AF - 368 Phase I Selections from the 01.1 Solicitation

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368 Phase I Selections from the 01.1 Solicitation

(In Topic Number Order)

PHYSICAL SCIENCES, INC. 20 New England Business Center Andover, MA 01810
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 689-0003 Dr. Steven J. Davis AF 01-001 Awarded: 27APR01
Title:	Advanced Concepts for the Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser
Abstract:	Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of two enabling technologies to radically improve the chemical efficiency of chemical oxygen iodine lasers (COILs). We propose to examine three potential methods for producing flows of atomic iodine that would reduce or eliminate the amount of singlet delta oxygen required to dissociate the molecular iodine in current COIL devices. PSI proposes to use existing state-of-the-art facilities and techniques to investigate two photolysis methods and one chemical method for dissociating the iodine. One of the photolysis methods has the potential for allowing premixing of the iodine source with the singlet oxygen stream. This has the potential for reducing the complexity or even eliminating mixing nozzles in COIL. PSI also proposes to test the feasibility of a high power microwave driven plasma jet (MIDJet) as a source of excited singlet oxygen. This aspect of our Phase I effort will complement current programs elsewhere that are attempting to develop an electric COIL. A successful program would demonstrate the feasibility of dramatically improving the performance of COIL devices. This could offer new important missions for the Air Force. New commercial applications of COIL devices that would become logistically and financially much more attractive include: laser welding, hole drilling, nuclear power plant dismantling, and gas/oil well drilling.

SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH 15261 Connector Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(714) 903-1000 Mr. John Dering AF 01-001 Awarded: 25APR01
Title:	Advanced Concepts for the Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser
Abstract:	System weight and volume are critical aspects that determine the Airborne Laser (ABL) platform operating altitude, total laser run time and aircraft refueling requirements. While COIL technology has made significant strides in system efficiency increases, an overall system weight reduction is needed. SARA, Inc. proposes a highly, innovative RF transmission line plasma technique to pre-dissociate molecular Iodine into free Iodine atoms before interaction with Singlet Delta Oxygen. Singlet Delta Oxygen is the energy storage and pump species that collisionally excites atomic iodine to the upper lasing state for the high energy 1.3mm laser airborne weapon output. Ideally one singlet delta collision results in one excited iodine atom and thus laser photon. In addition, the singlet delta flow must also first perform the requisite prior step of collisional disso-ciation of the molecular iodine (I2) into two iodine atoms (I-atoms). The dissociation process is not efficient with 2 to 3 singlet delta species required to dissociate one iodine molecule. SARA's RF plasma dissociation technique will allow more Singlet Delta Oxygen to be used to collisionaly excite the iodine, increasing the laser power output and reducing the number of laser modules required for the ABL mission. This technique will result in an increase in laser power output over the existing ABL design for the same BHP and reactant consumption rates. The power increase would allow for a decrease in ABL system weight by reducing the total number of laser module building blocks required. All other COIL applications would benefit by the increased utilization of singlet delta oxygen, providing a potential expanding market.

STI OPTRONICS 2755 Northup Way Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(425) 827-0460 Dr. William Thayer, III AF 01-001 Awarded: 27APR01
Title:	Singlet Oxygen Generator Design For Advanced COIL With Water Vapor Control
Abstract:	Chemical oxygen iodine lasers are efficient, scalable, and have proven ability in generating weapons class laser power. To support the future high power COIL programs, technology improvements must be realized to more easily meet the operational requirements, such as for the ABL EDM phase. In particular the SOG performance with mixed base BHP must be augmented to allow operation through a wider molarity range and at higher BHP temperature to reduce magazine size and weight. Innovative methods for improving the COIL efficiency by increasing singlet oxygen output, reducing singlet oxygen losses, removing water vapor, and reducing liquid carryover from the SOG will further improve high power COIL performance. The proposed Phase I program will build on the knowledge gained at STI to evaluate several innovative concepts and design an optimized water vapor trap, spray separator, and sidewall liquid control configuration that will eliminate carryover and maximize the SOG performance. Using the SOG development code developed by STI, we will investigate the design trade between two candidate WVC fluids and the geometry changes required to package the system. Additionally, the Phase II program will be developed with the aim of proof of principal experiments to verify the design concepts. COIL is an attractive option for an industrial laser due to short wavelength and ability to be transmitted by fiber optic. Some potential industrial applications are shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, heavy machinery manufacturing, tasks requiring underwater cutting or welding, and there may be useful applications in the oil and gas industry. It is possible to envision a single high-power COIL feeding many fibers for industrial cutting/welding/processing application. Fiber delivered underwater applications appear very promising; it may be possible to use a high power, fiber delivered COIL beam to perform cutting/welding underwater and thus save the high cost of dry-docking a ship in need of repair. However, the primary market for COIL is defense related. Consequently STI has concentrated its efforts in the development of high performance SOGs primarily for defense applications, advancing the state of the art to the benefit of both military and commercial applications.

TEMPEST TECHNOLOGIES LLC 2916 Stanford Avenue Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 574-4993 Dr. Ben Fitzpatrick AF 01-002 Awarded: 25APR01
Title:	Wavefront Sensing for High Scintillation Environments
Abstract:	In this proposal we consider the incorporation of image processing techniques into phase reconstruction algorithms to improve performance in systems such as the AirBorne Laser (ABL) tactical missile defense system. Based on a combination of mathematical techniques for nonparametric branch cut identification and adaptive filtering theory, our methods promise to provide greatly enhanced phase estimation. Scintillation, the turbulence-induced fluctuation of image intensities, is widely regarded as a major problem for adaptive optics systems. The methods we propose herein provide the potential to mitigate significantly the effects of scintillation, thus enhancing adaptive optics performance. We also propose innovative control concepts for deformable mirror actuation. Collaborating with scientists and engineers at UCLA, MZA, AFRL, and Boeing-SVS, we will use wave propagation simulations data and data collected in tests at Lincoln Laboratory's ACL facility to score the performance of these algorithms. Continuing our partnership with Boeing-SVS, the leader in systems engineering for optical systems for ABL and other weapon systems, will allow us to leverage the results obtained in this effort into hardware systems in a most efficient and cost-effective manner. Potential commercial applications will be of a military nature, as the effort proposed herein is heavily focused toward advancing ABL system capabilities. Other phase-based imaging systems, such as SAR and MRI, will benefit, however, from improvements derived from this research.

TREX ENTERPRISES CORP. 10455 Pacific Center Court San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(858) 646-5479 Dr. Mikhail Belen'kii AF 01-002 Awarded: 12APR01
Title:	Wavefront Sensing for High Scintillation Environments
Abstract:	Strong scintillation in long horizontal path laser beam projection systems, such as ABL, corrupts the phase difference measurements made with a Hartmann sensor by causing non-uniform illumination of the sub-apertures, hence, non-uniform noise effects across the wave front sensor. Strong scintillation can also cause branch points in the beacon field making the wave front reconstruction and correction processes difficult because they lack the continuous phase map required in most wave front correction schemes. We propose a shearing interferometer wavefront sensor and a new wavefront reconstruction algorithm insensitive to the branch points. Our new approach will provide accurate phase recovery in a high scintillation environment. Phase I develops a simulation code and reconstruction algorithm and evaluates the performance of this innovative technique. We expect a detailed simulation code for the static shearing interferometer and a new phase reconstruction algorithm will be developed and the feasibility of the proposed approach will be evaluated for various ABL propagation scenarios in high scintillation environment. This effort heralds development of a new wavefront sensing capability which will enable expansion of ABL missions for longer range and lower elevation operations and forms a basis for commercial wavefront sensors for laser communication systems. The proposed scintillation resistant wavefront sensor and reconstructor have both military and commercial applications. Besides the ABL, a static shearing interferometer can also be used in Relay Mirror, remote sensing and atmospheric imaging programs. A shearing interferometer wavefront sensor proposed here may also result in significant improvements in the performance of active ground-based satellite imaging systems. The proposed approach can also lead to the development of a commercial wavefront sensor. This sensor would be used in commercial low-order AO systems to mitigate atmospheric effects in high data rate optical communication channels. A shearing interferometer developed under this program can be a key element in this system.

MZA ASSOC. CORP. 2021 Girard SE, Suite 150 Albuquerque, NM 87106
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(505) 245-9970 Mr. Stephen C. Coy AF 01-003 Awarded: 12APR01
Title:	Multiconjugate Adaptive Optics for Distributed Turbulence
Abstract:	Conventional aperture plane phase-only adaptive optics (AO) is becoming a mature technology. We have had decades of experience with up-looking applications, where most of the turbulence is close to the aperture, and in recent years there has been substantial progress in AO for near-horizontal paths, with distributed turbulence, largely motivated by the Airborne Laser (ABL) Program. Progress continues, but the practical limits of conventional AO technology for deep turbulence applications are beginning to become apparent. These relate to scintillation, high order anisoplanatism, phase branch points, and the use uncooperative beacons for tracking and higher order correction under conditions where these effects are prevalent. Conventional AO does not address scintillation or high order anisoplanatism at all, and branch points present serious practical difficulties even when perfect sensing is assumed. Multiconjugate (MCAO adaptive optics is a less developed technology involving significant technical challenges, but there are reasons to believe it may be able to ameliorate these problems, yielding improved performance over a wide range of conditions, and, more importantly, yielding acceptable performance in regimes where conventional AO fails. For the ABL this would translate into a longer maximum range, and killing missiles that otherwise would have gotten past.It is anticipated that a multiple deformable mirror adaptive optics system successfully demonstrated under this research, with economical considerations folded in, would have both commercial and military applications. The military applications include the ABL and follow-on systems, Relay Mirror, remote sensing, and any DoD programs utilizing adaptive optics in high scintillation. Other applications include airborne imaging (military and commercial), especially for reconnaissance and surveillance systems that must image through turbulent boundary layers. The commercial market includes such areas as astronomy (retrofitting astronomical sites), laser communication and power beaming. It is expected that the contractor will focus on Phase I designs that would maximize both the commercial potential and the military potential.

OPTICAL PHYSICS CO. 4505 Las Virgenes Road, Suite 217 Calabasas, CA 91302
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(818) 871-1841 Dr. Richard Hutchin AF 01-003 Awarded: 07MAR01
Title:	3D WAVEFRONT CONTROL
Abstract:	A new control concept is proposed which can significantly enhance the performance of the Airborne Laser beam control. This control process allows high quality wavefront information to be obtained even using extended sources of many theta-noughts in size. In simulation, a simple version increased high-order strehl 1.67X and on-axis irradiance by 5.7X over a 120 km horizontal path with a 1mx1m extended source. Besides the major benefit to the ABL program, there is another commercial application. The Last-Mile Optical Link involves high bandwidth laser communication over near-ground horizontal paths up to 5 kilometers long. With DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing), the need is to image a first fiber source onto a second fiber receiver several kilometers away. Optical efficiency requires a high strehl to avoid fades and resulting data loss. This sensor will greatly increase reliability.

METROLASER, INC. 18010 Skypark Circle, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92614
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(949) 553-0688 Dr. Vladimir Markov AF 01-004 Awarded: 01MAR01
Title:	Laser System for Active Tracking of a Launch Vehicle and Satellite
Abstract:	In this Phase I proposal, we outline a plan to develop a novel phase-conjugate laser system capable of locking and tracking remote objects. The proposed system uses a pulsed laser with an intra-cavity four-wave mixing configuration. In this proposal, we outline the operational principles of the system, showing how velocity and position of the target can be accurately measured. During Phase I, we will perform additional theoretical analysis, design a laboratory system, and demonstrate the key aspects of the tracking system. During Phase II we will scale the technology up for field demonstration.Optical systems can provide precise information on an object's location and velocity. The proposed system can significantly enhance the accuracy of existing radar-based tracking stations. Because of the increased measurement accuracy, measurements of satellites can be performed less frequently and with fewer tracking stations, thus saving on operational costs. In addition, the system could find applications in aircraft and missile tracking.

PC PHOTONICS 64 Windward Way Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(860) 443-4356 Dr. George G. King AF 01-005 Awarded: 06APR01
Title:	Key Enabling Components for High-Power Fiber Lasers
Abstract:	Three key enabling components are critically needed for advancing high power fiber lasers. They are the double clad, multicore fibers; high brightness diode laser pumps; and optical coupling between the pump and the fiber. This proposal is focused on the most neglected component, the coupling between the pump and fiber laser. Material damage thresholds eliminate end pumping as a viable way to achieve multiple kilowatt outputs from a double clad fiber laser system. Side pumping the entire surface of a double clad system has not shown promise due to excessive losses that are artifacts inherent in the design. The aim of this proposal is to develop a reliable optical coupling technique by distributing the pump power at various strategic locations along the length of the double clad fiber without compromising the fiber integrity. The design of our proposed coupling scheme takes into account the effective absorption of the fiber cores along the propagation length of the fiber. The pump power from a multimode fiber is injected into the inner cladding at an angle exceeding the critical angle. With this approach it may be possible to couple several kilowatts of pump power into the fiber without exceeding the material damage threshold. This proposal describes an approach and presents the necessary steps to demonstrate the practicality of our proposed coupling scheme. If the results of this Phase I prove successful a Phase II will be proposed to develop a prototype which will be delivered to the Air Force for demonstration. High power diode-pumped multicore fiber lasers can be very competitive in the market place as compared to high power diode-pumped solid-state lasers and C02 lasers presently employed by automotive, aerospace and ship-building industries for precision drilling, high-speed cutting and welding of metals and composition materials.

COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 655 Aspen Ridge Drive Lafayette, CO 80026
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 604-2000 Dr. AnnMarie L. Oien AF 01-006 Awarded: 02APR01
Title:	Tunable, Narrow Linewidth Laser for HF/DF Laser Metrology
Abstract:	Development of advanced Hydrogen Fluoride/Deuterium Fluoride (HF/DF) laser technology can be hampered by delayed knowledge of laser component performance. HF mirror optical performance metrology is currently costly and time consuming, requiring laser component delivery to an HF laser site, and operation of another HF laser to reach relevant wavelengths. Coherent Technologies, Inc (CTI) proposes a portable, turn-key solid state laser source providing over 1W narrow linewidth output, tunable to major HF laser lines (2.64 - 2.91 mm). A direct laser source is chosen instead of a nonlinear optical device because of the superior intensity stability and output power available - desirable in a metrology system. The proposed system could be transported to coating vendors for immediate diagnostic testing of mirror absorption and scattering at a range of HF laser lines. This will enhance the efficiency of the manufacturing process. Other possible applications include HF laser alignment and spatially resolved gain probing/imaging for decisive optimization of HF/DF laser performance. Phase I will consist of constructing a tunable, single-frequency laser, characterizing a HF/DF mirror sample, and designing a prototype brassboard HF mirror metrology system. The proposed work builds upon CTI's established background in tunable mid-IR laser sources and ruggedized single-frequency laser systems.A compact solid state tunable narrow linewidth source in the 2-3 mm wavelength region will accelerate HF/DF laser component metrology and alignment. Commercial applications include remote sensing, medical instrumentation, and as a pump source for mid-infrared nonlinear devices.

PHYSICAL SCIENCES, INC. 20 New England Business Center Andover, MA 01810
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 689-0003 Dr. Steven J. Davis AF 01-006 Awarded: 04APR01
Title:	Advanced Diagnostics and Analytic Tools for HF/DF Laser Technology
Abstract:	Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop two sensitive diagnostics for HF chemical laser development:. a) a novel patented, multispectral imager; Adaptive Infrared Imaging Spectroradiometer (AIRIS) and b) Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF). In Phase I we will design, assemble, characterize, and field test an AIRIS device to demonstrate its capability to provide a sensitive diagnostic for the spatial and spectral content of HF lasers and profiles of HF(v,J) concentration and gain. We also propose to develop a design for a PLIF instrument that would be delivered in Phase II. This device would be used by HF researchers to design and test advanced mixing nozzles for future HF lasers. These two diagnostic tools would provide developers of high power chemical lasers with valuable data including spatial maps of populations of HF(v,J) levels, stability of HF output lines, and detailed maps of mixing. A successful Phase I and II program will result in two diagnostic devices that will be delivered to the Air Force. These tools will provide valuable design and verification data for development of the next generation of high power HF lasers. Follow on opportunities include diagnostics for ground based spaceborne lasers.

QEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 2715 S. St Paul Denver, CO 80210
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 807-6051 Dr. John A. Bognar AF 01-007 Awarded: 18APR01
Title:	High-Performance Atmospheric Measurement System Using Kites and Blimps
Abstract:	The study of atmospheric turbulence and wind structure presents unique demands not currently met by commercially available atmospheric measurement systems. Remote sensors suffer from poor spatial resolution and often imprecise calibrations. In-situ sensors are either mounted on towers, which do not reach altitudes of interest, or on aircraft, which introduce a variety of artifacts into the data. Kites and blimps fill a niche between these existing platforms by providing a quiet platform from which to make measurements from the surface up to the free troposphere. The development of kites and blimps for atmospheric research requires the development of the profiling system itself and sensors suited to making measurements from these unique platforms. QEI Technologies proposes to develop a portable, user-friendly profiling system that will use a combination of high-performance kites and blimps to carry sensors through the boundary layer and into the free troposphere. An associated measurement package will be developed that provides three-dimensional wind data and interfaces to additional sensors. Phase I work will focus on the measurement package. Phase II work will see final refinement of the measurement package, the integration of this package with the profiling system, and extensive field tests of the combined system. The kite/blimp profiling system and associated wind measurement system will be useful to numerous government agencies and universities engaged in studies of fundamental wind and turbulence behavior, flux measurements, and transport and diffusion phenomena.

COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 655 Aspen Ridge Drive Lafayette, CO 80026
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 604-2000 Dr. Timothy Carrig AF 01-008 Awarded: 23MAR01
Title:	High-efficiency, frequency-agile MWIR-LWIR laser source for DIAL
Abstract:	The proliferation of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons among rogue nations and terrorist organizations necessitates that the US develop the means of detecting the development of these weapons before they can be deployed against US and allied military assets and civilian targets. The US government has demonstrated that Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) is one means of stand-off, covert, remote detection of chemical signatures characteristic of the development of these weapons. However, current DIAL transmitters lack the laser power and overall electrical efficiency needed for deployment onboard unmanned aerial vehicles or reconnaissance satellites. This program aims to demonstrate an innovative all solid-state laser transmitter suitable for incorporation into next-generation mobile DIAL sensors. A compact, high-efficiency, diode-pumped laser that pumps a single-stage optical parametric oscillator capable of simultaneous output in both the MWIR and LWIR spectral regions is proposed. The transmitter will be capable of electronically accessing any wavelength of interest and of scanning among wavelengths at a 10-50 kHz rate. In Phase I we will demonstrate that the proposed transmitter can meet DIAL wavelength, tuning and linewidth requirements. A detailed transmitter design will be developed. Additionally, risk reduction experiments will be conducted to demonstrate key elements of the design.Frequency-agile laser transmitters are needed for commercial DIAL sensors suitable for industrial chemical detection, pollution monitoring, and leak detection. These lasers are also useful for scientific applications such as high-resolution optical spectroscopy. High electrical efficiency infrared lasers are needed for variety of applications including wind-sensing, free-space optical communications, search and rescue beacons, infrared countermeasures and surgery.

Q PEAK, INC. 135 South Road Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 275-9535 Dr. Yelena Isyanova AF 01-008 Awarded: 09APR01
Title:	Single-frequency, high-energy, tunable solid state IR source
Abstract:	Q-Peak, Inc. proposes to develop a single-mode, rapidly tunable, high-energy, high-average-power, all-solid-state IR source suitable for use as a direct-detection or heterodyne DIAL system transmitter. The source is based on the combination of a 1 micron pulsed pump laser and optical parametric oscillators (OPO). The pump source, designed as a oscillator-amplifier (MOPA) system, comprises a compact, diode-pumped, 500 Hz pulse-repetition-rate, single-frequency, Q-switched Nd:YLF laser and diode-pumped multipass Yb:S-FAP power amplifier. The MOPA system will pump a tandem OPO system consisting of a rapidly-angle-tuned, injection-seeded, 1.5-3.6 micron KTA OPO, and a pump-tuned, 3-5 micron and 8-12 micron CdSe OPO pumped by the KTA OPO idler. In the Phase I effort we will demonstrate an IR-source consisting of (1) an efficient, 500-kHz repetition rate, 1-micron source generating 15-mJ nsec pulses; (2) a tunable KTA OPO with a combined signal and idler average power of 2.5 W at 500 Hz repetition rate. Phase II development will emphasize technology that is ultimately field-suitable and efficient in terms of prime-power use, wavelength agility and single-mode operation.The proposed IR Laser Source will enhance selectivity and sensitivity of active, laser-based chemical effluent detection. In the commercial sector, the applications include wide-area pollution monitoring, process control, and general scientific investigations.

MISSION RESEARCH CORP. Post Office Drawer 719, 735 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93102
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 429-9261 Dr. Errol English AF 01-009 Awarded: 20APR01
Title:	Antenna Back-lobe and Side-lobe Suppression using Tapered Periodic Surfaces
Abstract:	Mission Research Corporation will design, fabricate, and test microwave antennas with very low side and back lobes using an innovative technology known as Tapered Periodic Surfaces (TPS). A TPS can be used as an edge treatment to drastically reduce EM field diffraction. A TPS is similar to a tapered R-Card, except that it is reactive rather than resistive. The TPS has many advantages over a tapered R-Card. These include; frequency compensation, ease of fabrication, polarization diversity, and high power robustness. In Phase I, several basic TPS structures (flat panels) will be designed, fabricated, and tested. These basic TPS designs will then be incorporated into a design of a simple demonstration antenna (TBD, but possibly a pyramidal or conical horn). Laboratory tests will be performed on this antenna to demonstrate the low side lobe effectiveness of the TPS treatment. Also in Phase I, a preliminary performance specification, as well as a conceptual design, will be generated for an advanced ultra-low side/back lobe antenna. This antenna will be designed, fabricated, and tested in Phase II.The satellite telecommunications industry is currently expanding at an incredible rate. With vast increases in the number of both satellites and ground terminals, interference between adjacent systems in a crowded envrionment is a serious problem. Ultra low side lobe antennas will be desperately needed. In parallel with this SBIR program, MRC will maintain a relationship with major non-military telecommunications companies in order to address their need for low side lobe antennas.

FARR RESEARCH, INC. 614 Paseo Del Mar NE Albuquerque, NM 87123
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(505) 293-3886 Dr. Everett G. Farr AF 01-010 Awarded: 20APR01
Title:	An Inflatable Membrane Impulse Radiating Antenna
Abstract:	Ultra-Wideband (UWB) antennas with broad bandwidth and large apertures could be of great use in a variety of space-based applications, including radar, communications, and surveillance. The challenge is to deploy a large lightweight UWB antenna that is stowable in a small volume, and that will be resistant to the harsh space environment. To overcome these challenges we propose an inflatable impulse radiating antenna fabricated from a thin membrane such as mylar or kapton. The proposed design is called a Membrane Impulse Radiating Antenna, or Membrane IRA. The antenna is inflated during deployment, and then the membrane may be hardened by epoxy or coated with a thin layer of foam that becomes rigid. In this manner, the antenna will be hardened against puncture by small space-borne particles. The Membrane IRA is a blend of two well-established foundation technologies. The first of these is the Collapsible Impulse Radiating Antenna (CIRA), which has an umbrella-like design and is now a commercial product. The second foundation technology is inflatable large-aperture reflectors fabricated from membranes such as mylar or kapton. The combination of these two technologies will lead to a space-capable deployable large-aperture antenna that is operational over two decades of bandwidth. During Phase I we will build and test a scale model of a Membrane IRA, with diameter of around four feet. Testing will include both a mechanical deployment demonstration and a measurement of the antenna pattern. We will also investigate methods of structurally hardening the membrane after deployment, so puncture becomes less of a problem. Finally, we will investigate replacing cables in the feed design with printed circuit transmission line.This research will lead to a new design for an inflatable Membrane Impulse Radiating Antenna. This device will have very broad bandwidth, will be lightweight, and will fit into a small volume on a satellite before deployment. A scale model approximately four feet in diameter will be built during Phase I.

LGARDE, INC. 15181 Woodlawn Avenue Tustin, CA 92780
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(714) 259-0771 Dr. Arthur L. Palisoc AF 01-010 Awarded: 27APR01
Title:	Space-Based Ultra-Wideband Antennas
Abstract:	Past efforts have demonstrated how inflatable parabolic reflectors could be made for space antennas. More recent laboratory studies have shown how a broadband antenna can result by coupling parabolic reflectors to specially designed impedance-matching support arms. We propose to combine the two technologies to create an inflatable space antenna made from the inflatable parabolic reflector and its inflatable support arms. Our goal is a lightweight broadband space-deployable antenna suitable as an impulse radar antenna or a general broadband antenna. Our approach is to draw on design options we have proven in past inflatable-structures programs for decoys, struts, antennas, and membrane supports. We will examine Conical Support and Tubular Support concepts for the arms/feed. Impedance of the various feed components will be matched to that of the antenna to minimize energy loss from the beam, using concepts proven on these past programs to vary the effective surface conductivity and geometry. An analytical model will be produced so that antenna design parameters can be varied and the resultant effects on gain and mass calculated. The best feed concept will be selected for bench tests to validate the model. Our team has unmatched experience in inflatable space structures and antenna design and test.We are developing, in conjunction with Applied EM, a complete antenna. It can therefore be offered as a subsystem to any mission that needs an IRA. However, the antenna is much more than an IRA. It is a broadband device and therefore capable of working at many different frequencies that might be of interest. Thus it is the first antenna that can be offered as a product applicable to most space projects. Therefore it offers the real possiblity of mass producing an inexpensive but effective space antenna.

G A TYLER ASSOC., INC. 1341 S. Sunkist St. Anaheim, CA 92806
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(714) 772-7668 Dr. Terry Brennan AF 01-011 Awarded: 16MAR01
Title:	Scintillation Resistant Wave-Front Sensors for Strong-Turbulence Adaptive Optics
Abstract:	Wavefront sensing in high scintillation environments is degraded in conventional sensors by a coupling, in the measurement, between phase and irradiance variations. An evaluation of this effect, and its impact on performance of systems, such as ABL, is proposed. An innovative wavefront sensor design has been proposed which mitigates this effect by pixel-level processing of the data. The design exhibits other advantageous features such as ease of implementation, elimination of the unobservable waffle mode, potential noise gain reduction, and measurements which permit both linear and non-linear (branch-cut) phase reconstruction. This design will be fully evaluated, analytically and in simulation, and fine-tuned as necessary. This proposed sensor design will improve phase gradient measurement precision in high scintillation, resulting in increased Strehl ratio performance of a conventional least-squares reconstruction. It will also support the use of branch-cut phase reconstruction.

AEROASTRO, INC. 520 Huntmar Park Drive Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(228) 466-9863 Mr. Paul Gloyer AF 01-012 Awarded: 26APR01
Title:	Lightweight Structural Aerobrake for Orbital Positioning and Maneuvering
Abstract:	The ability to maneuver, change orbits, and rapidly deploy spacecraft is a key requirement for the space user community. However, large and bulky propulsion systems with a significant mass of fuel on board often limit the maneuverability and capabilities of space vehicles. AeroAstro is developing aerobraking concepts and structures that use the Earth's atmosphere for braking and steering, significantly reducing the amount of propellant and even the type of propulsion systems required on spacecraft. Very lightweight aerobraking structures can enable significant reduction in mass coupled with an increase in capability. Using aerobraking, AeroAstro is developing with commercial funding the Small Payload ORbit Transfer (SPORTT) system to enable small payloads to use low-cost secondary launch opportunities and still reach custom orbits. A lightweight aerobrake structural design is key to the SPORT concept. To fit within constrained volumes, aerobraking structural members must be tightly packaged and lightweight. Structural booms must deploy to approximately ten times their length to produce a seventy-fold increase in profile area. AeroAstro proposes to investigate various applications and structural technologies for the aerobrake design. TThe use of aerobraking provides spacecraft and vehicles like SPORT with a much greater orbit transfer capability than that achievable with direct propulsion. Aerobraking reduces the ?V requirement for a GTO to LEO orbit transfer from a costly 2,340 m/s down to an affordable 378 m/s, an amazing 84% reduction in ?V requirement. While the GTO to LEO case is extreme, other transfer missions, such as GEO to LEO and LEO to Intercept, each reveal a 50% savings in the ?V requirement. This will result in a massive reduction in launch costs for small satellites. The aerobraking technology payoff is significant, with commercial and government utility forseen not only for the SPORT vehicle, but also in a variety of other applications. Potential applications for the aerobraking technology include population of microsatellite constellations, situational pre-positioning, and space asset resupply. There are numerous potential customers, both government and commercial, for the technology that AeroAstro is proposing to develop. The first customer for this aerobraking technology will likely be a customer for AeroAstro's SPORT vehicle. A commercial customer is already funding a feasibility study for the first SPORT, which could be launched in 2003-2004.

MODULAR DEVICES, INC. 1 Roned Road Shirley, NY 11967
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(631) 345-3100 Mr. Mark B. Graham AF 01-014 Awarded: 24APR01
Title:	Lightweight DC/DC Power System
Abstract:	This opportunity relates to the ability to construct a flexible power system that is capable of operating from one power source or power multiple sources. The system would be composed of multiple lower power DC-DC converter units, which can be paralleled to expand power outputs in discrete multiples, sharing power loads relatively uniformly. This flexible power system would be comprised of small modules, each handling a small fraction of the overall power.The availability of a flexible power converter architecture could allow faster power bus development and allow stocking of a small number of common part types for multiple applications. This can result in large cost savings due to amortization of space related lot costs such as element qualification and radiation tests.

NVE CORP.(FORMERLY NONVOLATILE ELECTRON) 11409 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(952) 996-1610 Mr. John K. Myers AF 01-015 Awarded: 23APR01
Title:	High Speed Digital Bus Isolator for Space Applications
Abstract:	NVE will produce and package IC's that monolithically integrate their existing high speed GMR signal isolator silicon into a prototype 800 Mbits/sec. 8 bit transceiver. Commercial high speed data bus interfaces between subsystems such as IEEE 1284 and IEEE 1194 have not been galvanically isolated due to performance, size and cost constraints. These interfaces would benefit from the inclusion of monolithically integrated high performance galvanic isolation barriers. The proposed device will eliminate noise, cross talk, and ground bounce and allow highly parallel long distance bus architectures. Products will find wide application in aerospace, military and commercial applications which require both high speed transceiver circuitry and galvanic signal isolation. NVE has successfully integrated IsoLoopr galvanic monolithic isolation technology into single and dual channel transceiver silicon and will use this foundation to design/build isolated 8 channel 74245 type transceiver circuits and design 8 channel 74574 type latch solutions. This technology simultaneously meets requirements for high speed, low power, noise immunity and design flexibility required for high performance data busses. The Phase II program develops 3.3 volt radiation tolerant 4 or 8 channel die for production worthy 8 bit latch/transceiver designs. Products decrease component footprint, weight and power for other systems.This project will prove the feasibility of large scale implementation of NVE's Isoloop technology for use in computer bus interface applications. External interfaces to computers often must interface through a multi-channel parallel bus structure that today cannot be practically isolated. These non isolated bus interfaces often cause internal damage to computer systems due to grounding problems. This specific commercial market potential is estimated to exceed $50M. If the project is successful, it could lead to a product that can solve this technological problem and expand and create new markets.

INTEGRATED MAGNETOELECTRONICS 1214 Oxford St. Berkeley, CA 94709
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(510) 841-3585 Mr. Richard Spitzer, Ph.D AF 01-016 Awarded: 23APR01
Title:	Field Programmable System-On-A-Chip
Abstract:	The proposer (IME) is developing general-purpose electronics based on giant magnetoresistance (GMR). Underlying IME's all-metal electronics is the transpinnor, a novel device that allows amplification and either logic or linear characteristics. IME has designed and fabricated several transpinnor-based logic gates and simple linear circuits; intial tests have been completed, and a second development cycle is in progress. The phase I project objective is to demonstrate the feasability of an all-metal field programmable SOC. Transpinnors will be used for nonvolatile switches, logic gates, and an FPGA. The functional elements of the FPSOC will be designed, modeled and simulated, as will the FPSOC as a whole. The transpinnor will be made of the same materials as IME's nonvolatile GMR RAM. A successful project will provide the foundation for a variety of all-metal reconfigurable Systems-On-A-Chip.A specific FPSOC will provide a nonvolatile radiation-hardened switching system for routing telecommunications signals over a wide variety of networks, e.g., internet, phone lines, communications satellites, etc.. The individual elements will provide building blocks for other FPSOC's.

MISSION RESEARCH CORP. 735 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(505) 768-7641 Mr. Robert M. Turfler AF 01-017 Awarded: 13APR01
Title:	A Monolithic Advanced Instrument Controller Employing Mixed Technology System-On-A-Chip
Abstract:	Mission Research Corporation (MRC) proposes to design and develop a mixed signal system-on-a-chip based on the Advanced Instrument Controller (AIC) multi-chip module, previously developed by MRC. Specifically, we will design a monolithic, radiation hardened version of the AIC for the Peregrine fully depleted CMOS/SOS process. As a minimum, the monolithic AIC will include an 8031 equivalent microcontroller, a digital port expander, a memory controller with EDAC (error detection and correction), a 12 bit analog to digital converter, a 32-to-1 analog multiplexer, a voltage reference, and eight, 10 bit digital to analog converters. Depending on the results of our proposed Phase 1 investigation, it may also include on-chip RAM, ROM, and EEPROM.A radiation hardened, monolithic Advanced Instrument Controller will significantly reduce the size, weight, and power as well as cost for point of use microcontrollers in space and missile systems. It will also have applications in the commercial sectors for autonomous controllers of sensors and other instruments.

PHOTOBIT CORP. 135 N. Los Robles Ave., 7th Fl Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(626)6832200 Dr. Eric Fossum AF 01-018 Awarded: 23APR01
Title:	Radiation Tolerant System-On-A-Chip for Space
Abstract:	The purpose of this work is to identify/resolve deterrent factors to implement radiation tolerant image sensor system-on-a-chip (SOC). Thisis done by integrating radiation tolerant image sensor blocks on space system-on-a-chip (SOC) ICs that is expected to total dose up to 1Mrad(Si). Photobit has recently completed an SBIR project that concluded that radiation hard CMOS APS image sensors are feasible. The combination of employing the physical design techniques of enclosed geometry and guard rings, and a deep sub-micron standard CMOS fabrication process provides the path to radiation hard CMOS APS image sensors SOC IC's. Along the way, it is necessary to develop and prove other system level blocks operating as an integral part of an imager SOC such as digital control blocks, data storage and communication blocks, etc.. In Phase I of this SBIR project, these blocks will be developed, simulated, and integrated with already developed CMOS APS image sensor blocks to construct radiation hard CMOS APS image sensor system-on-a-chip (SOC) for space applications. Final design will be made ready for submission for fabrication.Radiation hard CMOS APS image sensor system-on-a-chip (SOC) ICs will pave the way for low cost, radiation hard, low-power, miniature camera solutions for space and earth based applications. CMOS APS image sensors perform as well as CCDs, with the added benefits of lower power (10 to 100 times less) and integration of electronics (enabling miniaturization and SOC solutions). This allows them to not only compete in the same markets as CCDs, but also provide opportunities to expand the existing image sensor market. The proposed radiation hard image sensor and the technical advances associated with its development are extremely important for space applications (DoD, NASA, and commercial satellites) and ground-based based radiation harsh environment systems such as nuclear power plants, particle accelerators, and radiation test facilities.

ADVANCED SOLUTIONS, INC. 6901 S. Pierce St, Suite 301 Littleton, CO 80128
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(720) 218-7584 Mr. Allen W. Bucher AF 01-019 Awarded: 28MAR01
Title:	Low-Cost/Robust Nanosatellite Spacecraft for Distributed, Communication Systems Constellations
Abstract:	Both DOD and NASA have future missions that require the launch and deployment of an increasing number of single spacecraft, as well as multi-craft constellations. The desire to minimize cost and ensure the robustness of these high value assets has given rise to the need for on-orbit inter-satellite communications that provides redundancy and fault tolerant satellite-to-satellite communications. The increased use of the Internet and wireless technologies for terrestrial based communications has sparked advancements in the robustness and reliability of hardware and software components. Using these methodologies, ASI is proposing a Satellite Constellation Internet Protocol (SCIP) for Satellite Constellation Management. ASI will develop methodologies that will allow the expansion of the current internet to space based hosts. These hosts will have the capability to communicate, exchange information, and route traffic to other nodes as if they were terrestrial based. The SCIP will leverage current internet technologies and enhance them to handle the space environment and increased node-to-node latency.Robust Satellite to Satellite communications. High Bandwidth communications to areas without high bandwidth infrastructure. Satellite constellation management methodologies. Low cost, low risk, high fault tolerant communications networks in the sky.

ALAMEDA APPLIED SCIENCES CORP. 2235 Polvorosa Ave, Suite 230 San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(510) 483-4156 Dr. Niansheng Qi AF 01-019 Awarded: 06APR01
Title:	Vacuum Arc Nano Thrusters for Nanosatellite Spacecraft Constellations
Abstract:	Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation proposes to develop a new type of nano-thruster electric engine for highly parallel, distributed constellations of nano-satellites and other space propulsion applications. A key feature of the proposed Phase-I is the use of an Inductive Energy Store (IES) driver to power the vacuum arc nano-thruster, which has a mass of <60 g while operating at >90% PPU efficiency from 1-10 W. The province of missions for such a thruster includes attitude control of satellite constellations of Class I microspacecraft (~10 kg, ~10 W). This thruster requires <100 V to operate, vs. the ~2 kV for the PPT. The thruster might be scaled to >=100 W, to provide both attitude control and slew maneuvers with the same engine. In Phase I, AASC will fabricate a prototype thruster with a 1-10 W inductive PPU, using NASA and/or Air Force space qualified components where possible. We will measure plasma streaming velocity and mass utilization rates for many elements or alloys. We will conduct direct thrust and efficiency measurements at Edwards AFB. In Phase II, we will develop a flight qualified engineering model by addressing other key issues such as the lifetime of the thruster, environmental factors and mission requirements.The primary application of the specific thruster to be developed in the proposed work will be for Class I micro-spacecraft, ~10 kg. However, beyond this immediate application, the thruster could find use for larger or smaller spacecraft, with further development.

ONTARIO ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL 3333 Harrision Street, Unit #6 Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(909) 283-5971 Mr. Russell Abbott AF 01-020 Awarded: 20APR01
Title:	Opto-Interconnection System
Abstract:	A fiber optic device connector will enable the development of a new generation in optical computer technology. By developing an optical interconnect that connects to the transmit and detector elements mounted in the device will improve system performance through increased data transmission rates, lower power consumption, opto-isolation of all I/O and a enabling of the single point ground philosophy. Current fiber optic systems use discrete devices to covert the light pulses from the fiber optic cable into electrical signals. These signals are then conducted to the next device using a printed wiring board to high-count I/O packages. These signals are then demultiplexed down to a lower data rate required by the lower speed, low power technologies. As a consequence the I/O increases to maintain the data rate. I/O power is a significant contributor to the overall power consumption of the IC. By integrating the transmitter, detector and fiber optic cable connection into the device package the device I/O pin count can be reduced. This allows a significant reduction in the device power requirements that are needed to drive the I/O and an increase in the data transfer rates by not having to leave the device package.These efforts will offer major savings on device power consumption, inherent radiation hardness, increased reliability through elimination of solder joints, increased immunity from electrical noise and crosstalk.

MISSION RESEARCH CORP. 735 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(505) 768-7788 Mr. Daniel King AF 01-021 Awarded: 13APR01
Title:	Enhanced Hardened By Design (HBD) EDA Environment
Abstract:	Mission Research Corporation (MRC) is proposing the enhancement of the Hardened by Design concepts and MRC Libraries to address emerging radiation issues for Single Event Transient, Neutron Induced Upsets, and Dose Rate Hardness through a hierarchical design process. The existing libraries already incorporate design techniques to address Total Ionizing Dose, Single Event Latchup, and Single Event Upsets. Further, MRC proposes the integration of the MRC Hardened by Design, deep submicron cell libraries into the Synopsys (TM) design environment. The approach will address foundry independent fabrication techniques for radiation hardened electronics. Specifically, we will enhance the scalable 0.35 and 0.25 micron, hardened by design (HBD) cell library to support the radiation hardening of ASICs fabricated in commercial silicon foundries, but exhibiting total dose hardness in excess of 300 Krad(Si), single event effects immunity, and dose rate hardness in excess of 1x10^9 rad(Si)/s. The improved performance and radiation hardness will be demonstrated by using Synopsys DesignWare (TM) components.Radiation hardening techniques for foundry independent fabrication design flow for radiation hardened electronics in support of system on a chip development. The enhanced HBD libraries and design flow will enable higher performance, lower power, and lower size and weight designs for space and strategic applications. The approach will lead to more cost effective electronics designs. MRC's proven design experience and expertise will lead toward new capabilities for the space electronics design.

VIBRO-ACOUSTIC SCIENCES, INC. 12555 High Bluff Drive, Suite 310 San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(858) 350-0057 Dr. Bryce Gardner AF 01-022 Awarded: 27MAY01
Title:	Advanced Composite Acoustic Blanket Development
Abstract:	In Ph.I Vibro-Acoustic Sciences will extend and apply its acoustic modeling technology to investigate an entirely new class of blanket construction - "heterogeneous construction" - as a means to achieve better low- and mid-frequency attenuation of acoustic levels in launch vehicle fairings. Candidate heterogeneous blanket concepts include Prof. C.R.Fuller's distibuted vibration absorber and NAMRL's embedded particle matrix materials. Acoustic tests will be used to validate a Blanket Design Procedure. A best "noise reduction per unit weight" blanket design will be undertaken for a selected launch vehicle fairing. The blanket will be fabricated and ground tested in an acoustics lab to prove its feasibility for full scale fairing application and evaluation in Phase II.Improving the acoustic environment in launch vehicle fairings will allow the use of more low cost COTS equipment on Air Force space flight projects and will reduce the test requirements for new flight hardware. There are also significant opportunities to apply this technology to new noise control solutions for transport vehicles, including the $20 billion automobile interiors market.

CFD RESEARCH CORP. 215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor Huntsville, AL 35805
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(256) 726-4800 Dr. Marek Turowski AF 01-023 Awarded: 23APR01
Title:	New Design Technologies for Radiation Hardened Microelectronics
Abstract:	Radiation-hardening by design (RHBD) allows to use available commercial fabrication lines of high performance circuits, but the radiation-hardened (rad-hard) devices and cells require larger area, higher-power consumption, and slower performance. CFDRC in collaboration with Mission Research (David Alexander) and Vanderbilt University (Ronald Schrimpf) is proposing to develop novel, radiation-hardened by design concepts, at the transistor and primitive cell level, that are spatially compact in comparison to currently used rad-hard designs. The new, innovative rad-hard circuit design technology will include: 1) An integrated computational environment to provide quantitative assistance in developing new rad-hard designs, utilizing 3D device simulations with advanced semiconductor models enhanced with radiation effects; 2) Numerical, automated optimization of primitive logic and memory cell designs (layouts) for mitigation of Single Event Effects in modern submicron CMOS technologies, including SOI; 3) Calculation of key operational parameters of the designed cells, to indicate that the designs will tolerate radiation exposure to specified levels. Special attention will be given to single event latchup (SEL) vulnerability. In Phase II, the RHBD software will be enhanced with TID phenomena, and the optimized designs of primitive logic and memory cells will be fabricated and electrically characterized to demonstrate their radiation-hardness to TID, SEL, and SEU.All federal and commercial organizations that are involved in putting vehicles into space would benefit greatly by having access to high-performance, radiation-hardened microelectronics that are readily and cost-effectively produced. DoD also has many non-space applications for radiation-hardened microelectronics.

JAYCOR, INC. 3394 Carmel Mountain Road San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(256) 837-9100 Mr. T. G. Bo Henderson AF 01-024 Awarded: 23APR01
Title:	Direct Thermal to Electric Energy Converter
Abstract:	A great and pervasive need exists for new, innovative concepts for the generation of electric power in earth orbit. All US spacecraft rely on solar cells for their primary power source. The most advanced solar cells under development are at most 40% efficient. A novel technique with higher efficiency is needed to enhance mission capabilities. That novel concept is thermionic emission from microtip arrays. It is anticipated that efficiencies as high as 60% are achievable with current densities greater than 10 amps per square centimeter. This program will further develop and refine the geometry, and band/field structure of diamond microtip arrays to maximize durability, efficiency, and capacity. The goal of this program is to develop compact efficient energy conversion devices for space and ground based applications. The Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of this technology by a combination of lab measurements and analysis.In addition to providing an efficient power source for government and commercial satellites, efficient direct thermoelectric conversion will support many electrical generation systems including nuclear and fossil fuel power plants. The increased efficiency will allow the more economical use of renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal. The broad temperature operating range of this technology will support many applications.

SYSTRAN FEDERAL CORP. 4027 Colonel Glenn Highway, Suite 210 Dayton, OH 45431
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 429-9008 Mr. Todd Grimes AF 01-025 Awarded: 23APR01
Title:	Improved Analog-to-Digital Converter Fabrication Techniques
Abstract:	An innovative ADC architecture known as Parallel Time Interleaved Multi-bit Feedback (PTIMF) has been invented by Prof. Ray Siferd of Wright State University and Systran Federal Corp. The PTIMF architecture offers several advantages over existing parallel Delta-Sigma ADC architectures, such as, Reduced oversampling ratios (OSR), Less hardware intensive implementation, Reduced filtering requirements, etc. In addition, the PTIMF architecture facilitates the design of ADCs with the following attributes: High Speed, High Resolution, Increased Bandwidth, and Reduced power consumption. The most beneficial feature of the PTIMF architecture is scalability and its applicability to any fabrication process. The number of channels and/or the OSR may be scaled to facilitate the required resolution (12-bit, 16-bit, 18-bit, 20-bit, 24-bit, etc.) and the bandwidth. Dr. Cerny of SN/AFRL and his colleagues have invented a new, patented process from known as "Xs-MET". Devices built using the Xs-MET process are inherently radiation hardened at > 500 Kilorads. This proposal will apply the PTIMF architecture to potentially rad-hard processes (e.g., Xs-MET) and develop ADCs for space applications. In addition, we also plan to investigate the possibility of adding "circuit elements" to the PTIMF architecture that will make the components rad-hard. ADCs designed in this SBIR program will not only have high-performance characteristics, but will also be rad-hard. Hence, they will be extremely useful for space-based applications.

AET, INC. 1900 S. Harbor City Blvd., Suite 115 Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(321) 727-0328 Dr. Glenn T. Hess AF 01-026 Awarded: 23APR01
Title:	Single Event Transient Soft Error Rate Prediction in Integrated Circuits
Abstract:	Single event transient (SET) effects on combinational logic have not been widely studied because they have been deemed less important than logic circuits until the advent of deep sub-micron technologies. These new circuits tend to be more sensitive to SET because of the higher operating speeds and higher clock rates, and the smaller transistors themselves are more sensitive to radiation. AET, Inc. is developing a methodology to analyze the SET induced soft error rate in logic circuits. The approach is to model these SET induced soft error rates as functions of the design and technology of the integrated circuit. The models will be incorporated into a software tool that will be utilized by development engineers. This tool will be complimentary to an AET tool presently in development aimed at calculating critical charge and total dose effects in integrated circuits. As a proof of concept, AET will design test structures to verify the validity of the approach and the AET software tool. Based on the results of this work, AET will predict the primary factors contributing to SET susceptibility of the test structures. Using the AET statistical analysis methodology, AET will develop a preliminary SET mitigation strategy. The primary benefit of the SET software tool will be to US Air Force advanced space systems and commercial companies that supply IC's to these systems. Commercial satellite programs as well as military systems will utilize this technology to improve system performance and lower costs.

MATERIALS & SYSTEMS RESEARCH, INC. 5395 West 700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(801) 530-4987 Dr. Tad J. Armstrong AF 01-027 Awarded: 07APR01
Title:	Fabrication of Highly Conductive, BASE-Header Assemblies by a Novel Process, and Evaluation in AMTEC
Abstract:	This proposal by Materials and Systems Research, Inc. (MSRI) is on the fabrication of Na-beta"-alumina-containing solid electrolytes (BASE) by a novel, patented process, and evaluation of performance in an AMTEC. The process converts sintered alpha-alumina containing bodies directly into BASE. The resulting BASE is resistant to attack by moisture, unlike BASE made by a conventional process. The process is also amenable to integration of an insulating header, required for attachment to other cell components, without the necessity of using a sealing glass. The proposed approach should result in highly conductive, mechanically strong, water-resistant BASE. Minimization of the number of steps in processing, and minimization of number of components is expected to lead to significant cost savings. Higher conductance compared to BASE made by conventional processes also should lead to higher performance. In Phase I, MSRI will fabricate and characterize BASE-header assemblies, and evaluate their performance in an AMTEC.The proposed approach for the fabrication of BASE offers the following benefits over the state-of-the-art methods. The proposed method: (a) Does not require encapsulation for sintering. (b) Higher mechanical strength. (c) Is resistant to attack by moisture. (d) A glass-free alpha-Al2O3-BASE header. (e) Low cost. Potential commercial benefits include applications in AMTEC, sodium-sulfur batteries, and sensors. AMTEC has applications in satellite power, uninterrupted power supplies (UPS), and residential power. Sodium-sulfur batteries have applications in distributed power, load-leveling in the utility industry, and for transportation.

ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORP. 9971 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(952) 829-5864 Jordan C. Bonney AF 01-028 Awarded: 06APR01
Title:	Ad Hoc Routing for Nanosatellite Constellation Communications
Abstract:	This proposal suggests an approach to providing self-organizing network communications between the nodes comprising a nanosatellite constellation. Using the proposing firm's existing body of work on self-organizing ad hoc networks for 802.11 wireless LANs and miniaturized robotics platforms as a baseline, issues relating to ad hoc networking in a nanosatellite constellations will be identified, a candidate communication architecture will be developed, and OPNET models of a modified ad hoc routing protocol will be developed. The simulation results will be used to assess the feasibility of the approach. By applying the lessons learned from terrestrial ad hoc networks to a spaceborne environment, and by using existing routing algorithms as a baseline, a flexible communications infrastructure that enables the deployment of cooperative software on the various nodes of a nanosatellite constellation can be developed in a relatively short period of time. The commercial application of this research is a routing algorithm that can be licensed to nanosatellite communication-hardware vendors.

NVE CORP.(FORMERLY NONVOLATILE ELECTRON) 11409 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(952) 918-1151 Dr. Zhenghong Qian AF 01-029 Awarded: 23APR01
Title:	High Speed Linear Spin-Valve Sensors for Analog Isolator Applications
Abstract:	This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate two types of linear spin-valve sensors with excellent linearity and sensitivity as well as optimized bias points, and will also demonstrate the feasibility of their application in analog isolator devices. The first type of linear spin-valve sensor will be designed similarly to a spin-valve recording head. The second type of linear spin-valve sensor will be designed and fabricated using a novel approach with a free ferromagnetic (FM) layer exchange-biased with an antiferromagnetic (AF) layer. The sensor performance will be optimized by materials selection and process control as well as magnetic design. The ultimate goal in this program is to fabricate and demonstrate analog isolator devices using linear spin-valve sensors developed in Phase I. The current NVE digital isolator process will be modified into an analog isolator process for this purpose. The success of this Phase I project will provide a solid framework for the Phase II to build high speed, linear radiation-hard analog isolator devices.The linear spin-valve sensors developed in this research has immediate application in NVE's isolator technology, which will lead to the addition of the analog isolator devices into its isolator product catalog. In addition, the linear spin-valve materials can also be used in field sensors and read head devices.

MICROCIRC ASSOC. 102 Scholtz Plaza, No.238 Newport Beach, CA 92663
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(949) 548-5214 Dr. T.P. Haraszti AF 01-030 Awarded: 25APR01
Title:	Radiation-Hardened Synchronous SRAM
Abstract:	Novel radiation-hardened synchronous pipelined multibank fault-tolerant static-random- access-memory (SRAM) will be developed. The SRAM will combine high speed performance and radiation-hardness with high packing density, low power consumption and manufacturability at reasonable costs. Unique circuits and circuit organization, i.e. self- compensating current-sense, voltage limiters, parameter-tracking references, self-adjusting logic, shuffle, error corrector and fault-masking circuits, will contribute to narrow or close the speed-gap between radiation hardened SRAMs and the digital-signal-processors DSPs. Fault- tolerance will be used only to the level that satisfies the requirements. In Phase I, the architecture and the key circuits and a test-chip concept will be developed, in Phase II a complete SRAM will be designed, fabricated and evaluated, and in Phase III modified SRAM designs will be commercialized. The outcome of this effort will be key elements in future defense systems, commercial satellites, cosmic missions, nuclear weapons, power sources, propulsion devices and in other radiation hardened ambiences.The anticipated results of this research and development program can lead to a breakthrough in the implementation of an advanced national defense-system. Namely, the proposed SRAM is a key element that can satisfy the elevated requirements in operational speed and radiation hardness. The private industry would progress in obtaining high-reliability fast SRAMs for applications in extreme environments.

MIDE TECHNOLOGY CORP. 56 Rogers Street Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 252-0660 Dr. Leo Casey AF 01-031 Awarded: 02APR01
Title:	Smart Adaptive Power Converter
Abstract:	Mide is proposing to investigate the use of adaptive control algorithms to enhance total system performance of switching power amplifiers and converters, with intended implementation in a radiation hard dc-dc converter. Mide is also proposing to investigate the area of component adaptation in these systems, with the focus on the use of variable power reactances, and adaptive rectifiers (variable V-I characteristic for semiconductor switching devices). The innovative concepts include: 1) digital implementation of feedback and feed-forward power controllers for high frequency switching amplifiers, permitting load dependent tuning of controller operation 2) extension of synchronous rectifier concepts to allow power MOSFETs to achieve wider range of terminal characteristics to assist in converter adaptation 3) investigation of variable power reactances for converter adaptation. In Phase II Mid� will develop/design and "qualification" test a prototype adaptive power converter to demonstrate the technology and to ease its transition to application by commercial and military spacecraft. Current economic pressures arising from higher fuel prices are an important reason why this technology is timely and important. A significant number of commercial converters are driving variable reactances and improved efficiency will directly translate into fuel/energy savings. The primary application will be converters for the telecommunications industry. The non-captive high-density power converter market is approximately $10B.

BUSEK CO., INC. 11 Tech Circle Natick, MA 01760
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(508) 655-5565 Dr. V. Hruby AF 01-032 Awarded: 12APR01
Title:	Field Emission Cooler Development
Abstract:	The on-going miniaturization of satellites requires concurrent development of miniaturized cooling/heat rejection devices. Cooling by field emission of electrons offers an attractive approach that until recently could not be considered. To test it, we have conducted preliminary experiments and measured significant emitter cooling/temperture drop using an unoptimized carbon nanotube (CNT) field emission (FE) cathode originally constructed for low power electric propulsion applications. Approximate analytical model was developed to explain the observed behavior. The model indicates that heat transport approaching a mW was accomplished and that a theoretical limit is of the order of 100 W/cm^2. Thus cooling by electron field emission is feasible and its development is herein proposed. In Phase I we will construct an improved FE device for the purpose of accurate calorimetric measurement of heat rejection from the emitter/cathode and heat gain on the anode. Emission experiments will be conducted in temperature range from 400 to 77 K to determine the feasibility of cryogenic FE coolers. The experiments will be supported by concurrent modeling to develop performance prediction capability. A search for early FE cooler application will be conducted and the identified application will be the focus of the Phase II device development. Cost effective, high efficiency, compact FE coolers would find application in many space and terrestrial devices in both military and commercial markets. These devices include IR sensors and imagers, cryogenic storage, magnetic resonance imaging and refrigeration in medical applications, high density digital processors and power electronic components. The market is in the $M annually.

STAR CRYOCOOLERS, LLC 505 Oppenheimer Dr. Suite #804 Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(505) 662-1585 Dr. Bradley C. Edwards AF 01-032 Selected for Award
Title:	The Solid-State Optical Cryocooler
Abstract:	Cryogenic systems are becoming more important to the Air Force and commercial interests. Such systems are utilized both in space and on the ground. An ever growing number of applications require cooling; from high performance sensor systems to superconducting electronics. However, cryogenic systems often create as many problems as they solve. When mechanical cryocoolers are used vibrations, power consumption, survivability and complexity become real issues. When cryogens are used maintenance, complexity and lifetime become issues. In our proposed Phase I effort we will study an emerging technology, optical cryocoolers, that will provide a revolutionary way to achieve cryogenic temperatures. The optical cryocooler is a solid state device that offers a number of distinct advantages over its mechanical counterparts. It is non-mechanical, vibration-free, temperature selectable, scalable to small size, rugged, likely to be long-lived, reliable, and lightweight. Given this technical promise, it may uniquely address future Air Force and commercial needs. The proposed research to develop an optical cryocooler would reduce or eliminate many of the problems currently experienced in cryogenic applications. With its unique characteristics the optical crycooler would be ideal for use in Air Force and DoD space and ground-based applications as well cooling commercial computer chips and high-temperature superconducting systems. These markets range from tens of millions of dollars per year for specific space applications to possibly over a billion dollars per year in future telecommunications applications.

IOWA THIN FILM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 2337 230th St Boone, IA 50036
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(515) 292-7606 Frank Jeffrey AF 01-033 Awarded: 27MAR01
Title:	High-Efficiency Amorphous Solar Cells on Polyimide Web
Abstract:	Thin film photovoltaic modules fabricated on polymer substrates have a number of very attractive features for space use. Flexible a-Si modules: 1) have shown minimum degradation due to radiation; 2) can have low fabrication costs; 3) have demonstrated very high power to weight ratios; 4) have high tolerance to vibration and shock; 5) can be monolithically integrated to give very flexible design options. Iowa Thin Film presently manufactures ultra lightweight amorphous silicon solar cells using a polyimide web substrate for the terrestrial market. Typical efficiency for the terrestrial product is approximately 5%. Finished solar cells of this type are presently capable of a specific power of 750 W/Kg. With a full focus on developing maximum efficiency for space use, laboratory results indicate that efficiency could approach 10% Under this effort, ITFT proposes a systematic program to transition our existing production-based terrestrial flexible monolithic integrated a-Si to a low cost space-rated PV. Since ITFT has already developed the core manufacturing processes of depositing on a flexible polymeric substrate and monolithic integration, we are in the unique position of being able to concentrate solely on the issues associated with converting a low-cost terrestrial PV into a space PV. The primary goal of Phase I is to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a new deposition process for a back surface reflection enhancing layer on our roll to roll fabricated, polymer based devices.In addition to lightweight power for space use, polymer based flexible photovoltaics have significant other DOD uses. These include lightweight portable fold-up or roll-up modules for field communications and modules integrated into tents or other temporary structures to power communications, lighting and filtering systems. Commercial uses include photovoltaics integrated into building structures for grid and non grid power as well as power for portable electronic devices. Power integrated into emergency shelters is another use.

NANOSONIC, INC. P.O. Box 618 Christiansburg, VA 24068
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(540) 953-1785 Dr. Kristie Cooper AF 01-033 Awarded: 27APR01
Title:	Ink Jet Print Self-Assembly of Polymer Thin Film Solar Cells on Polyimide Substrates
Abstract:	This Air Force Phase I SBIR program would demonstrate the feasibility of ink jet print electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) processes for the low-cost fabrication of flexible photovoltaic arrays directly on polyimide substrates. ESA processing involves the coating of substrate materials by the alternate adsorption of anionic and cationic complexes of polymers, metallic nanoclusters and other molecules from water-based solutions at room temperature and pressure. By controlling the molecules deposited in each monolayer of the resulting multilayer thin film, optoelectronic devices with high efficiency may be formed. Specifically, photon-to-electron conversion with high quantum efficiency can be achieved in layer-by-layer polymer dye/nanocrystalline semiconductor films, due to the high effective inter-particle surface contact area at the molecular level, and by using metal nanocluster/poly-dye multilayers to enhance optical absorbance. NanoSonic's recent work in this area, in cooperation with a large U.S. aerospace contractor, has demonstrated such high quantum efficiencies in ESA-fabricated devices, and the ability to form such functional thin films as coatings on mechanically flexible substrates. During Phase I, NanoSonic would work with that company to demonstrate the ability to reproducibly form deployable photovoltaic arrays on polyimide substrate materials, and investigate methods to improve quantum efficiency, fabricate electrode interconnections and implement effective device packaging.Photovoltaic arrays that may be integrated directly with space qualified materials offer unique opportunities for electrical power generation for both military and commercial applications. Easily-deployed power generating materials would reduce the need for batteries and for separate mechanically rigid solar cell arrays in space-based and terrestrial portable and mobile platforms. Low-cost processing methods such as ink jet print self-assembly at room temperature would allow cost-effective power generation.

NVE CORP.(FORMERLY NONVOLATILE ELECTRON) 11409 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(952) 996-1616 Mr. Robert A. Sinclair AF 01-034 Awarded: 23APR01
Title:	Radiation-Hardened Non-Volatile RAM
Abstract:	Nonvolatile memories, including Magneto Resistive Random Access Memory (MRAM), have limitations in speed, density, power, and manufacturability which limits their use in commercial and space applications. A unique nonvolatile memory architecture has been invented by NVE using a patent pending Spin Dependent Tunneling (SDT) cell that will eliminate these limitations. The newly invented SDT nonvolatile memory technology, of which NVE is among the leading researchers, allows a high density and also the lowest energy per bit write or read of any nonvolatile memory technology. Magnetic memory has been demonstrated to be immune to radiation effects and is compatible with silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) process which is available to NVE both through AMI, Honeywell, and others. Problems of disturbs and non-uniform switching thresholds have been eliminated with this new development. This innovation will allow speeds of 10 nanoseconds as well as power levels as low as 0.1 microwatts. Its scalability will allow densities of 16 megabits per square centimeter using 0.15 micron lithography. The new cell architecture developed with SDT technology will have broad application in DoD military, space systems, MILSATCOM, and commercial space systems.The durability and low power of the MRAM developed will fill a need for this type of nonvolatile memory both in military and commercial satellite systems as well as missile systems. With no wear out mechanism, this memory will be used for both high speed main memory and nonvolatile buffer applications in artificial intelligence, image processing, radar, sonar signal processing, virtual reality, robotics, control systems, etc.

INFRAMAT CORP. 74 Batterson Park Road Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(860) 678-7561 Dr. Yide Zhang AF 01-035 Awarded: 06APR01
Title:	Nanostructured Ferrite for High Frequency Low Loss Power Converters
Abstract:	The Air Force seeks innovative processes for fabricating new ferrite materials exhibiting soft magnetic properties superior to conventional ferrites in high frequency DC-to-DC power converter applications. Ferrites have been used extensively as soft magnetic materials for five decades without major innovation despite significant power loss at elevated frequencies - the key factor limiting the miniaturization of electronic devices. Inframat Corporation proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of exploiting novel ferrite/Fe nanocomposite materials for significantly improved performance in power converter applications. High electric-resistive ferrite and Fe nanoparticles will be chemically synthesized using Inframat's economically viable aqueous solution method. The synthesized ferrite/Fe nanocomposite will be consolidated into desired magnetic components, tested, and compared with conventional ferrites. The design of the ferrite/Fe nanocomposite is based on exchange coupling, a quantum effect taking place between neighboring nanoparticles. The ferrite/Fe nanocomposite is expected to possess higher saturation magnetization, higher permeability, higher electrical resistivity, higher Curie temperature, and lower power loss at elevated frequencies than conventional ferrite materials. This advancement will be very important for the design of high power density DC converters. The proposed program is highly useful for developing a series of magnetic nanomaterials, which are expected to have a major impact on the electronics industry.Commercial applications of the proposed technology include: Power converters, microwave antenna or rectennas, high frequency electronic parts made by ferrites, such as inductors, chokes, sensors, core-shape transformers, ultra high radio frequency telecommunications, planar transformers, and hybrid circuits. Other applications include telecommunications, industrial electronics, computers, Entertainment, automotive, and multimedia equipment.

NANOSONIC, INC. P.O. Box 618 Christiansburg, VA 24068
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(540) 953-1785 Ms. Kristie Cooper AF 01-035 Awarded: 13APR01
Title:	Molecular Self-Assembly of Multilayer Low-Loss Ferrite Thin Films and Devices
Abstract:	This Air Force SBIR program would develop multilayered low-loss ferrite thin film materials for use in high frequency power electronic DC-DC voltage converters for next-generation small and lightweight electronic systems. The emphasis of the Phase I program is on the development of ferrite material synthesis methods capable of yielding ultrasoft superparamagnetic ferrite films with controlled high resistivities and low defect concentrations in order to avoid excess loss at high switching frequencies. NanoSonic proposes to use modified electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) methods that allow the incorporation of magnetic, nonmagnetic and other molecular precursors into precisely-dimensioned multilayered thin films. Recent research suggests the feasibility of such methods for the synthesis of ultrasoft, low-loss ferrite films several millimeters in thickness, and the ability to adjust magnetic properties through control over precursor chemistries and intermolecular arrangement within the film. Thin film growth, molecular orientation and morphology will be determined using spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and both force and electron microscopy. The resulting lumped electronic properties of a fabricated prototype thin film inductor will be measured using vibrating sample magnetometry, four-point resistance probe, and high frequency network analyzer instrumentation. NanoSonic would work with both Virginia Tech and a major U.S. aerospace electronic systems company to analyze material performance.Low-loss high-frequency thin film ferrite materials and devices have immediate and widespread military and commercial applications in power electronic DC-DC voltage converters for future small and lightweight electronic systems. At even higher frequencies, such ferrites have uses in aircraft and space-based antenna systems and microwave engineering devices, including isolators, rotators, circulators, phase shifters, mixers and parametric amplifiers.

ENGINEERED PLASTIC DESIGNS, INC. 19750 Weld County Road 7 Berthoud, CO 80513
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(970) 532-2268 Mr. John Dinsmoor AF 01-036 Awarded: 27APR01
Title:	Modular, Protective Container for Payload
Abstract:	Engineered Plastic Designs, Inc., supported by CSA Engineering, Inc. proposes to develop clean-room containerization concepts for minimizing exposure of both the secondary spacecraft and the full-up payload module to damaging shock, vibration, and temperature extremes resulting during ground transportation, while providing an efficient, safe means for integrating each secondary spacecraft with the adapter. Currently, spacecraft are packed into crates for shipping. These crates do not provide adequate protection from shock and vibration, nor are they reusable. Further, these containers do not provision for handling during the integration process. An innovative new approach, EPD's container design will incorporate a multifunctional support frame that, when used in conjunction with the external container shell will provide exceptional support and isolation to the spacecraft. Every spacecraft will have different mass and moment of inertia properties. The new container design will provide a platform that mitigates the shock and vibration exposure over a broad range of spacecraft size and weights. The resultant container system design will be economically manufactured to meet the future needs of the satellite launch community.The primary commercial application for this SBIR project will be to produce and sell a modular container system for ESPA. The potential market for handling and transportation of multi-functional spacecraft containers, with or without secondary payloads, is significant in terms of reduced cost, convenience and safety for spacecraft manufacturers and users. The benefits of such modular payload containers would apply to both civilian and military satellite launches, since they are launched from the same vehicles. Both are subject to the same high cost of failure, and therefore to the same requirements for high standards of safety and reliability.

RH LYON CORP. 691 Concord Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 864-7260 Dr. Richard H. Lyon AF 01-037 Awarded: 15MAR01
Title:	A CSEA Approach to Active Noise and Vibration Control
Abstract:	Active noise and vibration control (ANVC) has not lived up to its promise. Attempts in the 1930's had little success because of inability to control the phase in electronics and transducers. Digital processing appeared to offer a solution for dealing with phase and arriving at algorithms of a complexity that could not be realized by analog systems. There are applications where ANVC has achieved success; exhaust and inlet silencers, noise canceling headsets and active engine mounts, for example. But the promises of ANVC and investments made to develop products have been disappointing. One reason is technical. ANVC has been successful when the transfer functions between disturbance and receiver are simple. The systems through which the signals travel in most situations are complicated, and in detail, unknowable. Individual systems are complicated, and multiple realizations are variable. The estimation methods that ANVC has employed have not been able to deal with them. But, techniques developed for structural response estimation, machine diagnostics, and dereverberation offer new ways to achieve ANVC. We term this approach "Complex SEA/ANVC". This document proposes the first phase of a program to develop this method and to express it in software of commercial value.The research proposed here will allow the control of disturbances of particular types in complex structural and acoustical systems, such as large aerospace structures. The advances are made possible by signal processing means that have been developed for machine diagnostics and teleconferencing. These technologies rely on de-reverberation procedures that allow one to use a received signal and estimate the disturbance that produced it with good accuracy. That capability is also needed in feed-back ANVC systems. The algorithms to be developed in this research will find direct commercial application, either as a supplement to software packages in related areas such as SEA, or as integral components that extend the capabilities of existing ANVC products.

VIBRO-ACOUSTIC SCIENCES, INC. 12555 High Bluff Drive, Suite 310 San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(858) 350-0057 Mr. Paul Bremner AF 01-037 Awarded: 27APR01
Title:	Optimal Design of Active Noise Control Systems
Abstract:	In Phase I, Vibro-Acoustic Sciences will extend its proprietary Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) code to estimate the statistics of phase for single input - single output transfer functions between launch vehicle fairing and payload acoustic volume. This is an extension of the preliminary research for AFRL on the same topic, conducted in 2000 by Vibro-Acoustic Science's collaborator and subcontratcor Prof. C.R Fuller of Virginia Tech. The statistcal phase prediction method will be experimentally validated with a simple laboratory experiment. The method will then be incorporated in Vibro-Acoustic Sciences' fairing active noise control model (developed in part under Air Force SBIR AF00-041) to theroretically predict how much active noise noise reduction is possible inside a fairing when the external acoustic excitation is partially space-correlated (ie. multiple statistcally independent sources) and when the internal payload acoustic field is reverberant.The method and experimental results developed in the first two phases of the SBIR program will be applicable to DoD and commercial launch vehicles and can be intergrated into the commercial software products already provided to these markets by Vibro-Acoustic Sciences. The successful application of the design method will reduce launch vehicle fairing acoustic levels and allow the use of more low cost COTS equipment on space vehicles.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES 3291 Cripple Creek Trail Boulder, CO 80305
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 554-9764 Dr. Boris Khattatov AF 01-038 Awarded: 30MAY01
Title:	Advanced Modeling of the Ionosphere and Upper Atmosphere
Abstract:	Forecast skills of ionospheric operational models are negatively affected by the complexity of the underlying physical system and the necessity to specify a number of poorly known parameters. Hence these forecast models, including the PRISM used by the Air Force, are usually empirical, rather than the first-principles models. In addition, until recently ionospheric research suffered from lack and sparsity of observational data. This situation is changing dramatically owing mostly to advances in remote sensing of the ionosphere from space. Availability of vast amounts of observational data together with advances in computing power make it possible for the first time to apply data assimilation techniques to first-principles ionospheric models for improved forecasting and modeling of the ionosphere and the upper atmosphere. The primary goal of this Phase I research proposal is to identify data assimilation methods most suitable for use with ionospheric models and to implement the prototype data assimilation and forecast system for spatial distribution and time evolution of the ionospheric electron density. In Phase I we plan to design and test the algorithms using the Coupled Thermosphere Ionosphere Model (CTIM). The developed data assimilation algorithms and codes would be applicable to any physics-based global ionospheric model. In Phase II of this effort we will interface the developed system with the Coupled Thermosphere Ionosphere Plasmasphere Model (CTIPM) and the coupled thermosphere and ionosphere model CITFM used by the Air Force and create the practical real-time forecast system. Anticipated improvements in model's forecasts of ionospheric electron density profiles will be of immediate use for a number of military and civilian practical applications, particularly in communications and navigation. The proposed Phase I work will determine the fundamental data assimilation techniques needed to develop a practical operational electron density forecast system during the Phase II effort. In the private sector potential clients include companies operating cellular phone and pager networks, navigation infrastructure, in particular GPS receivers, other satellite-based communications, such as satellite-based wireless Internet service providers, and power grid companies. Development of practically feasible ionospheric forecast system will address these needs and open up radically new commercial and military applications in the field of wireless communications.

MISSION RESEARCH CORP. 735 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(603) 891-0070 Jackie Schoendorf AF 01-038 Awarded: 23MAR20
Title:	Rapid Regional Ionospheric Modeling System (R-RIPS)
Abstract:	A key requirement for Air Force theater battle management is the ability to rapidly and accurately determine regional profiles of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. To meet this requirement, we propose to develop the Rapid Regional Ionospheric Profiling System (R-RIPS). Current models are limited in their ability to meet global requirements for remote and rapid generation of upper atmospheric and ionospheric properties to aid the theater command. They are also limited in their ability to assimilate disparate data to yield real-time updates for regional applications. We propose an innovative application of current models and both existing and evolving data sources combined with learning algorithms (neural nets) to develop a Fully Equivalent Operational Model (FEOM). The proposed methodology for R-RIPS is built on innovative application of proven techniques. We will use data from existing ionosonde/digisonde stations, satellite sounding data from SSUSI & SSULI, DMSP particle detectors and two-frequency GPS signals combined with current ionospheric modeling capabilities to establish sub-global scale ionospheric characterization. Sub-gridding rules will then be established for mesoscale modeling. Learning algorithms will be used to develop critical correlation rules for data assimilation. The combination of real-world data and first-principles models will, in turn, be used to generate a FEOM, which is a model input-output response surface generating a rapidly converging series of low-dimensional correlation functions linking critical input parameters (e.g. F10.7, Ap, Lat/Lon, time, date, particle fluxes) with output density profiles. The FEOM can be initialized using a local two-frequency GPS receiver which generates line-of-sight total electron content. Updated data sets and first-principles modeling will be used to "nudge" the FEOM to increasing levels of accuracy as more information is made available. The FEOM approach has been applied to complex disturbed atmospheric chemistry and fluid dynamics problems and has proven model speed improvements exceeding 10^4 while retaining the fidelity of the original first-principles model. We propose to implement this innovative technique to solve the problem of rapid regional ionospheric profiling.The results of this proposed activity will allow rapid and more accurate regional assessments of upper atmospheric and ionospheric profiling for battle management requiring minimal computer resources. Commercial applications of this work include a broad range of space weather applications for satellite environments, orbital degradation, communications, advanced exploitation of GPS technology, radar ranging and design of advanced measurements and testing in space.

BECK ENGINEERING 3319 21st Ave NW Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(253) 853-1703 Dr. Douglas S. Beck AF 01-039 Awarded: 29MAR01
Title:	Cooler for Space-Based Storage of Low-Temperature Cryogens
Abstract:	The Air Force needs systems capable of storing cryogens in space for longer than 20 years. We propose to develop enabling technology for long-term space-based storage of low-temperature (<35 K) cryogens. We propose to develop a compact and lightweight cooler that operates efficiently at cold temperatures. Our cooler will efficiently liquefy vapor boil-off from heat leakage to the cryogen, so the required power input to our cooler will be small, and the entire system (including solar panels) will be compact and lightweight. In Phase I, we will demonstrate operation of a breadboard cooler. In Phase II, we will optimize the design of our cooler for a particular space-based cooling application, and we will build and test an engineering design model cooler. In Phase III, we will license our cooler technology to other companies, and we will design, build, and sell our cooler for many applications in the Federal Government and the private sector.The commercial potential of our cooler technology is great because it can be applied to make current coolers efficient for cold load temperatures. We believe every company that is currently making coolers for spacecraft and terrestrial applications will want to license our technology, once we have demonstrated operation of a breadboard cooler in Phase I. Commercial applications of our cooler include cooling for: space-based stored cryogens for space-based lasers, orbit transfer vehicles, and propellant storage depots; space-based detectors; NASA propellant manufacturing on Mars; CMOS circuits; multi-chip modules; filterbanks; high-speed switches; stable oscillators for radar applications; filters for cellular phones; instrumentation for medical monitoring; and primary voltage standards.

WILSON COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES 1004 River Rock Drive, Suite 240 Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(916) 989-4812 Dr. Raymond Adsit AF 01-039 Awarded: 25MAY01
Title:	Long Term Cryogenic Fluid Storage
Abstract:	Advanced space system technologies require the development of lightweight, reliable and cost effective components. The liquid propulsion systems of these systems use cryogenic storage tanks. This proposed WCT program will research, design and develop a novel, light-weight, load bearing, possibly double walled but highly insulated composite tank that serves as propellant storage and also can be part of the overall support structure. After the insulative design concepts have been developed, the requisite analytical tools will be outlined to determine future design verification requirements. The proposed WCT cryogenic storage concept will be applicable to 20 year storage requirements and the design will be evaluated using computer life prediction techniques for thermal/ mechanical load environments, and then proven in the Phase I program by demonstration of basic concepts in the laboratory using cylindrical test hardware and in the Phase II program by the testing of a subscale demonstration model. The work plan will evaluate all of the potential storage tank and pressure vessel designs and insulation concepts which can be proved either singularly or in combination to assure meeting the technical objectives for this program of 20 year storage with 2% boil-off for liquid hydrogen over the 20 year period.The overall program will have developed the long term storage technology, both in materials and manufacturing processes, that can be readily applied to future advanced aerospace and satellite systems and commercial cryogenic ventures. The technology developed under this program will be immediately applicable to a wide range of launch vehicle, missile, satellite and other space programs. The future expendable, reusable and commercial launch vehicle programs will utilize liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as part of their propulsion systems. The performance requirements for these programs and the limited weight budget preclude the heavier, single function metallic structures for the propulsion tanks and inter-stage structure. The composite technology resulting from this effort can be used to provide a new generation of cryogenic resistant structure and materials fabrication concepts to the Air Force Space Program, Space Based Laser, BMDO and NASA launch vehicles, and applications in commercial industry. Cryogenic containment and handling structures could be readily fabricated using these designs and materials in the future. Insulation concepts can also be a key requirement of these designs. NASA X-33/ 34 projects and Air Force space projects are potential space related, missile intercept and launch vehicle applications and all of the U.S. prime contractors for commercial launch vehicles will also be candidates for this technology.

HYPERTECH SYSTEMS LLC 4 Dickens Court Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(949) 477-1019 Dr. David Slater AF 01-040 Awarded: 30APR01
Title:	Invariant Spectral/Spatial Techniques for Target Detection and Material Identification in Cluttered Backgrounds
Abstract:	In this project we will develop innovative algorithms for target detection and tracking, material identification, and atmospheric quantification. The algorithms will combine spectral and spatial information in hyperspectral images and will be applicable to the visible through short-wave infrared and thermal infrared spectral ranges. Targets will be represented using invariant physics-based spectral subspaces that describe target signatures over spatial and temporal variability in the illumination, atmospheric, and thermal environments. Background clutter will be represented using adaptive spectral subspaces that can represent arbitrary mixtures of several materials. Optimized algorithms will be derived that use the representations to detect, identify, and track low-contrast targets in unknown changing environments with substantial clutter. Since the algorithms are based on physical models, they can also be used to estimate parameters that describe the atmospheric conditions. The proposed algorithms are based on compact subspace representations and can be implemented efficiently. The algorithms will be evaluated using data from material and atmospheric databases and imagery from hyperspectral data collections. The new algorithms will significantly improve the capability of systems that process space-based electro-optical imagery. The new algorithms can be used in systems for surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting applications. Related algorithms have important commercial applications in areas such as biomedicine, mining, and agricultural and environmental monitoring.

ONTARIO ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL 3333 Harrision Street, Unit #6 Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(909) 283-5971 Mr. Russell Abbott AF 01-041 Awarded: 20APR01
Title:	Adaptive Computer System
Abstract:	In Phase 1, a scaleable Plug and Play interface will be developed and demonstrated in a multibus architecture with 4-8 modules. These modules can be added and removed at will without any reprogramming. Any failure or latch of any module will not stop bus communication with the remaining modules. A demonstration will be conducted simulating the addition, removal, and failure of various nodes In Phase 2, a Plug and Play interface will be developed capable of supporting an adaptive network architecture that can be implemented into a future Air Program spacecraft. This effort will include the fabrication of a simulated shaped micro-spacecraft with eight Plug and Play panels to demonstrate the capability of this interface. The micro-spacecraft structure will include adaptive cabling capable of reconfiguring itself to allow different subsystems to be added to the spacecraft. OEI has already developed the structure, panels and cabling interfaces for this cube shaped micro-spacecraft through previous research and development efforts. In Phase 3, this system will be promoted as a means to lower barriers of entry to providers of spacecraft components and subsystems by providing a common interface that eliminates the problem of proprietary bus architectures.The benefits of a Plug and Play interface will enable faster spacecraft integration thus reducing time and cost. Heritage subsystems can be equipped with front end Plug and Play modules to interface with any spacecraft reducing development costs. Dynamic reconfiguration will enable on-orbit assets to be updated by the addition of Plug and Play orbital replacement units.

RESEARCH SUPPORT INSTRUMENTS 4325-B Forbes Blvd Lanham, MD 20706
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(609) 903-3404 Dr. Jon R. Fox AF 01-042 Awarded: 17MAY01
Title:	A micro-machined energy-mass spectrograph for microsatellite applications
Abstract:	Research Support Instruments, Inc., with the aid of the Princeton University Photonics and Optoelectronic Materials (POEM) group, proposes the development of a micro-chip energy-mass spectrograph for space environment sensing aboard microsatellites. The micro-machined energy-mass spectrograph (M^2-EMS) is envisioned as a micro-miniaturized replacement for conventional particle energy and mass detection systems employed as space environment sensors. The M^2-EMS would employ pseudo-parallel electric and magnetic fields to separate particles by their energy:charge and mass:charge ratios. Micro-machined from Si wafers by anisotropic etching and outfitted with charged particle optic electrodes by standard lithographic techniques, the M^2-EMS energy-mass filter separator would be small and robust. Detection could be achieved by existing charge coupled-device technology. Because of the small scale, arrays of M^2-EMS could be constructed on a single wafer, and further parallel detection becomes possible. Funding is requested to design and construct such a device and perform an elementary proof-of-concept study.The micro-machined energy-mass spectrograph is envisioned as a micro-miniaturized replacement for conventional particle and energy mass detection systems in use in space applications and in industrial and laboratory plasma and vacuum systems. These miniature particle mass and energy detectors would be small enough to be integrated into micro-satellites, robust enough to be used in demanding hazard detection work, and inexpensive enough to be utilized in less demanding applications. The M^2-EMS would be versatile enough to be applied to the particle detection needs of satellite and terrestrial users.

NOVA RESEARCH, INC. 439 A Second Street Solvang, CA 93463
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(805) 693-9600 Mr. Mark A. Massie AF 01-043 Awarded: 11APR01
Title:	Space-Hardening and Hyperspectral Application of Microdewar-Based Surveillance Sensors
Abstract:	Through a concurrent Phase II SBIR program at Nova Research, Inc., investigators have developed an innovative modular cryogenic dewar/cooler/electronics package specifically designed for use with infrared focal plane arrays (FPA). The "Modular InfraRed Imaging Applications Development System" (MIRIADS) integrates the evacuated coldstage with FPA drive electronics by using the circuit board as part of the mechanical assembly for the vacuum enclosure. Internal layers of this "motherboard" are used as signal feedthrus, thus eliminating the reliability and microphonic issues associated with conventional vacuum feedthrus. This truly new concept permits signal digitization to occur within a few centimeters of the FPA itself, leading the way to further miniaturization and integration of the sensor/seeker package. Downstream processing is accomplished through the use of daughterboards which plug into the motherboard. Virtually any existing FPA device may be operated in this miniature system that permits detector cooling using either LN2 or a cryocooler. This Phase I program will produce revisions to the proven existing design to make it space flight qualifiable. In addition, Nova will work with SSG, Inc. to plan for the development of a miniature space-based grating imaging spectrometer system using the revised MIRIADS design. The high degree of sensor system programmability and integration afforded by this technique will permit the design and assembly of low cost, high performance instruments for use in space.

SSG, INC. 65 Jonspin Road Wilmington, MA 01887
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 694-9991 Mr. Jay Schwartz AF 01-043 Awarded: 27APR01
Title:	Integration Concepts for Space IR Sensing Component Technologies
Abstract:	SSG proposes the development of a dual-octave, hyperspectral sensor, comprising a dual-band focal plane array and an innovative instrument concept for dual-band dispersive optics. The instrument concept proposed combines an innovative Grating Imaging Spectrometer (GIS) instrument concept with ultralightweight Silicon Carbide (SiC) materials to provide a novel optical system payload which addresses some of the critical requirements associated with next generation surveillance missions. SSG's innovative payload solution can be combined with other AFRL technology developments, specifically with high temperature, dual-band FPAs (DRS Technology) and compact, low-power drive electronics (Nova Research), to provide an instrument concept with several benefits: reduced mass from the application of SiC materials, an innovative, multifunction sensor design, and the benefits associated with the dual-band FPA and drive electronics developments; improved thermal stability from the material property advantages associated with SiC and from the elimination of dichroics or beamsplitters which is allowed by the dual-band IR FPA; and reduced costs associated with a reduced payload mass. In the work proposed here SSG will further develop the instrument concept, providing a conceptual opto-mechanical design, a detailed optical design, and a manufacturing plan which can be used to produce a prototype in Phase II. Interaction with AFRL, DRS, and Nova Research personnel will be critical to a successful effort.The hyperspectral imaging sensor concept proposed has a number of government and commercial applications in the area of remote sensing. Hyperspectral imaging for agri-business applications is a good example. In addition the silicon carbide materials used in our sensor can be applied directly to a number of commercial industrial needs, including lightweight, thermally stable components for semiconductor capital equipment applications.

CSA ENGINEERING, INC. 2565 Leghorn Street Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(650) 210-9000 Mr. Eric M. Flint AF 01-044 Awarded: 29MAR01
Title:	Affordable On-Orbit Demonstration of Very Flexible Large Space Structures Control and Pointing
Abstract:	CSA Engineering proposes the design, development, qualification, and on-orbit use of a demonstrator of control and pointing for a scaled very flexible large space structure system architecture intended to simulate the PowerSail. On-orbit testing is the only way to properly capture the dynamic and related attitude control behavior of tension dependent structures such as tethers and membranes that dominate the structure of the PowerSail and many other future space mission concepts. The major proposed development will achieve this in an affordable manner. This will be done by using a launch vehicles upper stage to simulate the PowerSail's tethered host structure as well as providing additional support like telemetry and power. In addition to developing and flying the on-orbit demonstrator and supporting avionics, CSA Engineering intends to demonstrate practical attitude control algorithms, structural vibration mitigation and damping approaches, and alternative/supplementary attitude control hardware all intended to reduce on-orbit station keeping fuel requirements. Activities in Phase I will concentrate on establishing the feasibility of the proposed effort with regard to technical compatibility and cost and demonstrating the functionality of several key components. Phase II effort will concentrate on taking the proposed concept to flight.The proposed effort is directly targeted at supporting the needs of the PowerSail project to find an innovative and affordable way to reduce programmatic risk through the demonstration of on-orbit attitude control and pointing of large very flexible structures. The lessons learned from this experiment are expected to be extremely beneficial to the PowerSail as well as other similar mission concepts based on gossamer or membrane structures which CSA Engineering would be well positioned to support. We also expect an additional market for facilitating affordable on-orbit testing of larger structures and deployment methods for major aerospace companies and a market to develop for systems for actuating solar sail vanes and trim tabs.

PLANNING SYSTEMS, INC. 7923 Jones Branch Drive McLean, VA 22102
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(321) 768-6500 Mr. Lawrence D. Davis AF 01-044 Awarded: 16APR01
Title:	Control and Pointing of Very Flexible Large Space Structures
Abstract:	The extreme flexibility of proposed ultra-lightweight spacecraft, such as the Air Force's PowerSail, will require a new generation of attitude control systems (ACS) that can accommodate low-frequency flexible dynamics within the pointing control bandwidth. In addition, as spacecraft designs continue to reduce mass density, it will become increasingly difficult to construct and validate dynamic models on the ground that are of sufficient fidelity to use for traditional fixed-gain control design. To meet these challenges, we will show the feasibility of an adaptive, attitude control design approach that works during flight to autonomously identify the system dynamics affecting the control bandwidth, then design feedback control laws to achieve predefined performance and stability criteria. This approach is an extension of our Frequency Domain Expert (FDE) control algorithm, which is currently being demonstrated on the Space Station Freedom as part of the Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE-II).We intend to partner with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to inject this technology into future Air Force programs, beginning with the PowerSail technology demonstration program. Once the technology has been demonstrated successfully on a flight experiment, operational uses both for the integrated, deployable PowerSail technology and for the adaptive attitude control system technology will be exploited. In parallel with this DOD-related effort, a smaller effort will be launched in the area of industrial servo-controllers in Phase II. The unique capabilities of the proposed technologies will enable the implementation of an automatic, coordinated, multi-axis servo control system embodied in a stand-alone control computer.

AEROASTRO, INC. 520 Huntmar Park Drive Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617)451-8630 Mr. Joel Pedlikin AF 01-045 Awarded: 30MAR01
Title:	A Modular Satellite Bus Architecture to Enable Rapid Configuration and On-Orbit Servicing
Abstract:	Future satellite architectures must readily support the on-orbit maintenance and servicing that is vital for maintaining and dynamically reconfiguring both commercial and military satellites during orbital operation. A well-founded architectural design must also address the need to reduce costs associated with satellite development, fabrication, and operation; improve flexibility in response to mission needs; improve modularity; and enhance survivability. The advent of satellite clusters and constellations for communications and reconnaissance purposes places a premium on microsatellites that are small (multiple vehicles per launch), low cost, easily (and dynamically) reconfigurable, on-orbit serviceable, and simple to manufacture in quantity. To solve the problems related to on-orbit servicing, dynamic reconfiguration, and manufacturing, AeroAstro proposes to investigate during Phase I a satellite bus architecture that features modular mechanical and electrical elements coupled with standardized, non-proprietary interfaces and protocols. When applied to microsatellites, this design will result in a highly capable, reconfigurable, and serviceable spacecraft that is built around a set of extruded metal "building blocks" (a frame) and a core module of extensible plug-and-play electronics. Phase I will focus on a plug-and-play mechanical and system architecture that reduces design complexity, increases vehicle modularity, and improves the capacity for on-orbit servicing. Three important factors driving the design of microsatellites today are (1) the drive to enable routine on-orbit maintenance or repair on space vehicles, (2) the need for on-orbit satellite reconfiguration in response to changing mission dynamics, and (3) the need to reduce the cost of assembling microsatellites that are intended to function in clusters or constellations. A solution to these problems requires a design for a microsatellite architecture that is flexible, modular, based on commercially available standards and interfaces, and that takes advantage of plug-and-play concepts now widely used throughout the personal computer industry. AeroAstro proposes to address these problems by designing and developing (Phase I) and then demonstrating (Phase II) a prototype microsatellite architecture built around modular mechanical (metallic) frames and modular electronic elements that function in conjunction with standardized, non-proprietary interfaces. Both the military and commercial satellite communities will benefit from (1) a simple, standardized design for satellite structural and electrical architectures, interfaces, and protocols; (2) increased vehicle modularity; (3) the capability for dynamic reconfiguration of on-board systems to meet shifting mission requirements; (4) improved on-orbit maintenance and repair capability; and (5) reduced costs for manufacturing and assembling microsatellites intended for use in clusters or constellations.

MICROCOSM, INC. 401 Coral Circle El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 726-4100 Dr. James R. Wertz AF 01-046 Awarded: 13APR01
Title:	Modular, Miniature, Reconfigurable Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem with Standard Interfaces
Abstract:	The lack of interface standards for information exchange among spacecraft subsystems/avionics together with non-standardized, mission-unique GN&C architectures have resulted in high cost spacecraft systems with long integration and test times and increased flight operational complexity. Industry is in need of a solution to minimize cost, shorten development schedule and simplify design. Microcosm and Swales Aerospace propose to develop an innovative spacecraft GN&C architecture and integration technology that enable the spacecraft community to architect a common or universal framework allowing plug and play (interchangeability) of GN&C components to be accomplished in a unified manner. The universal framework facilitates software commonality and flight code reusability, thereby allowing effective cost minimization. Component interchangeability in a unified manner facilitates universal integration and interoperability between GN&C components at both software and hardware levels, thereby providing a more robust integration environment subject to future system evolution. The Phase I effort will focus on the following items: 1) development of interface standards between the flight data bus and GN&C peripherals; 2) definition of common software modules and/or architectures that support the plug-and-play capability; and 3) identification of relevant commercial off-the-shelf technologies that support the implementation of the proposed concept in Phases II and III. The commercial application of the proposed system is for spacecraft that could make use of a low-cost, modular ACS system with standardized interfaces and easily interchangeable components, to reduce the non-recurring costs involved with a brand new ACS system development effort. The GN&C interface standards may also be extendable to other vehicles such as missiles, aircraft, or automobiles. Reuse of GN&C flight code is another potential commercial application for this system.

SPACE PHOTONICS, INC. 700 Research Center Blvd. Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(501) 575-5316 Mr. Charles H. Chalfant AF 01-046 Awarded: 11APR01
Title:	A Modular Miniature Satellite Laser Communications Transceiver
Abstract:	For this Phase I SBIR proposal, Space Photonics puts forth highly innovative solutions for multi-access satellite clusters using our proposed miniature modular free-space laser communications transceiver subsystem. By virtue of our unique device and application specific designs, our laser cross-link transceivers provide wide field-of-view access without the need for the power hungry gimbaling that is typically required for accurate acquisition and tracking. Additionally, the transceiver provides for enhanced utility for open architecture implementations, optimized link power budget efficiency, and a straightforward modular interface designed for satellite power and data bus interfaces. Our proposed techniques and device designs were not possible just a few years ago, but with the most recent advances in device fabrication technology, our idea can be implemented and provide enormous value to laser cross-link systems.Our planned laser communications product line has enormous market potential, since to our knowledge, no such product has ever been conceptualized. The devices, firmware, software, and subsystems that will make up this product line will provide us with a large market opportunity in both the Government and commercial sectors. We anticipate broad use of these products in the last mile metro-area network markets and the rapidly growing multi-satellite applications market.

SY TECHNOLOGY, INC. 5170 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 240 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(256) 922-9095 Dr. Larry Pezzaniti AF 01-047 Selected for Award
Title:	Small Integration IR Imaging Polarimeter for Optical Stand-off Detection
Abstract:	Applications of IR imaging polarimetry include detection of military targets in clutter, de-mining missions, ice detection on aircraft, roads and bridges, crop monitoring and remote sensing. Key technologies are now sufficiently mature to consider a robust, integrated optical imaging polarimeter, which operates at video rates. SY Technology, Inc proposes during the Phase I effort to design an IR (8-12 um) polarization imager. The proposed imaging polarimeter design involves pixilated polarization optics overlaid onto a commercially available IR focal plane array. The device would generate a set of four interlaced images, each measuring a different property of the scene's polarization state. The images would be manipulated to yield complete polarization information about each field point across the image. SY Technology would fabricate single pixel versions of the polarization optics in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design approach. The proven design will be extended to an array during the Phase II. It is believed that the imaging polarimeter proposed here will lead to lightweight autonomous imaging polarimeter that can be used for remote applications such as surveillance and reconnaissance from space based measurement platforms. It is anticipated that an IR imaging polarimeter will significantly enhance target detection on a wide variety of military seekers. Ice detection, humanitarian de-mining, remote sensing, and medical imaging applications are all potential commercial applications of an IR chip based imaging polarimeter.

MICROCOSM, INC. 401 Coral Circle El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 726-4100 Dr. James R. Wertz AF 01-048 Awarded: 30MAR01
Title:	In-Space Testing of Satellite Servicing and Inspection Elements
Abstract:	By building on technology elements funded elsewhere, Microcosm proposes to develop an inspection and servicing architecture and test key components of that architecture in space by the end of Phase II, all within Phases I and II budgets. Phase I is primarily a systems study concentrating on three principal issues: (1) system engineering trades leading to the development of an efficient, flexible architecture, (2) the benefits of on-orbit inspection and servicing to reduce cost and enable new missions, and (3) definition of the in-space test in sufficient detail to ensure that it can be completed within the scope of a Phase II SBIR. This substantial step is made possible by leveraging recently awarded and related NASA and DARPA SBIRs, Microcosm's current autonomous GN&C and expert control systems, and Michigan Aerospace's autonomous docking system, and making use of a free test flight of Microcosm's Scorpius low-cost launch system currently undergoing development and flight tests. The system level technologies developed here are critical to the Air Force Space Control mission and could be of substantial benefit to both NASA and commercial users. The in-space system testing represents a major, near-term step in making this technology available to the space community.There is great potential for this technology to substantially lower the cost and extend the life of LEO science and defense related missions as well as GEO communications satellites. The lifetime of a LEO satellite is limited primarily by atmospheric drag. A virtually unlimited supply of fuel could be transferred to LEO satellites, indefinitely, for stationkeeping purposes. High priced defense programs (e.g. SBIRS Low and SBL) and science missions (e.g. HST and TOPEX) would no longer be consumables limited if they could support satellite docking, refueling, and component replacement. GEO satellites pay a high premium for stationkeeping fuel. If GEO satellites where able to refuel, their payload mass fraction could be increased substantially at launch. This option is particularly attractive due to the relatively large number of launches per year into GTO. Re-fueling missions could be made small enough to fit as a secondary payload aboard the ASAP ring of the Ariane 5, for example, further increasing the cost efficacy of on-orbit servicing.

PRINCETON SATELLITE SYSTEMS 33 Witherspoon Street Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(505) 846-4287 Ms. Margarita Brito AF 01-048 Awarded: 27APR01
Title:	Autonomous Satellite Servicing to Increase Effective Mission Life
Abstract:	There is a growing interest in autonomous on-orbit servicing of satellites among military and commercial segments. Autonomous on-orbit servicing can increase mission flexibility and mission life. Additionaly, there is a potential for reductions in life cycle cost. This proposal is for a novel robotics vision based autonomous rendezvous and docking system for military and commercial satellites. The Satellite Servicing Vehicle (SSV) is capable of docking with both cooperative and uncooperative targets. When the target is cooperative, the system uses an intersatellite link (ISL) to facilitate coordination between the two vehicles. Additionally, the SSV is capable of inspecting the target satellite by using the vision system used for docking. The software architecture is based on the PSS ObjectAgent agent-based distributed control software architecture.Increase mission flexibility, increased mission life and reduced life cycle costs.

SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS CO., INC. 500 West Cummings Park, Suite 3000 Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 933-5355 Dr. Pablo O. Arambel AF 01-048 Awarded: 27APR01
Title:	Autonomous Fault-Tolerant Guidance, Navigation and Control System for Automated Rendezvous and Docking
Abstract:	An essential element of autonomous satellite servicing is a fully Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking (ARD) system. Precision ARD capability is required for the DARPA-ASTRO, NASA-MSR, and International Space Station missions, among others. We propose to develop a hierarchical ARD system with a top-level supervisory controller and two low-level interconnected subsystems: (i) failure detection, identification, and state estimation (FDISE) subsystem, and (ii) guidance, navigation and control (GNC) subsystem. An Interacting Multiple-Model Kalman filter is used for failure detection, identification, and navigational filtering of video guidance system, laser radar sensor, and other sensor data. The GNC subsystem consists of a suite of controllers designed to meet safety and performance requirements. The top-level supervisor coordinates sensor management, GNC mode switching, fault-tolerant reconfiguration and other event-driven functionalities. Phase I work will demonstrate feasibility through a detailed simulation. A hardware-in-the-loop testbed for supervised autonomy will be developed in Phase II. NASA-JPL GNC group under the guidance of Dr. Fred Hadaegh will provide technical support during all Phases of the project based on their previous and ongoing work for the Mars Sample Return mission.Autonomous rendezvous and docking system is directly applicable to satellite servicing and re-supply. Vision-based GNC are applicable to underwater exploration and mining, autonomous automobiles, manufacturing, telerobotics, electronic toys, and cinematography. These applications represent a vast untapped market for the technologies developed.

DELTA VELOCITY CORP. 932 Edwards Ferry Road, Suite 14 Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 927-9196 Mr. Joseph Padavano AF 01-049 Awarded: 10MAY01
Title:	Launch Vehicle Fairing with Integral Vibroacoustic Attenuation
Abstract:	The proposed effort will demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating a launch vehicle payload fairing using a novel method for attenuating structural response to vibroacoustic loads. The proposed effort incorporates an innovative method of fabricating composite structures and increasing the surface density of the skin panels without degrading launch vehicle performance. The attenuation method equals or betters the performance of conventional acoustic blankets in all frequency ranges, and is particularly effective at frequencies below 500 Hz.Traditional payload fairing acoustic blankets are not effective at reducing acoustic levels under about 500 Hz. A new method of attenuation is proposed which will reduce these low-frequency launch loads with minimal or no launch vehicle performance impact. The low mass impact of the attenuation method will improve launch vehicle performance and the more benign environments will allow a reduction in the cost to develop and qualify spacecraft. This attenuation concept is enabled by an innovative, low cost method for fabricating graphite composite payload fairing structures. The concept is applicable to all launch vehicle structures and large panels on spacecraft in addition to payload fairings.

FOSTER-MILLER, INC. 350 Second Ave. Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 622-5504 Mr. Thomas Campbell AF 01-049 Awarded: 17MAY01
Title:	Multifunctional Composite Grid Stiffened Launch Vehicle Fairings
Abstract:	Payload fairings are a critical cost and performance driver for launch vehicles. Grid stiffened construction is an efficient alternative to current composite core designs. Foster-Miller has assembled an expert team, including The Boeing Company and Alliant TechSystems, to evaluate options, develop, analyze and design a multifunctional, grid stiffened structure Key advantages to the Foster-Miller team approach include the following:  Out of autoclave processing using Ultrasonic Tape Lamination (UTL), which enables consideration of both standard oven cure resins and the most advanced toughened epoxies which usually require an autoclave.  Integral damping with novel material and configuration options  Low shock separation - with multiple system and adhesive options  Embedded wiring to deliver power for separation device activation Foster-Miller is an innovative leader in the development of new composites designs and technologies. Alliant is the original developer of fiber placement and continues to be the leading innovator of its use in many applications, specifically including composite isogrids. The Boeing Company is one of the largest launch vehicle producers and the ideal partner to facilitate consideration and integration of the developed technology. (P-01426) The proposed program will yield development of a new, cost effective grid stiffened launch vehicle shroud system. There is high potential for significant cost and weight reduction on existing composite systems with options for reduced acoustic and separation loads. All these factors are highly desirable to serve a spacecraft launch market that includes military missions and a much larger commercial business sector.

21ST CENTURY SYSTEMS, INC. 427 South 166th Street Omaha, NE 68118
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 346-9402 Mr. Stuart L. Aldridge AF 01-053 Awarded: 09MAY01
Title:	Satellite Operator Decision Aid And Training System (SODATS)
Abstract:	In response to Small Business Innovative Research solicitation AF01-053, 21CSI is pleased to propose the development of a proof-of-concept software decision aid for satellite command composition. Our decision aid, the Satellite Operator Decision Aid and Training System (SODATS), will be built from the bottom up to support both operator training and operational usage. It will employ intelligent agent technology to generate both command package recommendations and their underlying rationale. We propose to focus our development activity on the needs of the Space Based InfraRed Systems Low component (SBIRS Low), starting with the use of existing SBIRS Low Flight Demonstration System command structures.This SBIR will culminate in an integrated SODATS software package, which will assist satellite operator teams to deal with command composition. This will be a unique product. Many commercial applications, which require their own command composition, would benefit strongly from the SODATS concept: power plants, automated, flexible manufacturing factories, intelligent transportation and communications, air traffic control, space exploration, financial trading (traditional and online) and others. The SODATS product will be delivered through 21CSI's open EMDA architecture. Beyond the SODATS core product, transition of the decision support system (DSS) technology itself too will be of a very significant potential. DSS agents have wide potential applicability to just about every industry, which involves humans in the loop. Our first commercial, non-military product incorporating this technology (namely, a SODATS agent-based decision support package, for command composition) will likely be part of a decision support tool for risk assessment of financial, credit and insurance transactions (an industry which has its own rich command language). The tool will plug into the existing online resources, including trading systems, credit bureau databases, stock monitoring systems and others. The tool will be used both for support of decisionmaking and for distributed training.

CYBERNET SYSTEMS CORP. 727 Airport Boulevard Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(734) 668-2567 Dr. Charles J. Cohen AF 01-053 Awarded: 13APR01
Title:	Training Environment for Satellite Command Composition
Abstract:	The vast amount of knowledge on human information processing and performance has not been completely utilized for solving real world problems. A typical satellite control system uses 500 to 1000 commandlets (fragmentary commands), which must be optimally put together efficient and effective satellite control. Also, since a satellite can be controlled from many different places, with learning and training also spread across the country (if not world), working in multiple task environments leads to increased workload, and demands superior performance skills both in stressful and non-stressful situations. With a systematic and logical approach, existing cognitive theories can be unified with advances in computer technology to develop scenario-based assessment and optimization programs for satellite control. To accomplish this task, Cybernet will build upon our past success in individual training performance to create a new system that will allow the measurement and the `Why?' of team performance. This system will provide not only for the capability of advanced team training in complicated and stressful environments, but also the optimization of this training and creation of composite commands from commandlets.Cybernet has developed a massive multi-player simulation technology for air, sea and land game and simulation play. While this technology was originally developed for low cost government simulation for training, Cybernet plans to adapt the technology to revolutionize the consumer network gaming and flight simulator industry.

CHI SYSTEMS, INC. Gwynedd Office Park, 716 N. Bethlehem Pike, Ste 30 Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(407) 249-1656 Dr. Kelly Neville AF 01-054 Awarded: 12APR01
Title:	A Decision Aid for a Surveillance Satellite Crew Shift Supervisor
Abstract:	To be effective in today's threat environment, the Air Force's Global Engagement doctrine asserts that personnel be responsive, innovative, adaptable, and agile. This will be particularly important for the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Low Crew Chief. The SBIRS Low Crew Chief will have to manage a team with frequently changing personnel, groups of personnel with different specializations, and a new mission - time critical target tracking. To assist the Crew Chief, we propose to develop a decision and training support system called Adaptive Decision Enabling and Performance Tracking (ADEPT). This system will be designed to support the Crew Chief in day-to-day operations and training exercises. It will utilize intelligent agent technology to monitor and assess individual crewmember performance and team processes, and, based on its assessments, will provide guidance to help the Crew Chief manage the SBIRS Low team. For example, ADEPT will provide advice in real-time about how to allocate attention across different SBIRS Low subteams, how to manage their team-level activities and responses to various situations, and what feedback and guidance to provide.ADEPT will be developed as a decision and training aid for the SBIRS Low operations center, which includes Satellite Operations, Missile Warning, Ground Systems, and Intelligence cells. ADEPT may be of value to the training and operations of any organization in which any of these functions is performed. In particular, it could be used by Navy, Army, and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) satellite control organizations. Further, it may be adapted to support the training of personnel as they prepare to join an SBIRS operations crew. In addition, ADEPT may be valuable to the civil satellite control agencies National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In particular, NASA and NOAA satellite control personnel have many responsibilities that mirror the responsibilities of satellite operations personnel in the SBIRS Low crew and may therefore benefit from ADEPT's capabilities. Finally, the task performance and instructional content to be contained within the ADEPT agents could be used to help various defense, intelligence, and civil satellite control agencies develop more standardized procedures and move toward the goal of cost reduction through improved consolidation (Government Accounting Office, 2 May 1996). It is likely that the emphasis of this effort on team performance and team processes will result in an extension of existing decision and performance support technologies that is especially important in light of the modern trend, made possible by advances in information and communication technologies, toward increasingly large and complex teams. The resulting extension to decision and performance support technologies, coupled with consulting services, could be used to provide solutions to a wide range of corporate teams. In addition, ADEPT will contain much about how satellite system operators of varying levels of expertise perform their jobs and will identify difficulties they have in performing those jobs. Because this information will be represented by the iGEN model building interface in an easy-to-follow and structured way, CHI Systems and others will be able to use it to derive training documentation enhancements and to identify ways to improve SBIRS Low systems and processes.

SONALYSTS, INC. 215 Parkway North, P.O. Box 280 Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(860) 442-4355 Dr. James E. McCarthy AF 01-054 Awarded: 02MAY01
Title:	A Decision Aid for a Surveillance Satellite Crew Shift Supervisor
Abstract:	The Phase I effort will focus on development methodologies for relating Surveillance Satellite Crew individual, team, and inter-team tasks, performance criteria, learning objectives, learning objective mastery, measures of effectiveness (MOEs), and measures of performance (MOPs)to overall Unit mission essential task lists (METLs) and satellite operations core competencies. Phase I efforts also will result in a proof-of-concept Satellite Crew Shift Supervisor decision aid demonstration. Sonalysts' proposed approach will leverage several years of Navy team training research and a substantial infrastructure of existing software developed for the Training Management Module (TMM) and Afloat Training Exercise and Management System (ATEAMS) as a starting point. Recognizing that differences between Surveillance Satellites and Navy Combat Systems are significant, there are substantial similarities in task organization and decision aid objectives that can be explored cost-effectively under this SBIR Phase I effort. Phase II efforts will produce a full demonstration of a prototype decision aid to support a shift supervisor with a minimum of 15 subordinate crewmembers. Methods for assessing the decision aid features and interfaces to an existing satellite system or prototype will be developed. Sonalysts approach to Phase II efforts will be coordinated with Satellite Operations Training System (SOTS) common architecture and Distributed Mission Training-Space (DMT-S), Crew Trainer Emulator (CTE), or other Space Training, Education and Exercise (STEDE) concepts.Development of a Surveillance Satellite Crew Shift Supervisor decision aid fits directly into the SOTS common architecture concept's Space Exercise and Training Management component and is also common with the DMT-S structure. The framework and decision aid technology will support training management from the AETC school structure to legacy satellite systems. This research has a clear and direct impact for cost, schedule, and performance risk reduction for future systems such as the Space-Based Infrared Reconnaissance System (SBIRS). In addition, this effort has wider military, government, commercial, and educational application through consistency with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative.

STOTTLER HENKE ASSOC., INC. 1660 So. Amphlett Blvd., Suite 350 San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(650) 655-7242 Dr. John L. Mohammed AF 01-055 Awarded: 26APR01
Title:	SatConPlan: A Satellite Pre-Pass Contact Planning Aid for Operations Support and Training.
Abstract:	Future plans in both the military and commercial sectors call for increased use of satellite constellations in low earth orbit. These systems significantly increase the burden for ground-based system management because more satellites must be managed, and each satellite is in view for only brief periods of time. It will be essential to ensure that ground station hardware and personnel are fully prepared to exploit every contact opportunity. SHAI, with our contractor Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc., proposes to develop SatConPlan, a pre-pass planning aid that will improve the efficacy and accuracy of preparations for satellite contacts, and that will enable improved training for satellite operators. SatConPlan will combine techniques from Intelligent Agent Technology, Model-Based Reasoning, Planning and Scheduling, and Intelligent Tutoring Systems to support distributed teams of operators during both operations and training. Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc., as a highly successful provider of satellite operations software and services, will contribute expertise regarding satellite pre-pass planning and operations. The goals of the Phase I research are to thoroughly analyse the satellite pre-pass planning domain, develop knowledge representations and reasoning techniques to codify contact preparation processes and procedures, and prove the feasibility of our approach by building a proof-of-concept prototype. The proposed technology will directly benefit both military (e.g., SBIRS-Low) and commercial LEO constellations, reducing operations risk as well as operations and training costs.

SYTRONICS, INC. 4433 Dayton-Xenia Road, Building 1 Dayton, OH 45432
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 431-6121 Mr. John Friskie AF 01-055 Awarded: 02MAY01
Title:	A Satellite Pre-Pass Contact Support Aid
Abstract:	SYTRONICS proposes a Satellite Pre-pass Organization Tool (SPOT) which applies state-of-the-art agenting technology upon a solid technical/operational foundation--the High-Level Integrated Team Training Environment (HILITE), developed for AFRL/HE under a previous SYTRONICS Program. SPOT provides the control, visualization, and agent capability for decision-aid functionality; the ability to simulate and test operational options for training and for pre-pass decision-making; and a HLA (High-level architecture) interface to all assets necessary for operations or training--a Distributed Mission Training (DMT) capability. The Phase I objectives are: (1) define requirements to specify initial performance and assessment measures to support the satellite pre-pass contact effectiveness; (2) develop a top-level architecture design to the extent necessary to develop an early prototype, perform experimental and analytical feasibility assessments, and form a sound design basis for Phase II; (3) assess feasibility through simulation and analysis to establish performance, implementation, and cost; and (4) assess commercial product potential to determine markets, competitors, and collaborators for SPOT. The Phase I results will be the requirements, architecture design, simulation and analysis results, and a preliminary commercialization plan, as well as a demonstration of the simulation-proven feasibility. These results will provide a solid foundation for Phase II.SPOT will generally support all kinds of satellite pre-pass planning and decision tradeoff analyses. It will find use in myriad military satellite planning operations. Its compatibility with, and interface to the DMT and HLA infrastructures, will make it a practical and useful training system as well. In commercial enterprises, as more commerce migrates into space, it will become a highly-desired commercial satellite pre-pass organizer and trainer as well.

STOTTLER HENKE ASSOC., INC. 1660 So. Amphlett Blvd., Suite 350 San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(650) 655-7242 Dr. John L. Mohammed AF 01-056 Awarded: 26APR01
Title:	SatConReport: A Satellite Post-Pass Debriefing Aid for Operations Support and Training
Abstract:	To minimize operations costs, mission analysts and planners are not usually present during satellite contacts. Nonetheless, analysts must be apprised of all key information gained, especially regarding anomalous events. SHAI, with our contractor Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc., proposes to develop SatConReport, a post-pass debriefing aid that will assist satellite operators to efficiently prepare comprehensive and accurate satellite contact reports. SatConReport will also enable improved simulation-based training for satellite operators. SatConReport will combine techniques from Intelligent Agent Technology, Case-Based Reasoning (CBR), Model-Based Reasoning (MBR), and Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) to support distributed teams of operators during both operations and training. Agent technology will enable fusion of information from distributed sources, and realistic simulation-based training. CBR and MBR will enable report generation to be goal-directed and hypothesis driven. ITS technology will tailor training to each operator's skill level. Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc., as a highly successful provider of satellite operations software and services, will contribute expertise regarding satellite post-pass debrief procedures. The goals of the Phase I research are to thoroughly analyse the satellite post-pass debriefing task, develop knowledge representations and reasoning techniques to codify contact debrief procedures, and prove the feasibility of our approach by building a proof-of-concept prototype. The proposed technology will directly benefit both military (e.g., SBIRS-Low) and commercial LEO constellations, reducing operations risk as well as operations and training costs.

SYTRONICS, INC. 4433 Dayton-Xenia Road, Building 1 Dayton, OH 45432
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 431-6121 Mr. John Friskie AF 01-056 Awarded: 07MAY01
Title:	A Satellite Operations Debrief Aid
Abstract:	SYTRONICS proposes a Satellite Operations Review Tool (SORT) system which applies state-of-the-art agenting technology upon a solid technical/operational foundation--the High-Level Integrated Team Training Environment (HILITE), developed for AFRL/HE under a previous SYTRONICS Program. SPOT provides a post-pass analysis decision aid with control, visualization, and agent capability for post-pass analysis and reporting; the ability to simulate and test operational impacts of the pass and explore alternatives; and a HLA or local interface to all assets necessary for operations or training--a Distributed Mission Training (DMT) capability. The Phase I objectives are: (1) define requirements to specify performance and assessment measures for satellite post-pass review operations; (2) develop a top-level architecture design to the extent necessary to implement an early prototype, perform feasibility assessments, and form a design basis for Phase II; (3) assess feasibility through simulation and analysis to establish performance, implementation, and cost feasibility through simulation and analysis; and (4) assess commercial product potential to determine markets, competitors, and collaborators for SPOT. The Phase I results will be the requirements, architecture design, simulation and analysis results, and a preliminary commercialization plan, as well as a demonstration of the simulation-proven feasibility. These results will provide a solid foundation for Phase II.SORT will serve all the needs of the military for satellite post-pass analysis decision support and has the ability to generally support all types of satellite post-pass analysis and decision tradeoff analyses. Its inherent compatibility with, and interface to the DMT and HLA infrastructures will make it a practical and useful training system as well. In commercial applications, as more commerce migrates into space, it will become a highly-desired commercial satellite post-pass analyzer and trainer.

ALAMEDA APPLIED SCIENCES CORP. 2235 Polvorosa Ave, Suite 230 San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(510) 483-4156 Dr. Jochen Schein AF 01-058 Awarded: 11APR01
Title:	Improved Coatings for Helmet Mounted Display Visors using Filtered Cathodic Arc Plasma Deposition
Abstract:	Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation (AASC) proposes to develop and commercialize stable, more durable and less expensive optical multi-layer coatings that can turn a visor into a display screen for helmet mounted display devices, with minimal impact on the pilot's overall visual acuity. The innovation proposed is to use filtered cathodic arc plasmas to deposit high density optical coatings that are superior to other coating methods, such as Electron Beam Evaporation, R.F. and D.C. Magnetron Sputtering, Ion Beam Assisted Deposition and Reactive Sputtering. All of these produce deposition energies <1eV, whereas cathodic arc plasmas are characterized by relatively high ion energies (20-150 eV), which lead to excellent adhesion and to denser films and therefore better optical characteristics due to the lack of voids in the coating. In addition, our innovative coating technique produces a very low average heat transfer that does not damage even sensitive substrates during the coating process. The Phase I effort will theoretically determine the structure of the required coatings and produce sample coatings of eight stacks of metal oxides by filtered cathodic arc plasma deposition on several substrates. During Phase II, full-scale, large area prototype coatings will be fabricated and tested to ensure reliability and functionality.The proposed new coatings will find commercial applications in diverse arenas, such as space based sensors, automotive and aircraft windows, Wavelength Division Multiplexers (WDM), energy efficient residential and commercial windows and solar cell array surfaces for space applications.

NANOSONIC, INC. P.O. Box 618 Christiansburg, VA 24068
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(540) 953-1785 Dr. Kristie L. Cooper AF 01-058 Awarded: 02MAY01
Title:	Self-Assembled Molecular Coatings for Helmet Mounted Display Visors
Abstract:	This Phase I SBIR program will investigate the feasibility of using molecular self-assembly processes for the formation of spectral coatings on helmet mounted display visors. Electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) involves the simple and low-cost coating of solid substrates by the alternate adsorption of anionic and cationic complexes of polymers, metallic nanoclusters and other molecules from water-based solutions at room temperature and pressure. Each adsorption step adds a single uniform molecular monolayer to the thickness of the total coating. By selecting the molecules incorporated into each of many successive monolayers, the index of refraction may be varied as a function of thickness through the coating, and spectral filter stacks may be formed. Advantages over conventional deposition processes include ability to form uniformly-thick coatings on arbitrarily-shaped substrates of virtually any size, and avoidance of high temperature processing which often either limits substrate choice or leads to unacceptable long-term mechanical performance for polymer-based substrates. During Phase I, NanoSonic will design and fabricate narrowband spectral filters on curved polycarbonate substrates, and evaluate spectral and mechanical properties of the coated test articles. During Phase II, the filter fabrication process will be optimized to allow the low-cost batch coating of visors by an automated robotic coating system.Improved methods for the fabrication of spectral control coatings have defense applications in laser weapon protection, canopy and window coatings and stealth systems, and commercial applications for bulk optical components, microphotonic and optoelectronic device endfaces, and AR coatings for spectacle lenses and windows.

NTI, INC. 4130 Linden Ave., Suite 235 Dayton, OH 45432
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 429-1333 Mr. Robert Shaw AF 01-059 Awarded: 10MAY01
Title:	Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) Interface Design for Head-Up Display (HUD) Replacement: Exploratory Development
Abstract:	Increasingly, helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) are replacing "head-down" and Head-Up Displays (HUDs) in advanced cockpit interface designs. HMDs offer potential advantages by providing pilots with more direct access to critical visual information, while offering greater flexibility of head movements, less weight, and less consumption of cockpit space. Much of the symbology, functionality and mechanization used in current HMDs can be traced directly to HUDs. But, because HMDs are decoupled from the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, different kinds of information can be presented on HMDs. Thus, questions arise concerning the best manner in which to present the additional information, and its interaction with the traditional HUD information. The purposes of this effort are to define the human performance requirements for both HUD and HMD interfaces as utilized in military missions, and to produce a preliminary HMD design for a no-HUD aircraft. To establish the functional specifications for the interface design, a user-centered design approach employing cognitive work analysis will be used. The results of the analysis will be verified through a simple simulation in which subjects will be presented with the symbology and mechanization concepts envisioned for the preliminary design. Based on these results, a final preliminary design will be generated. The potential applications of the technology that will be designed in this effort are enormous. There is a growing need to provide information to pilots through head-up display technology in both commercial and general aviation cockpits. HMDs could satisfy this need with less expense and less use of valuable cockpit real estate than traditional HUDs. This effort will provide the human performance requirements and design specifications for replacing cockpit HUDs with HMDs. Upon completion of Phase II, an actual design prototype that has been tested and evaluated will exist for demonstrating HMD interface concepts. These products are marketable to airframe manufacturers and airlines as either specifications for hardware design or as a benchmark for evaluating competing HMD technology.

SDS INTERNATIONAL, INC. One Crystal Park, 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(407) 282-4432 Dr. Dutch Guckenberger AF 01-059 Awarded: 22JUN01
Title:	Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) Interface Design for Head-Up Display (HUD) Replacement
Abstract:	The ArchAngel HMD-HUD Assessment and Testbed is focused on exploring the feasibility of different concept-designs and symbology for HMD Interface Design for HUD Replacements by combining Subjective & Quantitative Analysis and Modeling & Simulation with Realistic, Distributed Mission Training-Type Test Scenarios & Evaluation models and processes. It's this comprehensive approach to nominating, assessing, selecting, and actually performing simulation-based testing of potential HMD-HUD candidates that sets the ArchAngel Assessment and Testbed Approach apart from other, less comprehensive, approaches. As such, the ArchAngel approach will result in product-sets that include: actual HMD-HUD end-technologies, and a Testbed capable of supporting simulation-based acquisition-processes for HMD-HUD candidates including integration with other aviation-related weapons and weapons systems. SDS will be apply its extensive work to date developing PC-based simulation-Testbeds to assist in selecting high-potential HMD-HUD candidates and performing simulation-based testing of those candidates early in Phase I. The ArchAngel HMD-HUD Testbed will leverage-off SDS Testbed components built for UAVs/UCAVs/Space Maneuver Vehicles/Manned Aircraft to investigate HMD-HUD symbology and techniques for transmitting information from the battlespace to the pilot. The Testbed also includes sophisticated GOTS Computer-Generated-Forces providing a realistic, simulated-combat environment, and selective component-fidelity needed to record parameters associated with determining HMD-HUD effectiveness verses current and projected HUDs. The ArchAngel HMD-HUD Assessment and Testbed Phase I is envisioned to result in multiple HMD-HUD feasibility concepts that will evolve into one or more prototype demonstrations during both Phase I & Phase II, and a Testbed capable of supporting simulation-based acquisition-processes for HMD-HUD candidates including integration with other aviation-related information systems, weapons and weapons systems. Anticipated Benefits of replacing the aircraft's fixed HUD hardware with an ArchAngel HMD-based virtual HUD capability include, but are not limited to: . 360 Augmented Reality Viewer---Enhanced Situational Awareness for Safety and Combat by providing a 360 degree virtual symbology (for example, designator boxes can even show the position of aircraft underneath ownship; and horizon line, overlay terrain, and altitude cues can aid the pilot in orientation). From a pilot performance standpoint, the use of the HMD as the sole transparent display media has the potential to provide a pilot/vehicle interface that is flexible, intuitive, and more capable compared to current technology. These benefits go toward the enhancement of Air Force (and other services) mission effectiveness and aircrew survivability. . BatteSpace InfoSphere Enhancement--AWACS / JSTARS and other friendly sensor and information sources can be displayed with common symbology. For example, an AWACS controller can designate a bandit as bandit #9 and the ArchAngel HMD-HUD would place a #9 next to the designator box displayed, this would allow US warfighters to communicate sorting of targets more efficiently. Lead could tell his wingman to shoot #9 without any confusion. Other examples are "HighWay in the Sky" and Threat-Domes . Weapon Employment Enhancements---New Off-Bore Sight Weapons like Aim9-X can be incorporated into HMD-HUD symbology and operation. . Increased Efficiency and Safety for existing HUD aircraft---HMD-HUD will save significant aircraft weight while simultaneously freeing up valuable display real estate in the cockpit; Removal or the reduction in size of the current HUD combiner may afford the installation of a windscreen that is both stealthy and bird strike safe. . Eye-Protection from Nuclear Flash and Laser Weapons---All forms of obscured OTW vision may benefit with the ArchAngel Safety features of being able to draw the entire virtual world superimposed over the real-world for adverse weather and night. . Increased Efficiency and Safety for existing no-HUD aircraft---An ArchAngel HMD-HUD Kit will allow both military and private sector pilots to benefit. . Increased Efficiency and Safety for existing no-HUD vehicles---Ships, Subs and Armored Vehicles may also benefit from ArchAngel HMD-HUDs.

CHROMALUX, INC. 4665 Albany Street Cocoa, FL 32927
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(321) 637-3780 Mr. Roger J. Molitor AF 01-060 Awarded: 13APR01
Title:	High-Resolution Visual System Development
Abstract:	Chromalux is developing a video projection system that will display 5000 elements of resolution per picture width and 18 million elements of resolution per frame. The purpose of this proposal is to test and evaluate the innovative use of offset electron beams to write and erase images on a liquid crystal light-modulating device, in a ultra high resolution video projection system. Because we have NO PIXELS, the image will not have distracting digital artifacts. Since we do not utilize a fixed matrix array to produce the image, we can very easily geometrically shape the image without lose of light or resolution, and we can produce the geometrically shaped image with little or no distortion. We have an engineering proof of concept system operating today. If the results of our study and test effort are successful, we will be able to provide the Air Force and other simulation dependent entities with an ultra high resolution video projector that can project full color, full motion video images with no smear. This projection system will be the first projection system to fully utilize the capabilities of today's ultra high resolution image generation capabilities.We can take the "FILM" out of movie films. The movie industry is looking for a projector that can produce a full color full motion digital image that is equivalent to or better than film. By our calculations, it will take 3300 lines of resolution to equal the resolution of film based on the fact that film has 80 line pairs per millimeter. This projection technology is capable of producing in excess of 3300 lines of digital video resolution. We anticipate capturing at least 30% of the $10 Billion emerging digital cinema market.

PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP. Electro-Optic & Holography Div, 20600 Gramercy Pla Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 320-3088 Dr. Tin M. Aye AF 01-060 Awarded: 26APR01
Title:	Laser-Illuminated Sub-Image Scanning High Resolution Light Engine
Abstract:	Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to address the poor resolution and limited field-of-view of current head-mounted-display (HMD) light engines, which are based on miniature CRTs, LCDs, microdisplays, and laser scanned displays. POC proposes a full color high resolution HMD light engine based on laser illumination, a high speed CMOS-LCD spatial light modulator (SLM), with either line image scanning or frame scanning. The proposed approach offers superior resolution (5k x 4k pixels) from a relatively low resolution CMOS-LCD SLM, taking advantage of its high refresh speed and relatively slow line image or subframe scanning. The proposed technology is made commercially attractive by its unique integration of currently available commercial components and low cost fabrication techniques. The proposed effort will focus on developing a compact Laser-Illuminated Sub-Image Scanning (LASIS) light engine demonstration unit in which COTS components such as RGB laser diodes and CMOS-LCD microdisplays will be integrated with POC's liquid crystal digital scanners to generate color sequential full resolution images for current U.S. Air Force simulator HMDs. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach through design, analysis, and an experimental proof-of-concept demonstration, so that in Phase II we can build a preproduction prototype light engine.The proposed compact, lightweight, high resolution HMD light engine will advance head mounted display technology. Applications include virtual environment training, avionics, medicine, education, CAD/CAM, video conferencing, entertainment, and video games.

PROTOBOX LLC 1464 North Broad St. Fairborn, OH 45324
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 879-2588 Mr. Ronald Ewart AF 01-061 Awarded: 10MAY01
Title:	Real-time Embedded Simulation Performance Monitoring and Analysis for Distributed Mission Training (DMT)
Abstract:	Protobox LLC proposes to develop an innovative network simulation performance monitoring system that will enable researchers to understand and quantify the performance of the simulation while it is being conducted. The system is called the "Embedded Simulator Test Evaluation Monitor" (ESTEEM). ESTEEM will measure simulation latencies and accuracies, identify and pinpoint sources of problems, provide status and entity information, and immediately display information to the researcher. ESTEEM is based upon a modular multi-level concept. Simple low-cost agents will be developed to gather basic information about the simulation at each network node. Critical simulation nodes can be augmented with additional ESTEEM modules including a GPS capability, hardware simulator performance measurement capability, and a researcher control and display. The multi-level concept is not a "shell" that would incur additional layers of overhead as the capability expands. Rather, it is modular building block approach that adds additional processing capability with each additional module. As the system is expanded, its accuracy and capability is increased. Two innovative techniques allow data to be gathered and returned to the researcher without impacting the simulation or network performance. ESTEEM will enable researchers to conduct experiments evaluating the interactive performance of network simulations, human pilots, and simulation participants. ESTEEM will be powerful tool supporting the improvement of network simulation and of Distributed Mission Training (DMT). The proposed system will be the first system to ever provide researchers with quantitative information about the performance of a network simulation while the simulation is being conducted. Engineers can use ESTEEM during the development of a simulation to optimize the interactive performance of the simulators located at various network nodes. ESTEEM can quantify the simulation latencies from stick input at one site until a pilot perceives the result of that input in a simulated aircraft at another site. Latency contributions can be broken down into components so that problem areas can be identified and minimized. The researcher can use ESTEEM to study the interaction between the network simulation and human participants. Installation of ESTEEM systems, located throughout a DMT environment, will permit researchers to certify the quality of the simulation when it is initially developed, and verify proper operation on a day-to-day basis. It is critical to use the embedded simulator performance measurement tool to measure the simulator performance while a simulation is being conducted. Results obtained from a network simulation experiment or distributed training exercise can only be trusted if the simulator performance has been verified.

SYSTRAN FEDERAL CORP. 4027 Colonel Glenn Highway, Su Dayton, OH 45431
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 429-9008 Mr. George J. Valentino AF 01-061 Awarded: 07MAY01
Title:	SNAPpy 2001 - DMT Performance Modeling and Analysis System
Abstract:	Systran Federal Corporation (SFC) and Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) propose to design, develop, demonstrate, and commercialize the SNAPpy 2001T DMT (Distributed Mission Training) Performance Monitoring and Analysis System. In Phase I, we will use our past experience and residual hardware and software from the 1998 "SNAPpy low-latency network interface and real-time data collection system" and the 1998 "AgentsTools intelligent software agents toolkit to support distributed simulations" programs to formulate a refined concept for a real-time performance monitoring and analysis "system." Our focus will be on utilizing open-systems and standards-based software to develop SNAPpy 2001 as a software product that would operate on heterogeneous distributed simulation platforms. SNAPpy 2001 will include the functions and features of both a real-time data logger (SNAPLoggerT) and a quasi-real-time data monitor and analysis system (SNAPViewerT). Both SNAPLogger and SNAPViewer will be flexible, allowing the simulation developer to tailor the specific data collection, viewing and analysis functions required for his requirements. The SNAPLogger will log entity state data from both computer-generated entities and from real people-or hardware-in-the-loop. The overall SNAPpy 2001 "system" will have application to developers and users of distributed simulations, whether they are HLA-based or non-HLA (legacy) simulations. Demonstrations will be provided.Our solution provides for (1) the unobtrusive, real-time, time-tagged collection of data from both real people-and hardware-in-the-loop systems and of data from purely computer-generated entities, (via the SNAPLogger) and (2) the movement of this data in near-real-time to a monitoring and performance analysis node for the presentation and analysis of the data (the SNAPViewer). Our solution is primarily software-based, with the main platform being a COTS Windows 2000 platform and standards-based data acquisition modules. Time stamps can be via GPS, IRIG-B, or other methods. We employ proven SFC and SAIC developed methods to minimize the latency between when data is sensed and the time-tag associated with this data, thus providing accurate insights into the simulation by the user. Intelligent software agent technology is used for efficiency, fault-tolerance, convenience, and customization.

AEGIS RESEARCH CORP. 7799 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1100 North Falls Church, VA 22043
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(412) 471-3456 Bill Elm AF 01-062 Awarded: 09MAY01
Title:	Distributed Crew Interface for Autonomous Satellite Operations
Abstract:	A shift in the concept of operations of military satellite operations centers toward "lights out" autonomous intelligent agents for normal operations and dynamically configured `on-call' crews with a variety of physical interface devices during emergencies requires a breakthrough in decision-centered distributed information systems. In these types of domains, the critical needs focus on understanding and providing for the information needs of the operators, supporting the collaboration needs of the environment, and providing effective decision support in order to transform the environment from an inefficient, data-intense, high cognitive demand situation to an efficient, information-rich, high-performance human-machine system. The key innovation here will be the design of support tools for a variety of user interface technologies and thus a variety of physical sizes, visual characteristics, and interaction mechanisms. This will be accomplished by an explicit and variable mapping of the decision and information requirements using a Function Based Cognitive Work Analysis (adapted from Woods, Rasmussen, Vicente, et al) to the `coverage' of particular user interface components. Our proposed effort will both develop the innovative decision support features for the next generation SOC as well as extend the CSE methodology in two key areas: to address "dynamic workspace variety" and "dynamic crew composition".The results of this work will be an extremely effective approach to capture the essential elements of this dynamic crew structure concept. First of all, the underlying functional analysis is extremely useful for identifying critical demands of the work domain (and thus critical functional areas for multiple operator support). This is essential for defining needed decision support. Second, regions of responsibility within the functional framework and decision map - for a variety of contingency operations - can be defined. This will be valuable for defining adaptive roles and responsibilities for the varying tempos of operation toward generating a clearly defined `transition plan' as a cognitive hypothesis in terms of collaboration and design requirements for the shift from normal to contingency operations. As "on demand expertise" becomes more commonplace in an internetworked enterprise, the marketplace need for these types of Decision Support Systems will continue to skyrocket. The associated services industry is expected to grow at a commensurate rate, focusing more and more on Decision Centered solutions as a greater share of that service area (e.g. the rapid success of companies like The Nielsen Norman Group).

APTIMA, INC. 12 Gill Street, Suite 1400 Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 935-3966 Dr. Elliot E. Entin AF 01-062 Awarded: 26APR01
Title:	Distributed Crew Interface for Autonomous Satellite Operations
Abstract:	In this Phase I SBIR, the Aptima team will draw upon its experience and expertise in studying, designing, and supporting effective distributed teams, and its long-term expertise in the design of human-centered interfaces for military command and control teams to design the interface for a remote distributed satellite maintenance crew. The Phase I work will result in the requirements for a human-centered interface that allows distributed crew members to communicate, maintain situation awareness, and collaborate in a wireless environment using advanced information technology tools to detect, diagnose, and issue commands to resolve satellite anomalies and emergencies. The Phase I effort will also produce the design for a simulation environment and experiment plan to empirically evaluate the interface. In Phase II an advanced prototype interface will be developed, along with the simulation environment that will be used to test the interface. The prototype will be evaluated using the experiment design developed in the Phase I effort. The methodology and approaches that are developed in Phase II can be adapted and applied in other domains in which distributed teams are involved in diagnosis and resolution of unanticipated disruptions that occur in complex automated systems.The concepts, designs, and findings that emerge from this SBIR effort will have direct application in DoD agencies, non-DoD government agencies, and corporate firms in which distributed and possibly ad hoc teams of experts are called upon to collaborate in a distributed environment to detect, diagnose, and stabilize anomalous or emergency conditions that occur in a remotely located automated systems. Potential application domains include law enforcement, remote medical interventions, and communications systems.

CYBERNET SYSTEMS CORP. 727 Airport Boulevard Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(734) 668-2567 Dr. Charles J. Jacobus AF 01-062 Awarded: 23APR01
Title:	Distributed Crew Interface
Abstract:	The US Air Force requires the capability to control, upload and download management information in order to coordinate crew interactions, even when the crew is remotely located. Because of limitations in communication infrastructure and shared databases, it is difficult for collaborating engineers, planners, analysts, and military commanders to allocate these assets in a timely manner. This process also requires the use of systems like the MILSATCOM ACMS that does not provide sufficient coordination support for large commercial satellite operators. A system more aligned with commercial practices such as WWW, CGI, and JAVA usage will offer the DoD further leverage as it upgrades its systems. A new generation of collaboration tools must be developed that, while implemented in CGI and JAVA and distributing data as HTML, must mimic the useful attributes of existing tools. Cybernet intends to provide this system by developing a capability that will allow Air Force personnel to make simple requests for information using the World Wide Web, e-mail, FTP and other data via a JTA compliant interface. This design will also provide an ISA the capability for the remote administration of collaboration and database upload and download into Air Force installed common support stations.The system proposed in this effort would be used to enhance Cybernet's current network products. This market is composed of sophisticated individuals and small to medium sized business or workgroups in larger business or the U.S. Government. This group requires the flexibility that larger organizations achieve through extensive support teams, but do not have the resources to get it at the present time.

MOBILEFOUNDATIONS, LLC 6607 Mayfair Drive, #302 Falls Church, VA 22042
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 862-9343 Mr. Jeffrey Fox AF 01-062 Awarded: 14MAY01
Title:	An Automated Tool to Enable the Distributed Operations of Air Force Satellites
Abstract:	Air Force satellite program officers are being driven to explore greater levels of computerization due to budgetary reductions, evolving ground system and range architectures, and the increased number and complexity of missions. mobileFOUNDATIONS will demonstrate that advanced automation can meet these challenges. Today, mobileFOUNDATIONS's innovative Spacecraft Emergency Response System (SERS) enables autonomous and distributed operations at NASA, saving millions of dollars/year. Upon detecting anomalies, SERS dynamically builds response teams based on the problem's type and severity and on the crew's skills, availability, and communications devices. SERS then enables distributed team collaboration via wireless devices. However, the Air Force needs an even more capable system, so mobileFOUNDATIONS proposes a user-centered Phase I program to: (1) understand Air Force user (human effectiveness) and architectural requirements; (2) study the impacts of current high-risk technology issues, like security; (3) demonstrate a proof-of-concept functional prototype; and (4) identify essential capabilities needed for Phase II operational prototyping.The successful conclusion of this SBIR program will result in more efficient and effective Air Force satellite program ready to better handle future challenges. mobileFOUNDATIONS will utilize this SBIR's technology in the development of a generic automated response system that will improve the efficiency of enterprises that depend on team-based distributed activities.

CONCEPTUAL MINDWORKS, INC. 4318 Woodcock Drive Suite 210 San Antonio, TX 78228
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(210) 536-1388 Dr. Mark Sloan AF 01-063 Awarded: 09MAY01
Title:	Surface Decontamination Using Electromagnetic Field/Laser Emitters
Abstract:	The proposed project will develop the scientific basis for a sensing and decontamination system capable of detecting and destroying chemical and biological warfare agents (CBWAs). The system would incorporate sensors that could be contained in units which would passively interact with the environment. Alternatively, the sensors could be sprayed on surfaces of sensitive equipment, clothing and even skin without damaging the surfaces. The sprayed version of these sensors would be colorless or subdued in color until examined with an activator light source. After the photo-activation of the sensor redox reaction, either an electromagnetic field (EMF) and/or a laser would be used to destroy the CBWA. The proposed concept uses DNA aptamers for CBWA recognition, diazoluminomelanin (DALM) as the free radical label and DNA substrate, electron spin resonance (ESR) for signal detection, advanced signal processing for optimal pattern recognition and rejection, and either microwave or laser irradiation for destruction. The DNA grid is based on the SELEX process that allows binding of known and unknown CBWAs (e.g., genetic recombinant), the latter by binding to components that are common to known CBWAs. A spin-off project is that the tightly bound DNA aptamer sequences could be eluted, amplified, and purified for the production of neutralizing agents. Phases I - III would be conducted within a partnership including Conceptual MindWorks, Inc., Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Battelle Memorial Institute, McKesson HBOC Clinical and Biological Services, Litton TASC, and Honeywell Corporation. Fast detection and destruction of CBWAs would save lives by providing time to adopt protective measures. Commercially, medical personnel would use biosensors to rapidly detect and destroy viral, fungal, and bacterial organisms infecting open wounds, such as severe burns, without producing further trauma. Immediate decontamination of wounds would reduce complications from surgery resulting from secondary infection. Industrial hygienists would use biosensors to limit exposure to harmful organisms, such as biological toxins in food preparation areas (e.g., E. coli O157:H7).

CREARE, INC. P.O. Box 71 Hanover, NH 03755
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(603) 643-3800 Dr. Michael D. Jaeger AF 01-063 Awarded: 25APR01
Title:	Low Temperature Plasma Source for Chemical and Biological Decontamination
Abstract:	The excited or dissociated gaseous species created in non-thermal glow discharge plasmas are effective agents for killing or neutralizing certain biological or chemical warfare agents. For decontaminating sensitive equipment or personnel, the effluent from such plasmas must be near room temperature to prevent unintentional dispersal of the hazardous warfare agents and to avoid harming the equipment or persons being cleaned. We propose a unique method for generating room temperature decontaminating/sterilizing plasma effluent without the use of bottled gases. The technique can be embodied in an easily fieldable system that employs a handheld or fixed-position Cool Air-Plasma Gun. In Phase I, we will demonstrate the fundamental concepts necessary for generating cool decontaminating plasma effluent without using bottled gases. In Phase II, we will build a prototype Cool Air-Plasma Gun system and demonstrate its efficacy for decontaminating or sterilizing simulants of chemical warfare agents.Creare's cool plasma effluent technology is expected to provide a deployable system for decontaminating sensitive equipment or even personnel. Such a system will provide significant benefits to defense against chemical or biological warfare or terrorist acts, clean-up of toxic industrial chemicals, and sterilization of medical equipment and devices.

FEPET, INC. 3006 Longhorn Blvd., Suite 107 Austin, TX 78758
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 339-5020 Mr. Leif Thuesen AF 01-063 Awarded: 25APR01
Title:	CBWA Decontamination Unit Based on Carbon Nanotube Cathodes
Abstract:	It is proposed to use a carbon cold cathode as a source for an electron spray Chemical and Biological Warfare Agent (CBWA) decontamination unit. The goal is to design a device using the cold cathode source and model all of the necessary parameters of its operation. Electron beam technology has been shown to be an excellent tool in medical treatment and environmental decontamination systems. Phase I of this program will be a study of the parameters needed for an electron spray device to destroy CBWAs, limits so that materials and people are not injured through its use, modeling of the device to obtain specifications for operation and the applicability of a cold cathode to such a device. Construction and testing of a prototype device will be the objective of Phase II. In Phase III, the device will be advanced to commercialization. The applications of such a device will not be limited to military use in CBWA decontamination. Controlled destruction of CBWAs would also be possible. It could be used in industry to assist in cases of chemical spill clean up or factory emission control.

PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP. 20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100 Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 320-3088 Dr. Gregory Zeltser AF 01-063 Awarded: 26APR01
Title:	Photocatalytic Plasma Jet
Abstract:	Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to design and develop a novel photocatalytic plasma jet to address the needs of the Air Force (and the other services) to destroy chemical and biological warfare agents on surfaces ranging from human skin to concrete and soil using electromagnetic field emitters. The proposed Photocatalytic Plasma Jet (PPJ) will generate a non-thermal, ambient-pressure plasma discharge of a high velocity water-borne effluent stream of highly reactive chemical species. The novel key concept is preionization of the water by semiconductor-aided photocatalysis to decrease dielectric barriers to the ignition of the corona discharge. The PPJ design is grounded on patented POC technologies developed for fabrication of plasma diagnostics, light guiding systems, and sol-gel coating, and will be more power- and cost-efficient than current experimental devices. In Phase I, POC will develop a PPJ benchtop prototype for laboratory proof-of-concept demonstration and analysis of its performance at a DOD facility. In Phase II POC will produce a portable prototype device to demonstrate destruction of the CBWAs in in vitro experiments. These will be followed by additional evaluations of exposure parameters to prevent damage to skin and mucous membranes.The successful completion of this project will result in a reliable, mobile, and cost-efficient device and novel technology for non-thermal plasma decontamination of biological and chemical warfare agents on surfaces, including skin, also suitable for a wide range of commercial applications, notably hospital infection control, sterilization, and decontamination of instruments and clothes.

SOLUS BIODEFENSE 700 New Hampshire Ave NW, # 1008 Washington, DC 20037
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(202) 333-3175 Dr. Roger von Hanwehr AF 01-063 Awarded: 17MAY01
Title:	Surface Decontamination Using Electromagnetic Field/Laser Emitters
Abstract:	SOLUS BIODEFENSE proposes a novel rf-excitable, molecularly-targeted BWA defeat technology, consisting of a microwave (MW)-excitable, UV-fluorophore modified, bioluminescent polymer and a series virabiocides designed to provide multimechanism synergistic agent kill and avid agent targeting directed at biomolecular surface matrices of spores, enveloped viruses, live microbial agents, and biotoxins. The virabiocides will consist of energy-activatable chromophores modified with charge specific agent targeting moieties, and with moieties likely to undergoe exothermic decomposition within bioagent macromolecular matrices. Mechanisms of kill integral to this design include: 1) sonoluminescent plasma effects induced by pulse microwave excitation of the polymer, 2) UV flash emission, 3) energy transduction-activated chromophore biolethality, and 4) focal exothermic energy release from decomposition events in proximity to molecular target sites within spore walls and viral envelopes. Both free and polymer-coupled virabiocides (the latter for the purpose of attaching CW nerve agent hydrolyzing enzymes to the system in Phase II) will be developed as integral molecular technology components. The agent defeat effectiveness of this technology will be extensively tested in experimental settings of high peak energy/rapid rise-time pulsed MW irradiation at multiple frequency bandwidths. Effectiveness of surface decontamination will be evaluated using anthrax spores, gram negative bacilli, enveloped influenza virus simulants, and biotoxins.The proposed microwave-excitable molecular-enhancement agent defeat technology is expected to address a broad range of markets in the biomedical, agriculture, veterinary, food science, materials industry, and environmental decontamination areas. Furthermore, advances in the technology of using charge groups to design new agent targeting molecules with fluorescent tagging properties opens huge commercial market potential internationally in the biotechnology and clinical domains. Furthermore, the development of molecular directed energy targeting and defeat enhancement technologies has significant future potential for the treatment of infectious disease as regards open contaminated wounds, and for the non-invasive molecular illumination-guided treatment of cancer.

BTMD, INC. 11401 Mountain View Rd., Suite 201 Damascus, MD 20872
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 253-0540 Mr. Frank S. Wodoslawsky AF 01-064 Awarded: 07MAY01
Title:	Simulated Panoramic Night Vision Goggle Helmet-Mounted Display for Simulated NVG Imagery
Abstract:	The Simulated PNVG project will develop a proof of concept helmet mounted display system that will simulate the current Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (PNVG) system. The prototype system will preserve the form, fit and function associated with the current PNVG using available display technology. The selected display technology for the simulated PNVG will integrate into the PNVG so as to preserve the form and fit as much as feasible. The display system will also need to support a variety of programmable video formats for the computer generated imagery in an effort to support research objectives associated with the physics based visual simulation of night vision goggle imagery.With the ever demanding mission requirements placed on our pilots for effective and safe night time operations, the significance of an accurate night vision goggle training platform can not be over stated. Mission preparation and the ability to rehearse various mission profiles provides a valuable tactical edge for our US military forces. The proposed Simulated PNVG system will provide an accurate and cost effective training aid. In addition, the technical advances produced from this development effort will be integrated into our current commercial set of high performance HMD systems.

INSIGHT TECHNOLOGY, INC. 3 Technology Drive Londonderry, NH 03053
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(603) 626-4800 Mr. Eric Littleton AF 01-064 Awarded: 25APR01
Title:	Simulated Panoramic Night Vision Goggle Helmet-Mounted Display for Simulated NVG Imagery
Abstract:	Insight Technology, Inc proposes to design and deliver a proof-of-concept demonstrator of a helmet-mounted display system to support ground-based training for the Integrated Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (I-PNVG). The demonstrator will integrate with the physics-based visual simulation system (Night Vision Training System) of Image Intensification (I2) based night vision goggle imagery currently in development. The principle problem to be addressed is how to configure a head-mounted display that provides the increased field of view and approximate image characteristics (resolution, color, decay rates, etc.) of I-PNVG while at the same time providing the weight, center of gravity, and form, fit, and function characteristics of I-PNVG. Existing miniature CRT and flat-panel displays will be analyzed to determine which technology offers the best balance between image quality characteristics (resolution being top priority) and minimizing weight and center of gravity deviations from the actual goggle. The I-PNVG monocular will be modified to accept the selected display. Eyepiece optics will be designed to accommodate the display while providing a panoramic image consistent with that of I-PNVG. The modified monocular assemblies will be mounted to the actual I-PNVG pilot adjustment shelf to maintain commonality with form, fit, and function of the actual system.The development of a simulation-based helmet-mounted display that closely matches the form, fit, and function characteristics of the Integrated Panoramic Night Vision Goggle system will provide for realistic training in the safe and relatively low-cost simulation environment. The simulation system also will permit development of modified tactics, techniques, and procedures for a wide field of view night vision goggle in the ground-based simulation environment. Additional benefits will include the capability to develop and evaluate future I-PNVG enhancements in a simulation environment prior to in-flight use and evaluation of pilot performance improvements brought about by the wide field of view goggle.

SPEECH TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 2414 NE Java Way Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(503) 648-9822 Dr. Brian Womack AF 01-065 Awarded: 10MAY01
Title:	Advanced Speech Production Models
Abstract:	Current speech processing systems address the effects of channel noise and assume that all speakers are always in the same stress state. Neutral speech occurs when the speaker has no task obligation other than to speak. Perceptually or physiologically induced speaker stress occurs in non-neutral conditions such as G-force, vibration, environmental noise, or emotion. Depending upon the type and degree of perceptual or physiological stress, the glottal source, vocal tract frequency structure, fundamental frequency, and intensity or duration are all affected in different ways. In addition, for a given speech utterance, a speaker's production can shift from one type of stress state to another dynamically. There are two main approaches to addressing the problem of speaker induced stress: (i) stress robust speech production models and (ii) stress robust speech processing algorithms. This study will focus on the first approach. By understanding the effects of speaker induced stress, it is possible to create models that are less sensitive to stress induced variability. These new features will then be applied as an example to the stressed speech recognition problem to determine if they result in improved performance.Current speech processing algorithms work best with neutral speech produced in quiet environments. In many settings, speech can be produced in environments that cause perceptual speaker stress such as emotion, task workload, or perceived background noise. During perceptual stress, the speaker will modify their production of speech to assist the listener's ability to receive the intent of the speech or to simply express emotion. Alternately, the human body can be exposed to physiological stress induced by vibration, acceleration, deceleration, or changes in the makeup of the air supply. Both of these types of stress create a significant change on the speech signal before it leaves the vocal tract. With better speech production models that seek to minimize the variability introduced by stress and noise, a wide range of speech processing applications will benefit. This is a foundational piece of technology that is required to take speech processing to the next stage in performance and reliability. Commercial applications will benefit from more robust speech recognition, for example, because speakers will be able to express emotion naturally in the real world environments that are part of their every day experience. This is an often quoted complaint with current speech recognition systems currently available commercially.

BEAM TECH CORP. P.O. BOX 680486 San Antonio, TX 78268
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(210) 567-2989 Mr. Charles A. Hubbard AF 01-066 Awarded: 09MAY01
Title:	Electromagnetic Field Overexposure Indicator
Abstract:	There is a need for a personal radiofrequency radiation (RF) alarm that has the ability to detect high levels of electromagnetic field exposures, in both near and far-field situations, so that personnel can perform their duties without health hazards in environments mandated by DOD operations. This project will evaluate the feasibility of developing a small, inexpensive portable alarm to detect exosures to RF electric and magnetic fields, up to extremely high intensities; at the latter, electronic devices could be inactivated. The approach is to use a passive device, based on the biosynthesized polymer diazoluminomelanin (DALM) suspended in an agar gel, for detecting, indicating with an alarm, and recording the exposure. The system would have a redundant active electronic component, which would provide alternative audible and visual alarm features. The DALM and the DALM-gel technologies were invented or developed by Air Force Scientists; Beam Tech Corporation (BTC) has exclusive license to the biological and chemical synthesis of DALM. In addition to this DALM-agar bubble and luminescence technology, BTC will identify and consider as alternatives both commercially available and patented technologies that could serve the same purpose, or could serve as components of the technology to be designed.The personal RF Overexposure Indicator to be designed and evaluated for feasibility will be unique in that it will not be at risk for inactivation by the very electro- magnetic exposures for which it is supposed to provide an alarm. It has the additional potential benefit of recording the intensity of the exposure, for determining the extent of exposure over a period of time between examinations. By including a comprehensive of any currently commercially available or otherwise patented technology, Beam Tech Corporation could identify devices or components that will assist in the development of an active electronic component, to be included as a redundancy feature in the Overexposure Indicator. While the market for the device would be extensive within the DOD, it would also be useful to U.S. Government Security Agencies. It might also be useful for persons who work in the private sector in the vicinity of intense RF sources, but who would not knowingly and purposefully allow or expect themselves to be exposed. A complete market evaluation is not possible at this time, with the limited preliminary information available to BTC. This would become possible with the development of prototype information in a Phase II project.

LUNA INNOVATIONS, INC. 2851 Commerce Street Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(540) 953-4273 Mr. Thomas Wavering AF 01-066 Awarded: 25APR01
Title:	Nanomaterials for Low-Cost Electromagnetic Field Alarms
Abstract:	The development of small, lightweight, and low cost electromagnetic overexposure alarms is needed for numerous military and commercial applications involving high intensity electromagnetic fields (EMF). Exposure to high intensity EMF can cause deleterious effects within humans including: altering cell growth rate; decreasing the rate of cellular respiration; altering metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids; effecting gene expression and genetic regulation of cell functions; and numerous other degenerative consequences. Current devices to monitor EMF exposure are prohibitively expensive and not suited for field measurements on individuals. For the Phase I program, Luna Innovations proposes to utilize conductive nanomaterials for fabrication of low cost EMF alarms for use by the Department of Defense. Initial work will focus on the development of EMF sensing components utilizing different nanoscale and thin film technologies. Ionic self assembled films and carbon nanostructures will be combined to fabricate nanoscale antennas, loop detectors, and storage devices for quantification of electromagnetic fields. Due to the size and structure of the EMF sensing nanomaterials, the sensors can be tailored to optimize sensitivity, operating frequencies, and performance.The proposed sensor technology has immediate use for measurement of high intensity electromagnetic fields in military, power, and medical applications. The nanotechnology components will have additional application in the development of thin film batteries, photovoltaics, flexible displays, and advanced medical imaging technology. The technology demonstrated during the proposed Phase I program will allow Luna to capture a significant share of the initial target market segment through Luna's proven ability to transfer products from research to market.

US MICROBATTERY, INC. 74 Batterson Park Road Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(801) 225-1974 Dr. Rodney LaFollette AF 01-066 Awarded: 14MAY01
Title:	Credit-Card Sized, Autonomous, Electromagnetic Field Detector
Abstract:	The battlefield envronment requires accurate and reliable detecton of electromagnetic field detection for militay personnel. This proposal describes the evaluation of electromagnetic detection devices, memory modules and transmitters and then developing the systems (miniaturize them) down to the level of incorporation onto an integated circuit (IC). This work proposal include the adaptation of microscopic batteries fabricated by cleanroom microfabricaton techniques already successfully demonstrated by the company. Microscopic batteries, together with photovoltaic devices, will be controlled byfuzzy logic and will provide the power required to render this devide completely autonomous. If needed, this power spply can be designed to have a multi-voltge capability, both for discharge and charge. This provides the opportunity to optimize performance in both the charge and discharge regimes.Small, autonomouns electromagnetic field detection will help protect personnel in the battlefield environment and a civilian version would help determine if there a high levels of electromagnetic radiation originating from cellular telephones.

CREARE, INC. P.O. Box 71 Hanover, NH 03755
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(603) 643-3800 Mr. David B. Kynor AF 01-067 Awarded: 25APR01
Title:	Disorientation Analysis and Prediction System
Abstract:	Spatial disorientation is a significant problem in military aviation that has resulted in loss of life and aircraft. Creare proposes to develop a Disorientation Analysis and Prediction System that can be used in laboratory research, pilot training, and accident investigation. The system consists of a predictive model, which provides an estimate of the pilot's perceived orientation, and an orientation analyzer, which is an expert system that determines his degree of disorientation. We will also investigate new sensors to provide a quantitative measurement of pilot attentiveness and a new technique for making quantitative assessments of the likelihood of spatial disorientation during flight. This system is intended to serve as the basis for an in-flight monitoring system to be installed in aircraft. In Phase I, we will conduct a review of existing literature, formulate algorithms for quantifying spatial disorientation, investigate the use of additional sensors capable of measuring pilot activity, prepare a system design, and develop a software prototype. The primary private sector application for the technology developed under this program is in civilian aviation. The system developed under this program would be desired by the civilian aviation community to assist with pilot training, provide an in-flight warning of conditions likely to lead to disorientation, and determine whether or not disorientation was a factor in accidents.

NTI, INC. 4130 Linden Ave., Suite 235 Dayton, OH 45432
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 254-3171 Dr. Robert D. O'Donnell AF 01-067 Awarded: 26APR01
Title:	Human Orientation Model for Spatial Disorientation Countermeasures
Abstract:	The goal of this effort is to model human perceptual orientation in a way that it can, as part of the flight control system, alert pilots to various spatial disorientation (SD) conditions. NTI will survey existing models and develop a recommended universal model of how the human perceive motion in the maneuvering environment. The model will then be embedded into an advanced desktop flight simulator (the Flight-Performance Assessment Simulation System -- F-PASS), which simulates the F-16 aircraft with exceptional fidelity. Because F-PASS provides accurate data on the aircraft position and state, it will enable us to generate flight conditions in the simulator, and integrate these with the human model. This will permit simultaneous display of: 1) the position of the aircraft in space, and 2) the human's modeled perception of the aircraft. Pilots will be able to view SD conditions repeatedly, and fly into known SD situations to see the discrepancy between their expected perceptions and actual conditions. PhaseII will propose final development of the system, as well as ultimate installation in the centrifuge, allowing the pilot to actually experience and graphically see the disorientation. Ultimately, the system will provide the basis for installation in actual aircraft.The system to be developed here will serve as a training, research, and operational countermeasure to SD. As such, it has applicability far beyond the obvious fighter aircraft community. SD accounts for nearly 35% of private and commercial aircraft accidents. Therefore, the product will be of considerable interest to the FAA, airlines, light aircraft manufacturers, and to foreign governments.

APTIMA, INC. 12 Gill Street, Suite 1400 Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 935-3966 Dr. Gavan Lintern AF 01-068 Awarded: 11APR01
Title:	Work-Centered Interface Technology
Abstract:	In complex sociotechnical systems such as military command and control, multiple individuals must work with complex and dynamic information from many diverse sources. Methods are needed to increase worker productivity in such systems by reducing the cognitive complexity of the multi-system interface. We propose a revolutionary approach to interface design for such systems, drawing on the techniques of Cognitive Work Analysis to design a Virtual Information-Action Workspace tailored for a work domain. The workspace will be structured using an abstration hierarchy that captures the terms and relationships natural to workers in the domain. Intelligent agents will support the information location, retrieval, and fusion capabilities needed by the Workspace. Agents will be designed to make the Workspace adaptive, so that users can create the agent capabilities they need to deal with unanticipated situations and new work demands. Intelligent agents will be the means by which workers can "finish the design" of the Workspace to meet their needs. In Phase I we will demonstrate the integration of CWA methods and tools with intelligent-agent-building capabilities to produce a Workspace design for a selected C2 domain. In Phase II we will build the Workspace and evaluate its effectiveness in increasing worker productivity.There is a virtually unlimited market for methods and tools that can increase the productivity of workers interacting with complex systems of systems. Tools for the creation of Virtual Information-Action Workspaces will directly benefit, for example, military C2 centers, air traffic control centers, hospitals, virtual manufacturing environments, managers of corportate databases, and both military and commercial maintenance operations.

CHI SYSTEMS, INC. Gwynedd Office Park, 716 N. Bethlehem Pike, Ste 30 Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(215) 542-1400 Dr. Wayne W. Zachary AF 01-068 Awarded: 11APR01
Title:	Work-Centered Interface Technology
Abstract:	The mismatch between worker needs and information systems design and performance has long been noted, and has given rise to a long body of research on ways to factor the user more explicitly into the interface and system design process. Active interfaces that act as infomediaries between underlying systems and their users, offer the most comprehensive solution to this usability problem, but also pose the greatest technological challenge. The proposed research team at CHI Systems has evolved, through a series of recent applications, a novel work-centered active interface reference architecture, called the Work-centered Infomediary Layer (WIL) architecture. This proposal seeks to create a WIL Application Toolkit (WAT) -- a set of software tools to support and streamline the process of creating WIL interfaces. Phase I develops a WAT concept of operation and architecture, and integrates these via a storyboard prototype . Phase I also defines a detailed development plan for a full-scale Phase II system, assesses the benefits and commercial potential of WAT, and identifies specific candidate Air Force C2 domains on which a full-scale Phase II WAT will be tested and applied.The commercial value of WAT is derived from its use to develop Work-centered Infomediary Layer (WIL) applications to various domains in commercial sector, such as aerospace, network management, call center operations, and medicine. WAT can be commercialized as vehicle for consulting/system integration efforts to develop custom WIL applications, as well as sold directly to development and end-user organizations as an active interface construction tool.

STOTTLER HENKE ASSOC., INC. 1660 So. Amphlett Blvd., Suite 350 San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(206) 545-1478 Mr. Terrance L. Goan AF 01-068 Awarded: 18APR01
Title:	Facilitating Work-Centered Interface Development through Patterns
Abstract:	We propose a novel work-centered interface development environment that will dramatically reduce the complexity of interaction design. To this end, we will support an enhanced Contextual Design process with a set of tools that will enable developers to draw on the aggregate experience of other work-centered interface designers. This will be achieved through the collection and application of proven design/interaction patterns that will, among other things, enable developers to resolve the conflicts between agent autonomy and user control requirements. Further, WorkWell will provide an intuitive incremental process for the ontology development and semantic mapping that will be essential to the creation of homogeneous interfaces to the very heterogeneous JBI resources. We will ground our efforts in a domain that we know very well - Defensive Information Warfare (DIW). There is currently a great need for work-centered interfaces that can help network security professionals cope with the great quantity and diversity of data that must be analyzed, as well as incredibly short decision cycles. Our Phase I investigation will result in a detailed work-centered interface development procedure that will form the foundation for the full-scale implementation of WorkWell, as well as a specification of the target DIW interface.This technology is valuable to any organization where users must operate in information dense and time critical environments. WorkWell will allow the application of work-centered design techniques within today's time-constrained software development.

COGNITECH CORP. 1060 East 100 South, Suite 202 Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(801) 322-0101 Dr. Wendell Duncan AF 01-069 Awarded: 12APR01
Title:	Toxicity Evaluation Module
Abstract:	Many chemicals have limited occupational health and toxicological data. A computerized fuzzy logic expert system module could synthesize information from diverse sources and support the assessment of a chemical's toxicity endpoints and associated uncertainty. The interdisciplinary team of toxicologists, chemists, and computer scientists will develop a fuzzy logic methodology and knowledge base for determining toxicity endpoints. The investigators will use this methodology to develop a prototype web-based fuzzy logic expert system, integrated with an interactive user interface and database. The investigators will create the knowledge base rules and facts from QSAR-related variables (i.e., chemical physical properties) and existing toxicological data. This software will be evaluated and demonstrated with the adrenocortical endocrine disruption toxicity endpoint. Phase II will extend Phase I's methodology and technologies to develop a fully functional software prototype that will estimate health hazards over a larger spectrum of toxicity endpoints relevant to the Air Force.The toxicology decision support module will have applications as an initial screening mechanism for industrial chemical manufacturers and their customers. An additional market is as an educational tool for universities, hospitals, and emergency response agencies.

INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION CORP. 10299 Scripps Trail, PMB 231 San Diego, CA 92131
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(858) 679-4140 Dr. Dariusz Wroblewski AF 01-069 Awarded: 25APR01
Title:	Computional Framework for Intelligent Predictive Toxicology
Abstract:	The ability to rapidly assess the human health risks posed by a multitude of newly developed chemical compounds is of critical importance. Standard method for predicting toxicity to humans involves in vivo testing in laboratory animals. High cost and time requirements of the animal studies created an interest in the development of predictive toxicology, in which the toxicity inferences are obtained from a limited number of animal studies with the use of additional, more easily obtainable information such as results of in vitro studies, and/or physical and chemical properties of the molecules. Although a substantial progress has been achieved in development of methods of predictive toxicology, there is no definitive method (computational or, biological) that can be relied upon in the prediction of human toxicity. IAC proposes to develop the iPTE (Intelligent Predictive Toxicology System), an open-architecture computational framework for development and integration of predictive methods. In Phase I, the system architecture will be designed and a prototype will be demonstrated for a single toxicity end-point. The Phase I research will include implementation of novel neural network classification techniques and development of reliable quantitative measures of the prediction accuracy. The computational system for toxicity prediction is a significant product that will be used for both civilian and military applications. The main function of the system will be to provide rapid screening of newly developed chemicals with respect to human toxicity. Such screening is required by regulatory requirements for various industries. Additionally, the system may be marketed as an integration and development platform for emerging predictive approaches

RATIONAL DISCOVERY LLC 114 Brenton Ct. Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(650) 691-9753 Dr. Hugh Genin AF 01-069 Awarded: 26APR01
Title:	An Adaptive, Modular Machine Learning System for Toxicity Prediction
Abstract:	We propose an innovative approach to the development of toxicity evaluation software. We will adapt a modular machine-learning software system that was originally designed for modeling inorganic and organometallic substances in catalysis and materials science problems to the challenge of predicting toxicity endpoints for a wide range of chemicals. The software's descriptor-based representation of substances allows us to generalize this modeling system and to simultaneously include many different types of chemicals. The modular nature of the software allows us to create multiple models for different toxicity endpoints one by one, and then combine them seamlessly into a final product giving one prediction along with a degree of confidence in that prediction. Due to the nature of the machine-learning approaches being applied, the reliability of the predictions will improve as more data are used to train each module. Phase I of this research will demonstrate the ability of this software to predict acute lethality as represented by oral rat LD50 values and to provide measures of confidence for those predictions. Phase II will involve creating and combining modules for other toxicity endpoints and will also involve training on human toxicological data.The Air Force and other DoD components must perform risk-assessment determinations on all the new (and some existing) chemical entities that they develop and deploy. Current methods of toxicological studies are slow and expensive. The benefits to DoD of an alternative method such as the computational model proposed herein will be to speed the rate at which chemical substances can be evaluated and lower the cost of those evaluations. Other government agencies (e.g., NIST, EPA, FDA) also have a need for toxicological evaluation software to streamline their risk-assessment procedures. In private industry, the need to perform toxicological evaluations is present and growing in the chemical manufacturing, agricultural, and pharmaceutical sectors, to name only a few. New substances are continually being developed, and stricter government regulations require that more of them be tested, at a cost in time, dollars, and animal lives that can reach staggering proportions. Effective toxicity evaluation software will save enormous amounts of time and money. The market for alternative toxicity evaluation techniques is large and is expected to continue to grow.

YAHSGS LLC 8516 Oxford Drive Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(865) 607-2988 Dr. Katherine Yuracko AF 01-069 Awarded: 02MAY01
Title:	Chemical and Material Toxicity Evaluation Module
Abstract:	The U.S. Air Force deploys and encounters a highly diverse spectrum of chemicals and materials. The health hazards of these materials must be evaluated to protect personnel and to minimize life cycle costs for weapon systems. To evaluate health risks, chemical toxicity information is needed. However such information is costly and requires several years of testing to obtain. As a result, reliable data are available for only a few percent of the chemicals in use today. The research under this Phase I SBIR project is directed at demonstrating the feasibility of using artificial intelligence approaches to estimate human health risks from exposure to chemical hazards. To accomplish this feasibility demonstration, a chemical toxicity database will be designed and developed to underpin predictions of genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and developmental/reproductive toxicity for chemicals of interest to the Air Force. Both a neural network and statistical techniques will be used to predict these three toxicity endpoints, and the performance of the two approaches compared. Technical feasibility will be demonstrated by achieving a 90 percent or better accuracy in predicting toxicity for chemicals of interest to the Air Force. This level of performance represents a significant improvement over currently available systems.If proven feasible during Phase I, YAHSGS' approach to predicting chemical toxicity will provide a rapid and inexpensive means to determine the health risks of new chemicals; the risks of existing chemicals for which inadequate toxicity data exist for conducting health hazard assessments (~80% of chemicals in commercial use); and risks for chemicals encountered in military and industrial situations. The Chemical and Material Toxicity Evaluation Module (CAMTEM) will be sold either as an application for installation on a user's system or as a tool to be used via Online Analytical Processing (OLAP). The OLAP approach will greatly expand the user group and market potential by reducing the user's hardware, software, and, potentially, training requirements. Two specialized modules will be developed to expand the CAMTEM's usage and marketability to government and industrial users. The first will predict environmental effects of subject chemicals including the risks associated with chemical daughter products formed or released to the environment. The second will provide reverse engineering capabilities that will identify ways for chemical designers to eliminate or reduce health risks from chemicals or products being developed. The overall benefit from the CAMTEM approach will be the availability of significantly better health risk information for the 80% or more of the chemicals now in commercial use for which there are currently inadequate toxicity risk related information and for new chemicals being developed. That information will enhance governments' and industries' ability to recognize specific chemical toxicity related risks and take responsible steps to avoid exposing people and the environment to harmful chemicals.

SYSTRAN FEDERAL CORP. 4027 Colonel Glenn Highway, Suite 210 Dayton, OH 45431
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 429-9008 Mr. Paul Rudolph AF 01-075 Selected for Award
Title:	Remote Consolidated Data Loader
Abstract:	In currently Air Force operations, mission planning data is generated using a ground-based system, and is then hand carried to the aircraft shortly before takeoff. To allow more time for the mission planning operations, the Air Force would like to be able to use wireless data transmission to transfer this data. SFC proposes to develop a Remote Consolidated Data Loader (RCDL) to meet this need. The RCDL will use a COTS wireless technology to transfer data from the Mission Planning System (MPS) to the aircraft. In a previous SBIR, SFC has developed a prototype wireless maintenance tool, called PALM-IT, which has many of the features desired for the RCDL. SFC intended to leverage this experience in developing the RCDL; as part of Phase I, this prototype will be modified to support the functions needed by the RCDL. During Phase I, we will define the hardware and software requirements for the RCDL, select the COTS wireless technology to be used, evaluate the COMSEC requirements and select an NSA-approved encryption standard, and gather requirements from potential users of the RCDL, and develop a top-level design. The RCDL system will be flight-tested during Phase II aboard a Combat Talon I aircraft.By eliminating the time spent hand-carrying the mission planning data to the aircraft, the RCDL system will allow a larger amount of pre-flight time to be devoted to mission planning. This can be a significant benefit, particularly when operating in a high-tempo environment. By utilizing NSA-approved Type I encryption standards, RCDL will provide a high degree of data security, while eliminating the need for the portable media currently in use. By offering future compatibility with GATM systems to be fielded within the next decade, RCDL will eventually be able to support in-flight data transfers, allowing mission planning and other information to be updated even while a mission is in progress.

CYCORP, INC. 3721 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78731
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 514-2976 Mr. William Wechtenhiser AF 01-078 Selected for Award
Title:	Using Cyc(R) Technology to Create an Intelligent Network Configuration Tool
Abstract:	Investigate how to improve not just the precision and accuracy of network configuration tools but also how to qualitatively expand the scope of what sorts of conditions of interest they report, by incorporating a large commonsense knowledge base to enable reasoning about network functionality. Current tools are limited by their inability to consider all the factors that bear on network configuration analysis, including adherence to policies, network functionality, network design tradeoffs, and real-world factors (e.g., weather, holidays, physical layouts of offices, and so on). To make this happen, the network, the policies, etc. would have to be declaratively represented in a formal language such as CycL (predicate calculus). Then a base of general knowledge similarly represented - e.g. the Cyc KB - could be brought to bear, along with the deductive reasoning engine associated with that KB. Altogether, this could be a power tool for the network administrator, enabling them to detect multi-step conditions of interest (e.g., vulnerabilities) and to perform "what-if" analyses of proposed changes in the network without having to actually make the changes and run diagnostics.Success in this endeavor will greatly simplify the network administrator's job, and thus improve both the stability and security of the network in question. Furthermore, this technology will advance the state of the art in network analysis by adding a layer of intelligence while permitting network administrators to evaluate hypothetical configuration changes without actually reconfiguring the network.

STOTTLER HENKE ASSOC., INC. 1660 So. Amphlett Blvd., Suite 350 San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(650) 655-7242 Mr. Richard Stottler AF 01-078 Selected for Award
Title:	Optimizing Network Configuration Toolkit: via an AI Interface to OpNet's Modeler Commercial Simulation Engine
Abstract:	We propose to develop an innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) toolkit interface to OPNET Modeler, a COTS simulation engine, to configure and optimize network configuration and operations in the field. This toolkit will allow rapid design and optimization of communications networks without requiring the user to have programming skills or knowledge of the underlying OPNET Modeler simulation engine. Because developing such a toolkit represents a challenge, we suggest an integrated approach drawing upon a broad range of AI techniques, user interface, and visualization technologies. There is currently a great need for any solution that will dramatically reduce the complexity of network configuration due to the great quantity and diversity of information that must be analyzed, as well as the short decision cycles. The resulting system will provide the capability for less experienced network engineers to perform efficient and effective network engineering and ongoing operations, with the end result being reduced costs, increased operational efficiency, and improved robustness. We will absolutely demonstrate the feasibility of our ideas through the development of a Phase I, proof-of-concept prototype. The enormous opportunities for both commercial and governmental applications include use on all types of communications networks; optimizing based on utilization, cost, and performance.

ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORP. 9971 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(952) 829-5864 Mr. Jmaes A. Newhouse AF 01-080 Selected for Award
Title:	Common Data Access Models and Services Using Datalets
Abstract:	The Air Force needs to access a large variety of databases with varying data schemas and storage architectures from an equally large variety of applications. This presents a rewarding but challenging problem of enabling access to these databases via common data access models and services. This problem, and also its most challenging implementation aspect, is particularly significant in the context of mission planning, where time constraints make it critical to obtain timely access to data required for optimal plan generation. This project will investigate using a novel concept called "datalets" for implementing common data access models and services in the context of the "Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS)" application domain. The effort will be compatible with the overall approach of the "Joint Battlespace Infosphere (JBI)" program. The research will leverage state-of-the-art technologies such as various XML protocols and agent-based programming. This research has both military and commercial benefits. The military benefit would be a significant advancement in the architecture for the TBMCS in particular and the JBI in general, potentially providing an approach that would become an integral component of the JBI program. In commercial applications, the datalet paradigm could become a new tool for easy access to disparate data from disparate Web-based applications across a broad spectrum of distributed, enterprise, and business-to-business commercial applications.

SCHWALB CONSULTING, LLC 26 Valley View Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(949) 856-0291 Dr. Edward M. Schwalb AF 01-080 Selected for Award
Title:	Common Data Access Models and Services
Abstract:	We propose to develop an intelligent self-reorganizing middleware providing access services that are independent of data sources and that provide a common simultaneous access for various clients running on multiple platforms. Presented below are (1) the technology, (2) the killer application, (3) highlights of a B-Plan and (4) Phase I work plan. This project will utilize the Java-based Nodes API (NAPI) technology, which is a highly efficient object-access technology managing 4-layered caching mechanism. NAPI is unique in that it anticipates which objects that are likely to be requested, and pushes these objects through the cache pipeline; it is asynchronous, thus enable populating the cache pipeline through background processes while delivering instantaneous client response. The proposed killer application presents an opportunity to overhaul of the current casualty reporting system and redefine the acquisition and distribution of medical situations and needs; it will be designed with a focus on ultra-fast response for effective crisis management. NAPI was successfully used to implement diverse application such as a knowledge visualization tool, and a patient record abstraction and visualization tool. In this project, NAPI will be extended to support Office Automation (OA) tools and email client. NAPI has the potential of simultaneously reducing the development costs and improving the performance of applications that require access to persistence object storage through a middleware component. This potential can be realized through the integration with leading application servers, such as WebSphere (IBM) and WebLogic (BEA Systems).

COMCEPT, INC. 209 East IH-30 Rockwall, TX 75087
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(972) 772-7501 Mr. Mike Greer AF 01-082 Selected for Award
Title:	Improvement to Geo-Registration
Abstract:	Today, Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) assets operate independently and report their information on separate communication systems. Each of these systems uses different host platforms, navigation systems, GMTI sensors, processing algorithms, and communications systems. Each of these sensors has its own inherent set of error sources that affect the accuracy of the derived geolocation. These errors may be inherent in the location of the sensing platform itself, may result from the way that the basic sensor data is collected and measured, and may be introduced by coordinate system and datum transformations that govern the processing of collected data. ComCept has extensive experience in developing geolocation algorithms and simulations for network centric collaboration of assets, as well as GMTI track enhancements. ComCept proposes to leverage from research and algorithm development on their Network Centric Collaborative Targeting Network Simulator (NNS) effort, their Geolocation - ComCept Analysis Tool (GeoCAT) effort, and their subcontract effort for Northrop Grumman on GMTI track enhancement to design and develop a new geo-registration tool, called GeoLock, that will demonstrate the benefits of geo-registration on geolocation performance.The future commander must have the ability to overcome current geolocation disparities to locate and identify potential threats quickly before they can react. New algorithms that increase the speed and accuracy of geolocation performance by removing these disparities have the potential to save lives and avoid casualties. Geo-registration has proven to be a method for significantly improving geolocation performance. The geo-registration tool that ComCept develops through this Phase I effort, called GeoLock, will give USAF program managers, mission planners, and analysts a method for modeling and simulating geolocation performance and the improvements fostered by geo-registration. Because the geo-registration process is standard, GeoLock is not limited to use by GMTI platforms only. It applies equally as well to all military and commercial assets and forces that have a need for geolocation and geo-registration. Other military applications include the Navy Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) effort and the US Coast Guard Deepwater Project. Two commercial examples are law enforcement and emergency services concerned with locating target radios.

DUBBS & SEVERINO, INC. 606 Larkridge Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(949) 262-0535 Ms. Kimberly Dubbs AF 01-083 Selected for Award
Title:	Demonstrate Track Management Concepts for Exchange of GMTI Track Information
Abstract:	The sharing of military data on the battlefield is currently an incredibly complex process. The computers, communication devices, weapons systems, and sensors deployed by the various services lack standardized interfaces, require excessive support, and suffer myriad problems that impede the effective flow of information during combat operations. The proposed GeoSystem client/server track manager is an integrated toolkit which will address this problem. Using industry standards for information transport that have evolved with the Internet, the GeoSystem will provide the infrastructure required to ensure secure, real-time data flow on the battlefield. During this Phase I effort, we will build on some of our existing track-manager software to produce a prototype that will include all the functionality required of a system suitable for actual field deployment. The aviation safety community, biological monitors, climate modelers, surveyors, oil-explorers, and certain types of mineral excavators all face track-management problems similar to those faced by the Air Force. The technologies we propose to develop during this Phase I effort could all be adapted to support these endeavors.

INTEGRATED SENSORS, INC. 502 Court St., Suite 210 Utica, NY 13502
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(315) 798-1377 Mr. Walt Szczepanski AF 01-084 Selected for Award
Title:	FOPEN SAR Enhancements
Abstract:	This proposal addresses two problematic issues with GMTI (Ground Moving Target Indicator) radar surveillance systems. First, when the Doppler velocity of a vehicle drops, a GMTI system cannot detect it (e.g. the "move-stop-move" problem). Second, a vehicle is only detectable at intermittent intervals when moving under dense foliage. Because of its low frequency, FOPEN SAR can detect targets under foliage. GMTI detection techniques developed for a combined monostatic / bistatic FOPEN-SAR (Foliage Penetrating Synthetic Aperture Radar) system will track the vehicle during GMTI blind stages. A GMTI system hands the track to the SAR system when the target slows. When the target resumes speed, the SAR system hands it back. Unless the Doppler velocity is zero, there will be a cross-range bias in the detected target location. Therefore, the Doppler velocity is measured in order to compensate. Although FOPEN SAR lacks the resolution to identify targets at reasonable integration times, the proposed system will merge otherwise disjoint tracks to correctly associate them with the proper target. Such information will facilitate the identification process. This effort will compliment an upcoming GMTI radar Phase II effort, where a combined FOPEN-SAR/GMTI system utilizes a common antenna array. Commercialization potential includes drug enforcement applications, where there is also a need to spot moving vehicles under forested canopies. These techniques are also applicable to high frequency radars when the targets are visible.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICE CORP. 11400 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 954-2200 Mr. Joseph Salzman AF 01-084 Selected for Award
Title:	FOPEN SAR Enhancements
Abstract:	One of the most promising approaches to alleviating the limitations of detecting and targeting time-critical, fixed and mobile ground targets that use CC&D techniques, is the use of FOPEN radars. These radars, which operate in the VHF/UHF bands using UWB techniques, can obtain high-resolution (~ 0.5 m) SAR images of concealed targets. However, using these FOPEN SAR images to detect man-made targets distributed over vast areas in deep forest cover or other camouflage, has long been recognized as important but difficult. The foliage complicates the detection process in a number of ways, but the most challenging is the backscatter from the tree trunks and areas adjacent to the targets - often indistinguishable from the target returns. To enhance target detection - and subsequent tracking and recognition - TSC is proposing a novel approach that exploits the image recovery attributes of auto-regressive (AR) techniques, such as the Burg algorithm. The technique holds great promise in providing a means to discriminate true target returns from discrete tree trunks and other clutter. During Phase I, TSC will investigate the feasibility of exploiting FOPEN SAR image notching and AR recovery techniques to enhance the detection and eventual track and recognition of ground targets moving in forested areas. The technology developed in this project will result in a robust method for the detection - and eventual track and recognition - of true ground target returns amid myriad returns from tree trunks and other clutter, with low false-alarm and missed targets. The technology is expected to substantially improve the military's effectiveness in targeting concealed fixed and mobile ground targets. In addition, it has civilian applications which include forestry monitoring by environmental services for compliance with logging restrictions as well as forest fire fighting, and law enforcement and drug traffic interdiction in heavily forested regions like South America.

IRVINE SENSORS CORP. 3001 Redhill Avenue, Building #4 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(714) 444-8715 Dr. Volkan H. Ozguz AF 01-085 Selected for Award
Title:	Stacked Adaptive Computing Module
Abstract:	ISC proposes to develop an adapative computing module using stacked commercially available, programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors and memories to provide a universal hardware commonality which will ease system design and delay obsolescence. It will also alleviate the need for ASIC processors and controllers in many applications, as RISC versions of high-end microprocessors can also be emulated. Using currently available FPGAs, it will be even be possible to reconfigure on-the-fly, such that software for different platforms may be run on the same system, with the transitions being transparent to the user. Projecting a step further, developers may be able to customize the behavior of the processor to optimize for a specific complex task, or mix and match the best of multiple processors, all within software. ISC is in a unique position to develop such a system. Using a novel 3D stacking method, we can turn a prototype system of COTS components into a monolithic device, bypassing the IC design and wafer manufacturing steps. This approach has the added benefit that we can readily upgrade the system as the component COTS technologies are advanced. The complexity and the performance improvement provided by stacking will allow the stacked modules to have performance similar to monolithic ASICs.This module can serve the needs of data mining and data processing applications. Developed technology can be applied as a service to OEM and other industrial or governmental institutions in need of a long term solution to changing processor needs for a large variety of applications.

MISSION RESEARCH CORP. 735 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(505) 768-7788 Mr. Daniel King AF 01-085 Selected for Award
Title:	Development of a Radiation Hardened Wafer Scale Signal Processor
Abstract:	The development of a radiation hardened WSSP (Wafer Scale Signal Processor) is proposed. The project will result in a high performance, programmable, floating point dual processor. Radiation hardening will be designed for environments including total ionizing dose (>300 Krad(Si)), dose rate upset (>1011 rad(Si)/s), latchup (immune to both dose rate and single event latchup), and single event effects (<1x10^-10 errors per bit day). The WSSP is specifically designed for fault tolerance and power efficient, sustained floating point performance. It is optimized for efficient memory utilization with each of the dual processing elements capable of accessing either of two independent memory banks over two 72 bit (64 bits plus byte parity) buses. The WSSP can perform 8 single precision floating point operations per clock cycle. The Phase 1 effort will result in a high level partitioning of the rad hard design into synthesizeable macros. A series of analyses will be performed to demonstrate the ability to achieve hardness required for strategic systems. The detailed design and fabrication of the RH-WSSP in a state-of-the-art SOI process will be performed in Phase 2.A radiation hardened WSSP will provide an enabling technology for high performance, digital signal processing in space. The WSSP is optimized for MFLOPS/Watt, which is the critical metric for the floating point intensive applications encountered in next generation space systems.

RADANT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 255 Hudson Road Stow, MA 01775
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 562-3866 Dr. Fredric Ziolkowski AF 01-086 Selected for Award
Title:	Dome Lens with Hemispherical Scan Coverage for Milstar Airborne Applications
Abstract:	Airborne MILSTAR SATCOM Terminals require at least hemispherical coverage. In principle, the Dome Lens can expand the less than hemispherical coverage of a single electronically scanned array or of a limited mechanical scan antenna to a more than hemispherical coverage. This effort aims to evolve practical design concepts for a Dome Lens addressing the unique requirements of EHF frequencies and the airborne environment. This research could lead to a SATCOM terminal designs requiring only one (1) antenna to provide full operationally required coverage. This represents cost savings and a solution to on-aircraft installation problems relative to multiple antenna solutions.

PRINCETON MICROWAVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. UNIT C-10, 3 NAMI LANE MERCERVILLE, NJ 08619
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(609) 586-8140 Mr. Sarjit S Bharj AF 01-087 Selected for Award
Title:	High Efficiency, Small Volume 44 GHz Transmitters
Abstract:	The replacement of millimeter-wave traveling wave tube by solid-state power amplifiers has been recognised as a very important goal for some time. Solid-state power amplifiers provide the substantial benefits of elimination of high voltage supplies, reduction in size and weight, and generally improved reliability, especially for airborne microwave systems. Hoever, the demans of higher power at higher frequencies are stedily increasing in today's molitary and commercial applications such as MILSTAR, SATCOM, GBS and LMDS. The limitation of output power capability of state of art solid state devices can be partially overcome by combining several devices or amplifiers. A difficult aspect of designing a combiner is finding a scheme that offers low loss, good amplitude and phase balance, and high power handling capability.Combining approaches cccan be seperated into two groups: those which combine two devices at a time(binary) and those that combine the output of N devices in one step(n-way combiners).On one hand, the losses of binary structures degrade the combining efficiency and on the other hand, the n-way combining structures are designed to combine the output of N devices in one step. This scheme has the potential for a higher combining efficiency.We propose the development of MILSTAR SSPA using a radial combinerThe development of the SSPA amplifiers for SATCOM, and GBS will find direct insertion into Local Multi-point distribution Systems at 28-30 Ghz in which Princeton Microwave is currently active.

SOPHIA INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 14225-C Sullyfield Circle Chantilly, VA 20151
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 961-9573 Mr. Philip J. Koh AF 01-088 Selected for Award
Title:	Development of extremely compact, low cost millimeter wave up and down converters with rapid frequency agility
Abstract:	We propose to develop frequency hopping millimeter wave oscillators for integration with our compact up/down converter architecture to develop compact, low cost solutions for MILSTAR and GBS transceivers.Commercial Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint fixed wireless links, LMDS, and satellite communications systems.

TOYON RESEARCH CORP. 75 Aero Camino, Suite A Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(805) 968-6787 Dr. Scott May AF 01-089 Selected for Award
Title:	Agent-Based Algorithms to Search Multiple Databases for Spatial and Temporal Information
Abstract:	In future military operations, intelligence analysts will have access to unprecedented quantities of surveillance data. Toyon proposes to develop an architecture that employs "intelligent software agents" to reduce information overload for the operator by automating many of the intelligence processes. This architecture will also be robust with respect to changing network conditions. The architecture consists of three categories of intelligent software agents: User-Interface Agents, Task Agents, and Information Agents. The User-Interface Agents translate user commands into requests for the Task and Information Agents. The Task Agents automate many intelligence-analyst tasks by using data synthesis algorithms. The Information Agents respond to requests for data by searching the data sources at their network location. The intelligent agent architecture will be developed using a simulated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sensor network. Functions that the proposed architecture will enable include tracking with ground-moving-target-indicator (GMTI) radar, track-level fusion between multiple track databases, and multi-sensor data fusion. At the conclusion of Phase I, Toyon will demonstrate the system architecture using a simplified user interface and a small set of rules to govern the behavior of the Task Agents. The successful completion of this research will result in a system that the Air Force and others can use to gather data across a network from multiple data sources. Specific customers within the Air Force include the JSTARS SPO, the AFRL TUT program, and other programs that synthesize data across the network. Many other government agencies as well as private industry could use the technology for related data-synthesis applications.

COMPUTER GRAPHICS SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT 2483 Old Middlefield Way #140 Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(650) 903-4922 Mr. Roy W. Latham AF 01-090 Selected for Award
Title:	3-D Display of Time Critical Targets on Joint STARS Operator Workstation
Abstract:	The complexity of the modern battlespace and the extent of information supplied by modern sensors makes traditional methods of data display ineffective for efficient decision making. For the present effort, alternative approaches will be studied based upon three recent advances in technology, specifically (1) automatic tracking technology, including multiple hypothesis tracking and optimal estimation approaches; (2) real time data visualization techniques, including parametric object building, made possible by advances in graphics hardware; and (3) Network-based information dissemination, including person-to-person and system-to-system collaboration.The targeted military benefit is improved decision making in the ground moving target sensor environment, and more generally in complex battlespaces. Commercial applications include weather prediction from voluminous weather sensor data and financial analysis and prediction in very complex financial data environments.

ANDRO CONSULTING SERVICES Beeches Technical Campus, Bldg. 3, Ste. 4, Rt. 26N Rome, NY 13440
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(315) 334-1163 Mr. Andrew L. Drozd AF 01-091 Selected for Award
Title:	Situation Awareness Information Fusion: ANDRO's InFuSA System - A 4D Modular Virtual Crew Station Applying Visual/Auditory Display Surround For Rapid
Abstract:	New fighter/bomber air defense crews and airborne C4I surveillance operators encounter ever-increasing amounts and types of real time information from on- and off-board sensors and other information sources. The problem is complicated by the increasing number of off-board military platforms providing situation awareness (SA) information on hundreds of different targets and tracks, and the assessment of merged/processed data from multiple sources. For instance, the SA of the complex battlespace for ground moving vehicle time critical targets including detecting tanks under trees involves the assessment of large amounts of real time, near real time, and non real time data. These growing demands place undue information processing requirements on aircrews and operators that can lead to spatial disorientation, loss of situational awareness, cognitive overload, and delayed reactions during emergency or transient conditions. This forces personnel to function as human data integrators rather than as decision makers. These potentially dangerous conditions underscore the need to supply operators or aircrews with manageable amounts of high-quality information. One method for accomplishing this goal is to address the requirement of providing a single SA picture to the crew. This visualization will be customizable to each individual's needs providing different levels of details, but with a single data set. Customization can be achieved with data mining, contact layer drill down, ability to aggregate or dis-aggregate information. The single data set ensures synchronization and a reliable measurement of uncertainty of time. This requires the development of a new capability to effectively fuse information and present an integrated SA picture that exploits modern visualization/display and multi-modal user control technologies to facilitate ease of interaction with on-board information systems and support rapid decision making. Current human-computer interfaces (HCIs) are often the bottleneck in effectively and efficiently utilizing the available information flow for decision making. This is increasingly true with greater demands for processing speed, throughput, and data storage. Recent advances in sensor fusion and display technology can be synergistically exploited to develop novel HCIs and control systems to reduce confusion on the part of aircrews of the future. Information rich environments require a user-centered approach that adapts to heterogeneous changing connections of information sources and devices with multiple modalities such as gesture/speech recognition, eye gaze, lip reading, and even biofeedback mechanisms attached directly to crewmembers. These multi-modal environments must also be interoperable. The integration of multi-modal inputs for human-machine interaction is approached from the viewpoint of multiple information source fusion where different information sources can be related to different interface modalities to establish an interoperable multi-disciplinary SA fusion system. This system would provide aircrews and operators from multiple disciplines (tactical C2, strategic surveillance, EW, etc.) and those interfacing with on-board bomber/fighter platform (B-2, Joint Strikes Fighter, etc.) and off-board surveillance system (AWACS, Joint STARS) sensors, or with supporting DoD acquisition centers (B-2 and JSF SPOs) with a common set of augmented reality display formats and user controls. The new displays and multi-modal control schemes will be readily useable by a sensor to shooter cockpit warfighter, operator, or battlespace commander across various computer display platforms with little or no training. Traditional analog instruments and gauges would be replaced with large, flat-panel multi-function displays that combine the functions of separate instruments into a multifunction workstation. A new digital cockpit would provide pilots and operators with equipment that is more intuitive, easier to use in real time, and less expensive than today's avionics equipment. Much of this new technology would take maximum advantage of existing COTS technologies to lower development costs and increase commercialization potential. The Phase I program objective is to develop and demonstrate interoperable SA using multiple HCI modalities capable of fusing information into a consistent operational picture. This will result in the development of a generalized architecture with appropriate models and techniques for SA information fusion called the Information Fusion for Situation Awareness (InFuSA). This initiative will develop and demonstrate a real-time data fusion architecture with appropriate models and techniques, merging data from multiple sources such as Link-16, intelligence data links, and on-board sensors to form a single common SA picture. It will involve combining knowledge of the application domain with the ability to express application-specific actions, objectives, and qualifiers to improve the ability to conceptualize and visualize information to enhance collaborative decision making as well as continuously monitor and update present and future battlespace awareness states. The focus is on the development of a data fusion architecture within the context of an improved operator machine interface environment. The proposed InFuSA system, which will adapt the Air Force's "Super Cockpit" concept, represents a next-generation visualization/display and operator control capability for future DoD information management systems. It also addresses identifiable MAJCOM and dual use sector deficiencies, and USAF infrastructure needs consistent with the Integrated C2 and Joint Battlespace Infosphere (JBI) frameworks which are connected to, and interoperable with, C2 and combat support information systems. This advanced capability can be used to convert complex multi-discipline and multi-sensor data into SA metrics to support integrated C2, JBI, and C4I goals for "digitally" assessing combat situations.The ability to incorporate large amounts of electronic flight information into control stations that can be managed with great ease and minimal training has the potential of revolutionizing the general aviation sector. Safe and effective control has implications in other control room and control station scenarios including the operating room of a hospital, building management and safety, nuclear power plants, emergency and life support services, and the interactive workplace of the future. The algorithms and visual techniques are also applicable to any commercial industry that evaluates large amounts of data from real-time to historical data in order to determine the current state of the environment and analyze or forecast future trends. Cross discipline applications include 3-D displays for biologists, chemists, and other scientists, the virtual operating room, simulation control, commercial aircraft, air traffic control, and salvage, search and rescue management. Other potential civilian/dual use applications include: financial markets, traffic analysis in major cities, manufacturing and operations research applications, medical diagnostics, meteorology and weather forecasting, airborne and satellite-based imaging; security systems, concealed weapons detection, medical imaging, chemical tomography, computer vision, airborne hyperspectral analysis, environmental monitoring, ordnance detection, 3-D effects software, and geographical information system (GIS) applications.

GALORATH, INC. 100 North Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 1801 El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 414-3222 Mr. Dan Galorath AF 01-092 Selected for Award
Title:	Estimation of Manufacturing Cost and Risks for Satellite Electro-Optical Sensors
Abstract:	Earth observation via satellites currently provide valuable data in a wide range of fields such as topography, oceanography, atmospheric conditions, biological distribution, and climate. The United States Air Force, Navy, NASA, and private industry have launched a variety of observation satellites, and the Air Force has always taken a primary role in research for developing these satellites and sensors. Electro-optical sensors perform a key role in accomplishing these missions. As with all cutting edge technology, the production of complex assemblies in relatively small quantities is an expensive learning process. The decision to develop a mission-critical electro-optical sensor requires both technical design information and cost/affordability data, as well as an understanding of the relationship between the two and the inherent technical and cost risk. We propose to explore the use of new and innovative mathematical theories coupled with more traditional product- and process-based parametrics to quickly yet accurately estimate costs for an elector-optical sensor assembly. We will also couple automated design tools (CAD/CAM) to automated cost tools, providing the capability to examine both the technical and cost implications for a wide range of design options. The results of this project may be expected to provide substantial commercial benefits by enhancing Galorath's current line of parametric cost, schedule and risk software tools. This research will enhance the capabilities of the tools to estimate cost and risk for satellite electro-optical sensors, and Galorath expects to be able to extend this range of applicability to other, similar complex assemblies. This capability will prove very interesting to current and potential customers of our hardware development and design-for-manufacturability tools. In addition, Galorath has already identified among both current and potential customers a strong desire for feature-based estimation capabilities which are automatically linked to CAD/CAM design tools.

THE ATHENA GROUP, INC. 3424 N.W. 31 Street Gainesville, FL 32605
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(352) 371-2567 Dr. Jonathon D. Mellott AF 01-093 Selected for Award
Title:	A Low Power FFT/IFFT for GPS Applications
Abstract:	The Athena Group will develop an innovative, low-power, fast Fourier transform (FFT) processor for use in mitigating both intentional and unintentional narrowband jamming and interference in handheld global positioning system (GPS) receivers. Athena's advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technology is capable of performance levels well beyond those of conventional DSP technologies. Athena will analyze the processing requirements for the GPS receiver application, select an FFT processor configuration along with pre- and post-FFT processing elements, and analyze the resulting design for speed, power, and hardware requirements. The proposer will optimize a solution that will lead to a commercial system-on-chip (SoC) anti-jam GPS application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) implementation.The commercial value of the developed technology is substantial since it will significantly improve the reliability and quality of GPS service. GPS applications are proliferating, especially in the land-based market segment. Numerous other mass-market FFT ASIC applications, such as asymmetric digital subscriber loop (ADSL) modems and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless communications, also indicate a high market potential for the proposed technology.

GALORATH, INC. 100 North Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 1801 El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 414-3222 Mr. Lee Fischman AF 01-094 Selected for Award
Title:	A Software Cost Model Based on Software Architecture
Abstract:	This proposal outlines the development of an automatic sizing tool. The tool will interface with off-the-shelf "CAD" design tools for software, to the extent necessary for design information to be read in and sized. Sizing information will be automatically converted to function points. Underlying development of this tool is considerable Galorath's considerable applied research, and our identification of potentially key enabling technologies, such as genetic and parsing algorithms. Information about software complexity may also be collected, to the extent practical, useful and coincident with the primary objective of this SBIR. The tool will be developed so that it easily interfaces with commercial software estimation models.This research into automatic sizing, and the resulting prototype tool, will be further developed into a robust standalone software product. We will develop a pricing and marketing strategy that lets us sell to the widest possible audience, keeping in mind that object-oriented and other "CAD" design methods are gaining very wide use in general industry.

TRLOKOM 124 Vista Circle Dr. Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(626) 836-5545 Dr. Jayant Shukla AF 01-097 &n