functions other than NURBS, such as T-splines or others. By conducting numerical and automated tests, demonstrate that the selected linear combinations of basis functions optimally reconstruct a variety of surfaces. b) Explore methods for boundary layer refinement such as knot insertion, in-creasing the polynomial order, or particular combinations of the two (i.e., h,p,k refinement). Automate this refinement process. c) Demonstrate utility in a wide set of test mesh generations from CAD models for mobility applications. Use to evaluate the performance of the method and the GUI. d) Port the mesh generation module to parallel computing platforms and optimize performance on those platforms. e) The computational method shall be capable of performing dynamic transient flow simulations as fluid-structure interaction happens in adaptive or morphing structures interacting with fluid flows for both internal and external flows. The computational method shall be verified and validated by conducting required fluid flow experiments using a pitching annular turbomachinery cascade with articulating stator and rotor blade configuration. f) The computational technique will be tested, validated, and implemented as a documented software package that can be shared or marketed. g) Transition the developed methods and software, including documentation, to interested users in academia (e.g. CFD and Mobility Design research groups in the US and Europe), industry, and government (e.g. ARL-VTD, TARDEC) under appropriate licensing agreements. The software package will ultimately be integrated into the CREATE environment at HPCMP or at least be port-able to DoD HPC platform so that DoD and other government agencies and Universities can use the software within HPC environment. 

PHASE III: The uniquely capable analysis and numerical techniques developed under this topic will achieve superior accuracy and high-fidelity solutions in computational flows and fluid-structure interaction analysis involving flexible boundaries. This will in turn enable rapid, high quality solutions in a variety of complex engineering applications, especially those involving high velocity/high pressure flows over deforming elements, such as found in turbines, in highly deformable elements such as MAV rotors, and others. This will therefore make great progress in the design of a wide variety of both military and commercial applications, such as commercial and military aircraft turbines, commercial and military rotorcraft turbines, commercial and military MAV flexible rotors, etc. 

REFERENCES: 

1: [1] T.J.R. Hughes, J.A. Cottrell, and Y. Bazilevs, "Isogeometric analysis: CAD, finite elements, NURBS, exact geometry, and mesh refinement", Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 194 (2005) 4135-4195.

2:  [2] Y. Otoguro, K. Takizawa, T.E. Tezduyar, K. Nagaoka and S. Mei, "Turbo-charger Turbine and Exhaust Manifold Flow Computation with the Space-Time Variational Multiscale Method and Isogeometric Analysis", Computers & Fluids, published online, 10.1016/j.compfluid.2018.05.019 (May 2018).

3:  [3] T. Kuraishi, K. Takizawa and T.E. Tezduyar, "Space-Time Computational Analysis of Tire Aerodynamics with Actual Geometry, Road Contact and Tire De-formation", Chapter in a special volume to be published by Springer (2018).

4:  [4] I. Akkerman, Y. Bazilevs, D.J. Benson, M.F. Farthing, and C.E. Kees, "Free-Surface Flow and Fluid-Object Interaction Modeling with Emphasis on Ship Hy-drodynamics", Journal of Applied Mechanics, 79 (2012) 010905.

5:  [5] M.-C. Hsu, C. Wang, A.J. Herrema, D. Schillinger, A. Ghoshal, and Y. Ba-zilevs, An interactive geometry modeling and parametric design platform for isogeometric analysis, Computers & Mathematics with Applications, 70 (2015) 1481-1500.

6:  [6] F. Xu, G. Moutsanidis, D. Kamensky, M.-C. Hsu, M. Murugan, A. Ghoshal, and Y. Bazilevs, "Compressible flows on moving domains: Stabilized methods, weakly enforced essential boundary conditions, sliding interfaces, and applica-tion to gas-turbine modeling", Computers and Fluids, 158 (2017) 201-220.

7:  [7] M. Murugan, A. Ghoshal, F. Xu, M.-C. Hsu, Y. Bazilevs, L. Bravo, and K. Kerner, "Analytical study of articulating turbine rotor blade concept for improved off-design performance of gas turbine engines", Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power 139 (2017) 102601.

8:  [8] Y. Otoguro, K. Takizawa and T.E. Tezduyar, "A General-Purpose NURBS Mesh Generation Method for Complex Geometries", Springer (2018).

KEYWORDS: Isogeometric Analysis, Mobility, Fluid-structure Interaction 

Low Temperature Deposition of Magnetic Materials on Topological Materials

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials 

OBJECTIVE: Develop a technique/approach/methodology to deposit known crystalline ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic insulators on topological materials such as Bi2Se3 at low temperature below 300~400°C. 

DESCRIPTION: Since Topological insulators (TIs) were discovered a decade ago, the understanding of this new physical phenomena progressed rapidly as evidenced in literature growth. However, the technological potential of this interesting new class of materials has not advanced sufficiently for technology realization. The goal of this topic is to address the traditionally weak link between knowledge generation and applied research/engineering to accelerate the pace of new technology development. Among the known TIs, high quality Bi2Se3 in combination with ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials forming a planar heterojunction is expected to provide a unique opportunity to develop energy efficient electronics ranging from low power switching and memory to energy harvesting. A TI channels electrical current through 100% spin polarized surface states ensuring a very highly efficient exchange interaction with adjacent magnetic materials. The resulting spin orbit torque transfer [1] enables magnetic order in an FM or AFM to be switched at much lower energies than can be achieved with conventional heavy metals. Proposed TI-based energy efficient electronics have, however, been hampered because standard approaches to epitaxy of magnetic materials such as molecular beam epitaxy and pulsed laser deposition require sample temperatures above what TIs can survive. Deposition of the TI on the magnetic material is also ill suited for device and circuit patterning and does not surmount the challenge. Because of the excitement and nascent nature of the field of topological materials, alternative methods for building heterostructures with other materials, ranging from mechanical approaches to low temperature chemical techniques have not yet been considered. Such techniques have been established in other electronic materials but have not been applied in the context of topological plus magnetic materials. This STTR topic therefore seeks an innovative technique/approach/methodology for the deposition of known insulating FM or AFM materials on topological materials such as Bi2Se3 (other well investigated TI materials with spin polarized topologically protected electronic surface states are also of interest) at low temperature (e.g. below 300°C) so that the integrity of the underlying TI material is maintained by its own chemical and physical stability. Key aspects to form the heterostructure are (i) the control of the formation of the terminating top atomic layer on the surface of TI materials, (ii) the formation of the first atomic layers of the deposited magnetic material on the TI material, and (iii) sustaining the magnetic order of the magnetic material. Layer by layer deposition preserving the underlying TI quality is highly desired under a set of available parameters such as temperature, pressure, deposited thickness and speed. The created interface/heterostructure, as demonstrated in Ref [1-2], is expected to be characterized by advanced measurement and analysis to determine the interface structure and the electronic and magnetic interactions between the two different materials. Understanding the relationship of the interface characteristics as well as the nature and extent of the electronic/magnetic interactions is expected for iterated tunings and optimizations. Alternative techniques to create structurally well-defined and atomically regular interfaces between magnetic materials (as an over-layer) and high quality TI materials (as a substrate) will be considered. 

PHASE I: Demonstrate low temperature deposition or alternative method for interfacing magnetic materials on dichalcogenide topological insulators. Theoretical and computational efforts may also be included. The results of Phase I should demonstrate a path forward toward optimized materials, interfaces and control over the interface exchange interaction. 

PHASE II: Demonstrate low temperature juxtaposition (deposition or other technique) of high quality magnetic insulators on high quality topological insulators. The “high quality” metric is defined by a heterostructure that retains the performance characteristics of the topological insulator and is suitable for control of the magnetic anisotropy or antiferromagnetic Neél order driven by electrical current through the topological insulator. Magnetic, electronic, structural and chemical characterization of the topological insulator(s) and magnetic insulator(s) post-interfacing is required. Structural and chemical analysis of the interface itself must be included. Analysis of the exchange interaction at the interface itself would be ideal. Delivery of samples is expected for government qualification of the resulting heterostructures. 

PHASE III: If sufficiently high quality heterostructures and interfaces are formed, this effort should further optimize the technique and include topological-magnetic device design and fabrication for energy efficient electronic devices in application areas such as THz detection, switching or energy harvesting. 

REFERENCES: 

1: A. R. Mellnik, J. S. Lee, A. Richardella, J.L.Grab, P. J. Mintun, M. H. Fischer, A.Vaezi, A.Manchon, E.-A.Kim, N. Samarth and D. C. Ralph "Spin-transfer torque generated by a topological insulator" Nature, 511, 449 (2014)

2:  doi:10.1038/nature13534.

3:  Y. G. Semenov, X. Duan and K. W. Kim, "Voltage-driven magnetic bifurcations in nanomagnet-topological insulator heterostructures" Phys. Rev. B 89, 201405(R) (2014)

4:  doi: 10.1103/PhysRevB.89.201405.

5:  Y. G. Semenov, X.-L. Li, and K. W. Kim, "Currentless reversal of Néel vector in antiferromagnets" Phys. Rev. B 95, 014434 (2014)

6:  doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.95.014434

KEYWORDS: Topological Insulator, Magnetic, Epitaxy, Deposition, Heterostructure, Interface, Energy Efficient Electronics, Manufacturing Process, Manufacturing Materials 

Exploiting Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms for Extreme Performance

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems 

OBJECTIVE: To enhance cognitive and physical performance in warfighters by exploiting single nucleotide polymorphisms 

DESCRIPTION: American soldiers are an elite and highly motivated group of individuals. They face severe cognitive and physical loads while in combat and while preparing for combat. The Army prepares soldiers with both physical and cognitive training. Individual soldiers usually also prepare themselves for training and combat by consuming considerable quantities of nutritional supplements, including vitamins and minerals. Standards for vitamins and minerals were developed in the 1940s and have changed little since then. National recommendations vary widely across the developed world, reflecting the paucity of underlying science. Most importantly, national standards were developed to reflect the needs of an average individual and take no account of genetic variation that dramatically influences needs at an individual level. Furthermore, indiscriminate overconsumption to attempt to compensate for this lack of knowledge leads to both health and performance problems. Advances in DNA sequencing technology have revealed a surprising level of genetic variation between individual humans, with any two humans differing by an average of 3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms. While some polymorphisms are neutral, many others have a metabolic and physiological impact. Over 600 human genes encode critical enzymes that require a vitamin or mineral cofactor. Proper function of these 600 enzymes requires appropriate levels of individual vitamin or mineral cofactors; too much or too little leads to loss of function and downstream metabolic, physiological, and phenotypic effects. Single nucleotide polymorphisms within the exons, promoters and splice sites of these genes alter the amount of the vitamin or mineral cofactor that an individual needs. A typical human has functional polymorphisms in two or more of these critical 600 genes, that alter the amount of cofactor needed for proper enzymatic function. Because of advances in sequencing technologies these polymorphisms can now be rapidly identified and biochemically interrogated. The results of these interrogations of individual single nucleotide polymorphisms can be used to tailor intake of supplements to individual genotypes. The impact of this on the Future Army will be enhanced warfighter cognitive and physical performance. With the advent of inexpensive genome and exome sequencing it is becoming unconscionable to not exploit this new capability. The missing link between individual genomic information and improved performance capabilities is the functional interrogation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in key enzymes that require vitamin or mineral cofactors for proper function. The objective of this SBIR is to functionally interrogate single nucleotide polymorphisms in a subset of the 600 genes that encode critical enzymes that require a vitamin or mineral cofactor in order to identify those variants that affect enzymatic function but that can be remediated with vitamin or mineral supplementation in order to enable enhanced cognitive and physical performance and to protect warfighters from performance-degrading factors. Metabolic tuning through dietary cofactors (i.e. vitamins and minerals) is safe, efficacious, inexpensive, and easy to deliver. 

PHASE I: In phase I the investigators will demonstrate that they have the capability to rapidly, efficiently and rigorously screen comprehensive libraries of human polymorphisms in metabolically important genes whose enzymatic activity is cofactor sensitive. They will demonstrate this by determining, for one common human polymorphism, the impact of the polymorphism and the impact of individually tailored nutritional intervention. Furthermore they will quantify the impact of the polymorphism and the intervention on performance in a young healthy population that is similar demographically to U.S. soldiers. For example, recent work by Manousaki et al (AJHG 2017) confirms other reports that single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human CYPR2R1 gene have large effects on 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, and individuals with just one synonymous coding variant have a significantly increased risk of vitamin D insufficiency (p = 1.26 x 10-12). Other investigators have previously shown that vitamin D deficiency depresses the immune response to infections, and is also associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and some cancers. While cancer, diabetes and stroke are outside the scope of this SBIR topic, 5% of male and 20% of female soldiers develop stress fractures during basic training. A successful phase I could be screening soldiers entering basic training for CYPR2R1 polymorphisms that affect vitamin D levels, prescribing dietary (vitamin) interventions for soldiers with CYPR2R1 polymorphisms that suppress serum vitamin D levels, and documenting the return on investment of this intervention on the incidence of stress fractures in basic training. However, a successful phase I could also instead focus on a different gene and its polymorphisms and quantify the effect of those polymorphisms and tailored interventions on soldier performance and readiness. A demographically similar population may be used instead of U.S. soldiers. 

PHASE II: By the end of phase II the investigators will have comprehensively characterized common polymorphisms in at least fifteen cofactor-dependent enzymes with well-established metabolic importance and impact on human performance. They will characterize the impact of these polymorphisms as well as the impact of remediation. They will provide DoD with qualitative and quantitative measures of the biological, physiological, and economic costs and benefits of assaying these polymorphisms in warfighters. The deliverable is the dataset which will provide the content for immediate implementation for genotyping assays to identify individuals with suboptimal enzymatic activity. The performer will have designed a low cost accurate screening test for individual humans and low cost recommendations for individually tailored nutritional recommendations of FDA approved over the counter supplements to optimize performance capabilities. By the end of phase II the results will be ready for large scale commercial production. The analysis should cost less than $100 per soldier and the analysis should be complete within 24 hours of receiving a soldier’s sample. 

PHASE III: The ability to use tailored regimens of over the counter FDA approved vitamins and minerals in conjunction with precise knowledge of the molecular effects of individual genetic polymorphisms will radically advance human performance capabilities. Today many warfighters seek to be physically and mentally better prepared by consuming vast quantities of vitamins, herbs, and other substances, often with no scientific basis whatsoever and almost certainly with no knowledge of their own genetic variance and biochemical needs. This SBIR will change this behavior from anecdote driven to scientifically based. It is anticipated that civilian athletes, scholars, scientists and engineers, as well as any civilian seeking improve physical or cognitive capabilities will embrace the opportunity for informed nutritional intervention in order to safely and economically enhance and preserve cognitive and physical performance capabilities. 

REFERENCES: 

1: Hustad, S., Midttun, O., Schneede, J., Vollset, S.E., Grotmol, T., and Ueland, P.M. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C-T polymorphism as a modulate of a B vitamin network with major effects on homocysteine metabolism. 2007. Am J Hum Genet 80(5): 846-55.

2:  Manousaki, D., et al. Low-frequency synonymous coding variation in CYP2R1 has large effects of vitamin D levels and risk of multiple sclerosis. 2017. Am J. Hum Genet 101(2): 227-238.

3:  Roussotte, F.F., Hua, X., Narr, K.L., Small, G.W., Thompson, P.M., Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. The C677T variant in MTHFR modulates associates between brain integrity, mood, and cognitive functioning in old age. 2017. Bio Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging 2(3): 280-288.

4:  Troesch, B., Weber, P., and Mohajeri, M.H. Potential links between impaired one-carbon metabolism due to polymorphisms, inadequate B-vitamin status, and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. 2016. Nutrients 8(12): 803.

KEYWORDS: Genetic, Variation, Polymorphisms, Metabolism, Performance, Health, Cognition, Cognitive, Biochemistry 

Optical Grating Enhancement of MWIR Structures for High Temperature Operation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors 

OBJECTIVE: Design and fabricate a resonant cavity midwave infrared (MWIR) detector for a proof of concept that utilizes a patterned metal layer (grating) to selectively enhance the optical absorption of the underlying device. The resulting detector should demonstrate a high quantum efficiency and higher operating temperature than a comparable state-of-the-art device without the grating, thus reducing the size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements for long range high resolution midwave infrared (IR) imaging sensors. 

DESCRIPTION: Advances in infrared detector technology remain limited by SWaP due to the need for cooling in dewar assemblies for peak performance. In order to provide the benefits of high-performance mid-wave IR imaging to small UAS and infantry weapon systems, sensor cooling requirements must be reduced so that detectors can be incorporated into lightweight sensor packages to enable enhanced awareness and long range object of interest identification in all battlefield conditions. Patterned resonator structures are a well-known concept for creating local enhancements to field intensities in optical structures (see references and related literature). However, current III-V semiconductor technology (bulk and strained layer superlattice) have not yet achieved operation close to room temperature. By combining the latest in device materials and architecture (e.g. unipolar barrier devices) with a novel metal grating on the detector structure that uses optical resonance to greatly enhance the infrared absorption, the total absorber volume required can be reduced, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio to allow for operation at higher temperatures accessible to thermoelectric cooling or even passive cooling. The overlaying grating pattern must be carefully designed to provide the maximum enhancement at a targeted wavelength for a specific device geometry. If successful, the high-temperature MW detectors enabled by this project will directly benefit the compact imaging sensors supporting the Solider Lethality, Next Generation Combat Vehicle, and Future Vertical Lift Army modernization priorities. 

PHASE I: Design a grating pattern for an antimonide-based MWIR detector using electromagnetic (EM) modeling that results in near-total absorption while also minimizing the required absorber layer thickness of the device. Demonstrate enhanced absorption in a fabricated test structure and accuracy of the EM model. Show that the model and device fabrication can be adjusted for a desired cutoff wavelength. 

PHASE II: Develop a working focal plane array and incorporate in a prototype device, including a readout integrated circuit and conduct testing in a realistic environment. 

PHASE III: The system could be used in a variety of applications where size and portability are paramount. This includes head mounted display systems, which could incorporate infrared sensors to enhance visibility in poor environmental conditions, highlight Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) signals, and to provide advanced warning of hostile activity. Commercial: high-performance MWIR cameras can be applied in commercial vehicle technology, both manned and autonomous. Room temperature MWIR detection can also be packaged in fused video surveillance and home security. 

REFERENCES: 

1: D. Z. Ting, A. Soibel, A. Khoshakhlagh, S. A. Keo, S. B. Rafol, A. M. Fisher, B. J. Pepper, E. M. Luong, C. J. Hill, S. D. Gunapala, Antimonide e-SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR barrier infrared detector and focal plane array development, Proc. SPIE 10624, Infrared Technology and Applications XLIV, 1062410 (2018)

2:  K. K. Choi, M. D. Jhabvala, J. Sun, C. A. Jhabvala, A. Waczynski, K. Olver, Resonator-quantum well infrared photodetectors, Appl. Phys. Lett. 103 (2013)

3:  C. Min, J. Li, G. Veronis, J.-Y. Lee, S. Fan, P. Peumans, Enhancement of optical absorption in thin-film organic solar cells through the excitation of plasmonic modes in metallic gratings, Appl. Phys. Lett. 96 (2010)

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Infrared, Midwave, Optical Grating, Focal Plane Array, Plasmonics 

Production of Natural Melanin for Affordable EMP Shielding

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials 

OBJECTIVE: Prototype solid melanin-based material for additional application testing such as harvesting thermal energy for cold weather vehicle/clothing coating, EMP shielding, radiation shielding/countermeasure/prophylaxis, stored energy & energy release. 

DESCRIPTION: Melanin is a biological polymer that possesses many desirable properties with clear Army applications in dampening radar signatures, EMP shielding, radiation protection, cold condition protection, energy storage/transduction and an alternative circuit material. Naturally produced melanin absorbs energy in many different forms (UV, visible light, ionizing radiation, electromagnetic), binds toxic materials (metals, oxiding agents, free radicals) and provides structural strength. Melanins are believed to be the primary protective mechanism for microorganisms that survive in harsh environments like Chernobyl, Fukushima and Antarctica. Experimental mice injected with melanin survive otherwise lethal doses of gamma irradiation. Melanin absorbs solar radiation and could be used to improve solar panels for energy harvesting. While this material represents extraordinary properties, exploitation for military applications is impossible without scale production of the naturally biologically produced version. Synthetic melanin is estimated to be 40-60% less efficient than naturally derived melanin. Research on industrial production of natural melanin will allow for future structural studies on why synthetic melanin lacks several properties. At the industrial scale, melanotic materials (either naturally or synthetically produced) could yield revolutionary benefits in the battlespace such as inexpensively EMP shielding sensitive equipment, protecting soldiers from the harmful effects of radiation, enhanced mountain and alpine operations, new types of batteries and possibly even explosives. Melanin based coatings can be clearly tied to Army modernization priorities for the Next generation combat vehicle (NGCV) through its EMP/EMR protective properties, Networks through EMP/EMR protective properties and as a possible circuit material and finally soldier lethality through its thermal absorption properties enhancing mountain/alpine operations. 

PHASE I: Conduct a systematic study of naturally produced melanin’s ability to collect, store and release multiple forms of dispersed energy with an emphasis on efficient production. Evaluate shelf-life and safe storage conditions as well. 

PHASE II: Develop scalable production methods while retaining desirable energy transduction properties. The goal is to develop prototype solid melanotic materials (sheets, bricks, powder, etc) that can be further evaluated in military applications. Use of a bioreactor, fermentation vessel or padreactor system at the industrial scale are encouraged. Phase III – Provide at least 1kg of solid, naturally derived, melanin. This will be used to seed additional development in multiple application areas from vehicle/fabric/ building material coatings, body armor and battery packs. As a material that absorbs a very wide range of energy, it may have many, many applications. 

PHASE III: Possible new class of explosive. Melanotic materials are also useful for EMR/EMP shielding and thermal energy absorption. 

REFERENCES: 

1: Casadevall A, Cordero RJB, Bryan R, Nosanchuk J, Dadachova E., Melanin, Radiation, and Energy Transduction in Fungi. Microbiol Spectr. 2017 Mar

2: 5(2). https://doi.org/10.1128/microbiolspec.FUNK-0037-2016

3:  Rageh MM, El-Gebaly RH, Abou-Shady H, Amin DG. Melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) provide protection against whole-body ɣ-irradiation in mice via restoration of hematopoietic tissues. Mol Cell Biochem. 2015 Jan

4: 399(1-2):59-69. doi: 10.1007/s11010-014-2232-y. Epub 2014 Oct 10.

5:  Robertson KL, Mostaghim A, Cuomo CA, Soto CM, Lebedev N, Bailey RF, Wang Z. Adaptation of the black yeast Wangiella dermatitidis to ionizing radiation: molecular and cellular mechanisms. PLoS One. 2012

6: 7(11):e48674. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048674. Epub 2012 Nov 6.

KEYWORDS: Multifunctional Materials, Synthetic Biology, Radiation Protection, EMP Shielding, Protective Coatings, Energy Harvesting 

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) as a Method to produce High Aspect Ratio Conductive Flakes for Advanced Bispectral or Infrared (IR) Obscuration

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials