Army - 352 Phase I Selections from the 03.2 Solicitation

---------- Army ----------

352 Phase I Selections from the 03.2 Solicitation

(In Topic Number Order)

INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 5412 Hilldale Court Fort Collins, CO 80526
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(970) 226-6706 Dr. M.R. Azimi-Sadjadi Army 03-001 Awarded: 15JAN04
Title:	A joint Feature Extraction and Data Compression Method For Low Bit Rate Transmission In Distributed Acoustic Sensor Environments
Abstract:	Unattended passive acoustic sensors are among the widely used sensors for remote battlefield surveillance, situation awareness and monitoring applications. These small and cost effective sensors can provide real-time information about different types of ground and airborne targets. They are rugged and reliable and can be left in the field for a long period of time after deployment. To improve the spatial resolution for separating multiple closely spaced targets that move in tight formations while reducing the on-board computational requirements, a modest quantity of single microphones could be deployed in a surveillance area of interest. These microphones are considerably less expensive, small sized and contain generic DSP boards capable of performing simple detection, feature extraction and data compression tasks. They are also equipped with basic communication systems to transmit essential compressed target information to a master station which has more sophisticated computational power to carry out high-level operations for sensor array processing and target detection, tracking, and classification. This Phase I research involves development of a joint feature extraction-data compression/encoding method for low bit rate transmission of essential target information to a master computer. The extracted subband features would allow for detection and preliminary classification of the targets in time-frequency as well as data compression and encoding. In this framework, only essential frequency and tonal target features that are needed for accurate target localization and classification will be encoded and transmitted, thus yielding a low bit rate without incurring degradation in the overall detection, tracking and classification performance. This study will also propose new methods to adaptively form sensory arrays based upon coherence information. The effectiveness of the developed schemes will be demonstrated on real and synthesized data sets.

PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP. Information Technologies Division, 20600 Gramercy Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 320-3088 Dr. Stephen Kupiec Army 03-001 Awarded: 15JAN04
Title:	Generic Miniature Acoustic Processor for Distributed Beamforming
Abstract:	The U.S. Army is seeking an innovative low-cost generic sensor information transmitter with the capability to compress input acoustic signals at a ratio of 100:1 to transmit essential acoustic signatures to a remote master computer, and to execute high-performance beamforming. In response to this Army need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to design and develop an innovative, programmable, generic miniature acoustic processor, called the Adaptive Information Remote Tactical Acoustic Processor (AIRTAP). The AIRTAP is a miniature electronics package with an innovative architecture based on unique integration of commercial off-the-shelf hardware, including generic miniature digital signal processing, SRAM and an FPGA controller, performing two-step compression: acoustic wavelet maxima analysis, reducing data by 25:1, and compression optimal vector entropy processing for an additional 4:1. In this way AIRTAP can achieve the 100:1 compression ratio Army is seeking without any loss of essential acoustic signatures. The generic AIRTAP can be customized to particular applications of the Army's choosing. The AIRTAP will cost around $105 per unit in mass production. In Phase I, a preliminary AIRTAP prototype will be developed to demonstrate its capabilities: acoustic signal processing and compression for high-performance beamforming with minimum microphone arrays.

KAZAK COMPOSITES, INC. 32 Cummings Park Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 932-5667 Dr. Pavel Bystricky Army 03-002 Awarded: 05JAN04
Title:	Harvesting of Recoil Energy from Shock Loading
Abstract:	KaZaK Composites, Inc. (Woburn, MA) proposes to design and implement a system for energy harvesting of the G-force recoil energy imparted to projectiles during launch. The innovative device will use piezoelectric actuators coupled with a load transfer mechanism to convert the launch shock load into electrical energy which will replace existing battery power sources onboard projectiles. The device will be compact enough to fit into the space available inside each projectile, with no modification required to its external geometry. It will have the potential to generate the power required to operate sensors, seekers, directional devices, and other control systems embedded in the projectile. Being robust and self-contained, the device will be easy to incorporate into new munitions and retrofit into existing ones. The added capabilities afforded by the proposed system will improve range and targeting accuracy and offer potential weight and cost savings. Perhaps the most attractive feature of the system is the fact it eliminates the need to rely on batteries for powered projectiles, thereby allowing potentially unlimited shelf life. Multiple applications are anticipated for this type of system in any industry where shock loading is present and can be used as a free energy source.

INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION, INC. 7519 Standish Place, Suite 200 Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 294-5250 Dr. Leonard Haynes Army 03-003 Awarded: 11DEC03
Title:	Piezoelectric Actuation system for Small Arms Gun Barrel Stabilization
Abstract:	The innovation of this proposal is a configuration to achieve an active barrel stabilization system which: uses piezoelectric components as the core of the actuation mechanism, which provide high bandwidth, backlash free motion, uses electronic compensation to cancel piezoelectric element hysteresis and creep, minimizes the size and weight of the piezoelectric actuators by using single crystal relaxor based piezoelectric components and by incorporating mechanical amplification, is configured to allow the piezoelectric crystal to be mounted close to the shooter (minimizing aligned with the barrel of the gun, decouples the shock of the weapon firing from damaging the crystal by using mechanical amplification, and by creating motion at 90 degrees from the motion of the piezoelectric component, uses accelerometers to sense barrel motion and closed loop motion compensation to eliminate the motion in the compensation system pass-band. This approach eliminates the need for signal integration (eliminating drift problems), and small errors are inconsequential. Intelligent Automation Inc. has built systems which use this exact method of motion compensation and has eliminated random external vibration by 20 dbs and predictable motion by 40 dbs. In these systems sensor and actuator drift were irrelevant.

TECHNO-SCIENCES, INC. 10001 Derekwood Lane, Suite 204 Lanham, MD 20706
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 577-6000 Mr. Christopher LaVigna Army 03-003 Awarded: 05JAN04
Title:	Small Arms Gun Barrel Stabilization Using High Energy Density, Rugged, and Low Creep Actuators
Abstract:	Reducing or eliminating shooter induced disturbances, especially in combat situations, can have a substantial impact on the accuracy of fire, especially in combat situations. Under this effort, an INertially STAbilized Rifle (INSTAR) system prototype employing active stabilization will be developed and tested. A major focus of this effort is the development of novel low creep, highly rugged, precision actuators. Of relevance to this work will be issues relating to actuator displacement, force, bandwidth, packaging, mass, powering, and control. The research team will use its considerable expertise, which is based on previous INSTAR development and other smart structures work, to address these issues.

KAZAK COMPOSITES, INC. 32 Cummings Park Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 932-5667 Mr. Robert DaSilva Army 03-004 Awarded: 18DEC03
Title:	Low Cost, Composite Modular Packaging with Biodegradability for Military Supplies
Abstract:	KaZaK Composites Incorporated (KCI), with assistance from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, proposes to develop and produce an innovative modular packaging system for use in the transport and delivery of military supplies. The motivation for such future packaging systems is driven by the current need to enhance operational efficiency of soldiers in the battlefield through swift and accurate provision of supplies. In addition to the low cost, modular, and lightweight construction inherent to providing such efficacy, modular packaging will incorporate features of biodegradability, fire resistance, and favorable munitions stabilization under mechanical impact and excessive thermal loading. KCI development efforts will focus on the production of novel, low cost, and lightweight packaging systems for delivering both solid and liquid contents through the application of advanced fiber reinforced composite materials, along with the appropriate use of metal / composite hybridization. Composite materials offer enormous flexibility in constituency, allowing precise tailoring to mechanical, electrical, and chemical performance requirements. Processes such as pultrusion, filament winding, and injection molding will be employed to produce large quantities of packaging at competitively low costs. KCI has considerable experience in novel munitions packaging and has demonstrated a 60% weight reduction over comparable metal designs.

PHYSICS, MATERIALS & APPLIED MATH RESEARCH, L.L.C. 1333 N. Tyndall Ave. suite 212 Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(520) 882-7349 Dr. Kevin Kremeyer Army 03-005 Selected for Award
Title:	Energy Transmission, Using Self-Channeling Short-Pulse Lasers.
Abstract:	Ionized laser filaments can be generated with very small amounts of energy, as long as the energy density in the laser pulse is sufficiently high. The effect has been demonstrated over meters, without suffering the defocusing effects of diffraction, and it has shown remarkable immunity to turbulence, density gradients, and combustion and combustion products. Filaments carry lethal energy densities, capable of destroying any material in their path, and they have been demonstrated to scale over an order of magnitude. Current models predict the effect to scale over at least three further orders of magnitude, generating ionized paths of kilometers in length. An ionized path can serve not only as an electrical conduit, but also as an optical waveguide. As a result, this project will investigate the use of these long ionized paths (filaments) to channel large amounts of electrical and/or laser energy on target.

PIEZOTHERMX CORP. 30 Gravel Hill Road Kinnelon, NJ 07405
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(973) 838-8098 Mr. Bruce Haura Army 03-006 Awarded: 05JAN04
Title:	Innovative Long Life Power System/Battery Recharge System for Munitions
Abstract:	The proposed effort is expected to result in a device that will maintain the charge on batteries that will be used in remote isolated munitions storage areas. The device will use the direct piezoelectric effect as actuated by fluctuations in the environment of the storage area. A NiTiNol actuator will be used to suplement the piezo actuator. The Phase I work will result in an early design and will demonstrate proof of principle. Phase II will result in an advanced prototype design that will be thoroughly tested in environmentally controlled laboratory conditions. The applicability to other military needs will also be investigated.

PHYSICS, MATERIALS & APPLIED MATH RESEARCH, L.L.C. 1333 N. Tyndall Ave. suite 212 Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(520) 882-7349 Dr. Kevin Kremeyer Army 03-007 Selected for Award
Title:	Flexible Detonation Chamber and Calorimeter to Release and Quantify Surface Energy
Abstract:	A flexible detonation chamber will be constructed within a calorimeter to measure the contribution to overall energy-release by the surface energy of nanophase metal particles. The chamber will ultimately be modified to allow various diagnostics to allow the exploration of the kinetic foundation of the increased impulsive energy release of such small particles.

PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP. Electro-Optics & Holography Division, 20600 Gramer Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 320-3088 Dr. Tin Aye Army 03-008 Awarded: 15JAN04
Title:	Micro-Optomechanical Orientation Sensor
Abstract:	The U.S. Army is seeking innovative autonomous onboard orientation sensors for munitions and other orientation measurement applications as alternatives to rate gyros and GPS. Conventional rotating wheel accelerometers lack long-term reliability, and are limited in accuracy and resolution. Precision fiber optic and ring laser gyroscopes are too expensive and too large for use in most munitions. MEMS accelerometers fabricated by surface micromachining are too thin to be sufficiently accurate. To address this need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new cost-effective Micro-OptoMechanical Orientation Sensor (MOMOS) based on a grating and an integrated optical chip, capable of measuring angles less than 0.05 mrad. MOMOS is a novel design and integration of commercially available microelements, diode lasers, microlenses, and photodetectors in a waveguide or free-space configuration, with a Bragg grating element mounted on a bulk micromachined torsion base. This new design overcomes the limitations of bulk (3D) MEMS, increasing angular sensitivity and accuracy by orders of magnitude. In Phase I, POC will design, fabricate, and test the proposed angular orientation sensor technology, and demonstrate its feasibility by analytical calculation, computer modeling, and experiment. In Phase II an advanced MOMOS prototype will be fabricated and field tested.

MICROASSEMBLY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 3065 Richmond Parkway, Suite 109 Richmond, CA 94806
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(510) 758-2600 Dr. Michael Cohn Army 03-009 Awarded: 07JAN04
Title:	Mass Fabrication of MEMS-based Micro Detonator Technology
Abstract:	Potential applications of micro-explosives range from munitions, anti-tamper devices and automotive airbags, to spacecraft components and fire suppression. By applying IC manufacturing methods to explosives devices, MEMS technology enables miniaturization, cost savings, and more intelligent systems. A less obvious feature of this technology is its reliability: ultra-pure materials and statistical process controls make IC techniques ideal for producing devices with consistent behavior. A key barrier to applying this new technology has been packaging. With few exceptions, MEMS require hermetic packaging. This is true of chemical systems such as explosives, as well as most other types of MEMS. In the special case of an explosive device, the processing temperature is also a consideration. Hermetic packages usually require temperatures in excess of 300�C during the sealing step, which exceeds the safe handling temperature of many explosives. To meet the packaging requirements of MEMS - i.e. reduced cost, temperature, and size - work was begun by the MicroAssembly team ten years ago, to develop a new type of hermetic package. In this approach, IC manufacturing techniques were employed in the package itself. Reduction of the seal contact area allowed application of extremely high pressures. This allowed a uniform seal to be accomplished at room temperature.

TANNER RESEARCH, INC. 2650 East Foothill Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(626) 792-3000 Dr. Amish Desai Army 03-009 Awarded: 12JAN04
Title:	Mass Fabrication of MEMS-based Micro Detonator Technology
Abstract:	Tanner Research proposes to leverage an ongoing four-year development effort, supporting ARDEC Warhead and Energetic Directorate in part, to implement low-cost micro- energetics devices for use as `nano-scale' initiators and detonators. Tanner's micro-energetics devices are currently 2.5mm and mass fabricated in silicon and glass with the energetics applied during a post-processing procedure. The complete detonator device requires about 50 �joules at 3vDC for initiation. Tanner will develop two MEMS-based mass fabrication techniques to demonstrate processes for single-point and multi-point precision-application detonators. For example, high volume, high throughput manufacturing and loading is facilitated by fabricating the initiator/energetics on a cost effective substrate. Tanner contends that detonators can be mass-produced at approximately 20-cents per device with this fully integrated process. During Phase I, Tanner will also study the efficacy of applying a pioneering technique for mass loading of energetics into micro and nano-scale cavities, called READ. This technique, although more costly, will ensure multipoint initiators (MPI) have absolute simultaneity through an identical, controlled fabrication process.

VISTA CLARA 8849 47th Place W Mukilteo, WA 98275
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(425) 353-8494 Dr. David Walsh Army 03-010 Awarded: 12JAN04
Title:	Advanced Multi-Sensor Array System (AMAS)
Abstract:	In this Phase I SBIR, Vista Clara and Quantum Magnetics propose to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting and tracking military vehicles at very long ranges using a long-baseline array of magnetic and acoustic sensors. Our AMAS system concept is based on a novel multi-sensor acquisition device, and advanced magnetic/acoustic data fusion techniques. The Phase I work plan will establish the technical feasibility of this concept by accomplishing the following tasks: 1) assemble and test 4 copies of the prototype data acquisition device; 2) develop and evaluate magnetic noise mitigation algorithms and long-baseline magnetic/acoustic tracking algorithms; 3) demonstrate prototype hardware and tracking algorithm performance through Phase I field experiments at Picatinny Arsenal. The proposed work builds directly upon Vista Clara's recent advances in magnetic array processing and magnetic/acoustic sensor fusion techniques, and QM's unparalleled expertise in the design and fabrication of inexpensive magneto-resistive magnetometers. As a Phase I Option, Vista Clara and QM will design, assemble, test and deliver a universal magnetometer calibration instrument, and investigate the feasibility of magnetic/acoustic data fusion for ground vehicle classification.

SENSORMETRIX 4271 Corte Favor San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(858) 442-2626 Dr. Anthony Starr Army 03-011 Awarded: 15JAN04
Title:	Ruggedized Solar Charging System for Remote Operation
Abstract:	Unattended ground munitions, sensors, and communications systems delivered by air, missile, or rocket face formidable challenges. High deceleration impact during delivery places severe demands on the mechanical strength, while long term continuous operation in a wide variety of environments requires rugged components and a renewable energy source. Additionally, the unit must remain covert requiring low profile and low reflective surfaces. SensorMetrix proposes an impact hardened, environmentally rugged solar power unit for charging onboard secondary batteries. An innovative approach to handling unpredictable lighting situations, such as local solar obstructions, oblique solar incidence and indirect lighting, is proposed to optimize solar power collection. The unit is designed to be operational in a full range of environmental conditions. A smart power management system makes the unit expandable and adaptable to other applications, including multiple battery chemistries, while being compliant to standardized sensor/transducer network protocols. A focused impact testing program using large state-of-the-art gas guns will be undertaken to understand and control damage, and to insure impact resistant designs.

QUANTUM APPLIED SCIENCE & RESEARCH, INC. 5764 Pacific Center Blvd, Suite 107 San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(858) 373-0232 Dr. Andrew Hibbs Army 03-012 Selected for Award
Title:	Remote Sensing of the Electro-Magnetic Potential of the Human Heart
Abstract:	In 2002, QUASAR demonstrated clear detection of the electric potential produced by the heart at a distance from the subject of order 1 m. Measured data and preliminary calculations show that detection at 5 m should be possible with existing sensor hardware, and that stand-offs greater than 10 m might be achievable with improved sensors presently in development. In Phase I we will develop an accurate electric (E-) field model of the heart/body system in order to project the potential produced by the heart out to arbitrary distances. We will also determine the effective system measurement noise floor to be expected when filtering and signal averaging are included. A breadboard prototype heart potential sensor system, comprised of a pair of existing QUASAR electric potential sensors about the size of a dime (10� coin), and a laptop computer for data acquisition and storage will be demonstrated in a shielded room, and in a normal outdoor urban environment. In Phase II a complete man-portable or gun mountable system that detects and locates personnel via the electric potential produced by the heart will be developed and demonstrated.

INFRAMAT CORP. 74 Batterson Park Road Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(860) 678-7561 Dr. Danny Xiao Army 03-013 Awarded: 16DEC03
Title:	Tungsten Carbide Nanoparticle Strengthened Tantalum Nanocoating for Engineered Gun Barrel Surfaces
Abstract:	US Army seeks innovative coating technologies for gun barrel surface applications to replace currently available highly toxic electroplated hard chrome. Cylindrical magnetron sputtered tantalum (Ta) coatings developed by US Army labs revealed some success in explosive bonding experiments, however, issues include cost and softness of the unalloyed Ta. Inframat proposes to fabricate a novel tungsten carbide (WC) nanoparticle strengthened Ta nanocoating via an environmentally benign co-electrodeposition process, where WC nanoparticles are co-deposited in a Ta matrix. The proposed program involves (1) preparing a colloidal bath composition containing WC nanoparticles in Ta solution, (2) depositing Ta-WC nanocoatings via IMC's proprietary co-electroplating process, and (3) evaluating coating properties. From our previous experience in electroplated WC/Co-Ni nanocoatings, we expect that the Ta-WC nanocoating will have significantly increased coating to substrate adhesion strength when compared with electroplated microsized hard chrome. The program is aimed to engineer the alloy hardness to a range compatible to hard chrome (850-1000 VHN). Since Ta and WC are high temperature materials, having melting points >3000oC, thermal mechanical fatigue and erosion wear properties are expected to outperform hard chrome coatings. The substitution of Ta with commercially available WC nanoparticles is expected to reduce cost of the alloyed Ta by 40%.

POWDERMET, INC. 24112 Rockwell Drive Euclid, OH 44117
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(216) 404-0053 Mr. Andrew Sherman Army 03-013 Selected for Award
Title:	Medium Caliber Gun Barrel Bore Coatings
Abstract:	The proposed Phase I SBIR program will develop a metalorganic CVD coating process to apply refractory metal coatings to rifled gun barrel tubes. This environmentally friendly, conformal coating system is ideally suited to medium caliber weapon systems and offers a cost effective method to coat and potentially rebuild gun barrels. Specifically, alloys of tungsten, chromium, and rhenium will be applied as 10-60 mil coatings using MOCVD and supplied for vented bomb erosion testing.

LUNA INNOVATIONS, INC. 2851 Commerce Street Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(540) 557-5899 Dr. Daniel Klemmer Army 03-014 Awarded: 23DEC03
Title:	Fiber Optic-Based Electronic Pointing Device for Indirect Fire Weapons
Abstract:	The overall objective for this project is to develop and advanced electronic pointing device (EPD) for indirect fire weapons, specifically the M224, M252, M120 and M121 series mortars and M119, M198 towed howitzers. During Phase I, Luna Innovations will evaluate novel approaches to fiber optic gyroscopes for use as an EPD. During Phase II, prototypes will be constructed and field tested. During Phase III, the system developed will be integrated into existing mortar and artillery systems. Experimental data and modeling of fiber optic gyroscope designs based on systems developed and produced by Luna Innovations show the potential for extremely high-accuracy and low drift measurements. Additionally, wireless technology will be implemented to enable improved battlefield awareness. While the focus of this project is indirect fire weapon pointing, a larger market exists in inertial navigation systems for weapons, aircraft, and the automotive industry. Luna Innovations will collaborate closely with the U.S. Army and other DOD branches to ensure that the EPD developed here will integrate seamlessly with existing and emerging systems. With over 13 years of experience in a wide range of fiber optic instrumentation systems, Luna Innovations is uniquely positioned to apply advanced fiber optic technology to address this opportunity.

ALAMEDA APPLIED SCIENCES CORP. 2235 Polvorosa Avenue, Suite 230 San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(510) 483-4156 Dr. Mahadevan Krishnan Army 03-015 Awarded: 05JAN04
Title:	Advanced Neutron Source for Radiography & Tomography
Abstract:	Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation proposes to design in Phase I a pulsed neutron source based on dense plasma focus (DPF) technology that is practical for thermal neutron radiography. A fully operational source will be fabricated in Phase II. The neutron production/pulse by available sources and the resultant thermal flux on target are estimated to be about five orders of magnitude below what is required for radiography at practical source-to-sample distances. This proposal is to demonstrate that we can reduce the gap between requirement and present capability by several orders of magnitude, by exploiting the strong (I10) scaling of neutron output with pulsed DPF current in the range 300-500 kA. Since the neutron yield of DT is about 100 times that of DD, a practical source for thermal neutron radiography would be within reach, if not through the DD reaction, then through the DT reaction. We envisage a 1.5 m3 DPF source that can be carried around on a flat-bed truck and operates with two different moderators: a thermal neutron source to fit the Army's radiography needs and a ~250 keV homeland security source, for high sensitivity detection of fissile materials in improvised targets that use larger quantities of masking materials.

CREARE, INC. P.O. Box 71, 16 Great Hollow Road Hanover, NH 03755
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(603) 643-3800 Dr. Robert Kline-Schoder Army 03-016 Awarded: 13JAN04
Title:	Real-Time Robotic Control System for Titanium Gas Metal Arc Welding
Abstract:	The Army is working to satisfy the demands of a future force that will be organized, manned, equipped, and trained to be strategically responsive, deployable, agile, versatile, lethal, survivable, and sustainable. Titanium addresses the Army's need for high strength-to-weight characteristics and can meet the performance and transportability requirements of lightweight systems. Welding and joining technologies enable improved manufactured components by reducing the weight, production time, and cost of jointing parts. Improved welding technology increases product lifetimes and makes possible the fabrication of large structures. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) has the potential to improve the quality, speed, and penetration depth of titanium welds significantly, without increasing the cost per part. However, this result can only be achieved if proper shielding is provided and proper weld parameters selected. The goal of this project is to develop a Real-Time Robotic Control System for Titanium GMAW for current and future Army and commercial applications. Our real-time weld control system will integrate: (1) feedback sensors that measure weld characteristics; (2) a method of adjusting the welding parameters; and (3) real-time adaptive control algorithms to make critical changes to the weld parameters during welding to achieve high-quality welds.

TRITON SYSTEMS, INC. 200 TURNPIKE ROAD Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 250-4200 Mr. Paul Rolincik Army 03-016 Awarded: 13JAN04
Title:	Real - Time Robotic Titanium Welding (1000-311)
Abstract:	Triton Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a robotic gas metal arc welding (GMAW) capability using a real-time integrated titanium welding monitoring and control (Ti-WMAC) system, which will use images in both visible and infrared spectra to sense the arc length and weld pool (respectively) generated in the welding process. GMAW is commonly employed for structural steel and aluminum applications, but the state of the art for this technology in titanium is in its infancy, certainly where real-time quality monitoring and control in a robotic welding system is concerned. Real-time data on weld pool and arc column length parameters coupled with nominal welding parameters, such as current and torch speed, will allow the robotic system to monitor the welding process and make critical modifications to continually maximize weld quality. Triton's innovative Ti-WMAC system, will enable the Army to replace their current steel parts with lighter fabricated titanium parts. Lighter-weight structural components are critical to the Future Combat System (FCS) initiative applications, such as lightweight howitzers and machine guns.

ALPHATECH, INC. 6 New England Executive Park Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 284-8465 Dr. Larry Roszman Army 03-017 Awarded: 19DEC03
Title:	Ovates: Predictive Agents for Homeland Defense
Abstract:	ALPHATECH proposes to design and develop an approach to the identification and prediction of events from the semi-automated fusion and evaluation of information from multiple disparate data sources. The core of this proposal is the semi-automatic, ad hoc, and intelligent assembly of fragments of Bayesian networks to form adaptive belief networks that contain hypotheses about current and future events. The occurrence of events recorded by the data sources initiate the assembly of the belief networks, and additional data resident in the data sources are used by Ovates to evaluate the hypotheses and prune those with low likelihood of occurrence until only the most likely hypotheses about future events remain. The Ovates Bayesian blackboard, which supports the inferential predictive reasoning, is based on the classic blackboard architecture, extended for Bayesian inferential computations, agent-oriented knowledge sources, and a multi-agent architecture that provides access to the data sources. Problem and data source descriptions are based on semantics encoded in ontologies based on the DARPA Agent Markup Language (DAML) and the Ontology Web Language (OWL). Ovates is intended to predict the potential occurrence of terrorist threats within a community based upon local data sources such as emergency room, police, and first responder reports, traffic and police surveillance, and harbor activity reports.

BRANDES ASSOC., INC. 1417 Crestline Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(217) 529-8235 Mr. Don Griffin Army 03-017 Awarded: 16DEC03
Title:	Intelligent Agent Technologies for Homeland Defense
Abstract:	This effort proposes a solution for Intelligent Homeland Defense Software Agents (IHDSA) that will autonomously retrieve, filter, fuse, and make predictions using relevant Homeland Defense data. The suite of intelligent software processes will gather data from distributed heterogeneous networks, extract relationships between the data, display and forward the relevant product, and then execute predictive analysis to extrapolate the relationships among data and environments to formulate situation and threat assessments. Intelligent software retrieval processes (`agents`) will retrieve relevant data from heterogeneous sources and translate it into a common email-like format. The retrieval `agent` will subscribe or poll the external network of systems for relevant information, filter the results, and then apply further processing and routing to them. The software `agents` will incorporate necessary processes to access, retrieve, and deliver data from each network. The accumulated data may then be processed in a machine-to-machine (M2M) interface without having to await manual screening and association. Returned data will be displayed in an intuitive interface depicting the current operational environment and its associations with the incoming data. A software model for predictive analysis will explore the relationships between events, topics, individuals, locations and time to express a situation or threat assessment.

CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC. 625 Mount Auburn Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 491-3474 Dr. Subrata Das Army 03-017 Selected for Award
Title:	Agent-based Terrorist Attack Prediction (ATAP)
Abstract:	We propose to develop a prototype for Agent-based Terrorist Attack Prediction (ATAP) for Homeland Defense. ATAP will employ mobile agents to retrieve on demand relevant data distributed across various services, multi-national forces, and intelligence agencies, while maintaining the autonomy of individual data sources. ATAP will use ontology-based data modeling for integrating heterogeneous, distributed data sources. ATAP will incorporate Bayesian Belief Network (BN) technology for building models representing interrelationships among various domain concepts such as terrorist activities and observable events, thus allowing models to predict potential attacks based on those observable events. Finally, ATAP will incorporate a simulation environment supporting speculative analysis and exploration of model-generated hypotheses, via realistic simulated terrorist attack events that are based on input such as the attack location, environmental factors, social networks, etc. The Phase I effort will focus primarily on bioterrorism, and ATAP will help predict both bio-attacks and early detection of disease outbreaks due to such attacks. We intend to rapidly develop a prototype based on: 1) our in-house agent-based information retrieval engine ACQUIRE; 2) a domain ontology encoded with Prot�g� 2000 from Stanford; 3) our in-house BN engine BNET 2000; and 4) Carnegie Mellon's simulation environment BioWar.

CHI SYSTEMS, INC. 1035 Virginia Drive, Suite 300 Fort Washington, PA 19034
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(215) 542-1400 Dr. James Eilbert Army 03-017 Awarded: 11DEC03
Title:	Threat Assessment and Prediction System (TAPS)
Abstract:	The intelligence community as a whole has suffered from information overload due to a glut of information and a dearth of analysis. With the restructuring of the intelligence community, and the redirection of information flow to widen dissemination, the amount of information that must be analyzed is increasing rapidly. Analysts in support of Homeland Security must mine not just the usual information sources such as the FBI, CIA, NSA, and State Department, but the ever increasing number of new and important sources like the Immigration and Naturalization Service, all levels of law enforcement agencies, and various transportation and communications sources. Even with better training in detecting patterns and indicators across the expanding universe of information and a greater depth of information management experience, analyst will still require new and innovative, user friendly, data mining, and pattern recognition analytic tools to effectively and efficiently sort through and analyze this enormous volume of data. CHI Systems has developed a software infrastructure from current project efforts for a system that uses intelligent agents to assist in processing intelligence data and predicting threats for Homeland Defense. This infrastructure will serve as the basis of the proposed Threat Assessment and Prediction System (TAPS).

PROTEUS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 25 Gassaway Lane, Suite 201 Edgewater, MD 21037
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(410) 798-0101 Dr. Steven Bradtke Army 03-017 Selected for Award
Title:	A Collaborative Peer-to-Peer Approach to Multi-Source Threat Assessment and Prediction
Abstract:	The proposed innovation, entitled CiTAPS (Collaborative Intelligent Threat Assessment & Prediction System) combines collaborative software agents, intelligent machine and peer-to-peer technologies to support extensible, interoperable, and fully automated real time indications and warning extraction and dissemination. It provides users with on-demand multi-source data retrieval and fusion, overt threat notification for terrorist activities, and covert threat detection and notification through remote data source monitoring and analysis. Using multiple intelligent software agents deployed to a variety of data sources within a specific domain, CiTAPS is capable of retrieving, fusing, analyzing, and extracting anomalies from multiple sources of heterogeneous data for integration into a Common Relevant Operational Picture (CROP). These agents are able to collaborate within their own domain using standards-based communications for agent frameworks. Our team's approach is to build upon previous research findings on peer-to-peer technologies, leverage those against the Homeland Defense's Intelligent Agent problem, and create a formal standards-based architectural design and an interactive visualization tool outlining the major concepts of the proposed system.

TOYON RESEARCH CORP. Suite A, 75 Aero Camino Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(805) 968-6787 Mr. Nabil Alshurafa Army 03-017 Awarded: 05JAN04
Title:	Intelligent Agent Technologies for Homeland Defense
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, and fusing the accumulated information. The intelligent agent architecture will be developed using a simulated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sensor network. Toyon will demonstrate the system architecture using various formats of data sources produced by simulations which enable 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.

APPLIED SCIENCE INNOVATIONS, INC. 307 Ridgewood Cir. Albany, NY 12203
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(518) 542-6922 Dr. Mikhail Gutin Army 03-018 Awarded: 18DEC03
Title:	Integrated High Resolution Thermal Imager with Small Optics
Abstract:	Intelligent networks of distributed, unattended sensors of many modalities serve for increased situational awareness in all echelons of the Army. Applied Science Innovations (ASI) proposes Automated Panoramic Thermal Imaging Sensor (APTIS) with 360� field of view optics to provide instantaneous full horizon detection, location and tracking of multiple targets. These functions of the integrated sensor will be enabled and enhanced by the new high-resolution panoramic imager. In existing panoramic cameras, the inherent aberrations of the reflector result in smaller effective apertures and larger optics. New optical designs with aberration correction are proposed as part of the Phase I development. The proposed approach will combine the new, low-cost panoramic optics with the implementation of algorithms for target detection, location, and tracking, as well as power management and wakeup capability. GPS navigation and interface for communication with a distributed network of intelligent sensors will be provided. Phase I project will prove the feasibility of the concept, while Phase II will produce a viable, first generation prototype system. In Phase III, commercial applications of APTIS will serve the needs of the Army and other branches of the Armed Services, as well as civilian applications such as security and law enforcement.

JDLL, INC. 7302 S. 300 W. #305 Midvale, UT 84047
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(801) 568-3600 Dr. James Youngberg Army 03-019 Awarded: 05JAN04
Title:	Artifact Reduced Tomographic Algorithms
Abstract:	JDLL will experimentally rank the four most troublesome causes of artifacts in 2D and 3D industrial computed tomography (CT), including imprecise geometry, beam-hardening, scatter, and partial volume effect. We will then demonstrate artifact reduction algorithms corresponding to the most critical. We propose six promising candidate algorithms. Four of these are original. We also propose two promising algorithms developed for medical CT but not yet applied to industrial CT. In Phase I we will evaluate and deliver demonstrations of the most promising algorithms. In Phase II we will complete all demonstrations and deliver a prototype reduced-artifact CT reconstructor. This reconstructor, which incorporates each successful algorithm, will be productized for two markets: new turnkey CT systems and retrofitting of existing JDLL systems. With over 100 man-years of CT experience, members of the JDLL team have designed and built production industrial CT systems and implemented hardware and software solutions for yielding exactly the data required at the expense of low-priority data. Our most successful programs have always been by involving likely end-users done from the get-go: United Technologies and Alliant Techsystems, who already possess JDLL's production UCT and HECT2 systems, have already expressed enthusiasm for this proposal's Phase III.

FOSTER-MILLER, INC. 350 Second Ave. Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 684-4640 Dr. Aniruddha Weling Army 03-020 Awarded: 07JAN04
Title:	Innovative 3D Microbolometer Arrays for Hyperspectral Infrared Imaging
Abstract:	Although uncooled infrared (IR) imaging technology has made remarkable progress in the last two decades, a major limitation of 2-D IR focal plane arrays is the lack of real-time spectral discrimination. Multi-spectral detection capabilities are highly desirable for advanced IR imaging systems and can be especially beneficial for early threat warning applications in missile defense since they enable rapid, efficient and multi-dimensional scene interpretation. Systems that gather data in multiple IR spectral bands in real time can discriminate both absolute temperature and unique spectral signatures of objects in the scene. Furthermore, they can effectively reject spurious information, such as background clutter and sun glint from an IR image, leaving only the objects of interest for rapid threat identification. Foster-Miller proposes to design and develop an innovative 3-D micromachined array of bolometric detectors using standard semiconductor micro-fabrication technology capable of hyperspectral imaging in the mid-IR region. The 3-D microbolometer structure will measure simultaneously the entire hyperspectral data cube, i.e., the intensity of the infrared energy in narrow spectral bands for each picture element in the scene. The proposed effort targets its application to missile seeker IR optics where benefits in space, weight and complexity will have a significant impact. (P-030678)

DE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 3620 Horizon Drive King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(610) 270-9700 Dr. William Flis Army 03-021 Awarded: 13JAN04
Title:	Automatic Optimization of Warhead Performance Measures
Abstract:	We propose to develop an improved system for optimizing the design of explosive warheads. Current warhead optimization technique will be advanced on several fronts. The optimization strategy will be modified to take advantage of an abundance of computer power: in each optimization step, "extra" simultaneous warhead-performance computations will be performed to: 1) explore a larger domain of the design space; 2) reduce the effects of numerical noise; and 3) compute higher-order derivatives of the objective function. This will allow more rapid achievement of design goals. For each type of warhead, we will establish a set of intermediate warhead-performance quality measures that are specific to that warhead's ultimate performance goals; special post-processing software will be developed to evaluate these objective functions from hydrocode output. This will ensure that an optimization successfully results in optimal performance of the warhead against its intended targets.

BROOKHAVEN TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. 12-12 Technology Drive Setauket, NY 11733
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(631) 941-9177 Dr. Marina Murzina Army 03-022 Awarded: 19DEC03
Title:	HyperSpectral Data Cube Processor
Abstract:	We propose to implement a Hyperspectral Cube Processor by prototyping it on a set of innovative proprietary FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) boards which will lead to a highly compact, maximally parallel design. The proven design will be transferred to ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) in the Phase II program. Along with compactness and parallelization, we will be working toward maximal scalability e.g. the ability to expand for higher data traffic and for more complex operations by just adding more of similar modules, without major reorganization. In the FPGA prototype, we will use a mesh architecture (i.e. with all chips or boards inter-connected in a complete graph) with a serial, 10 Giga-bit/sec mesh backplane. The processor will employ our proprietary technology of massively parallel algorithms in hardware programming. The ultimate goal of the design is to distribute the Hyperspectral Image Processing between the inter-connected ASICs of the Processor in the most efficient way, thus providing the most compact device given the data traffic volume.

COHERENT LOGIX, INC. 101 West 6th Street, Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 479-7732 Mr. Michael Doerr Army 03-022 Selected for Award
Title:	Hyperspectral Image Processing Platform (HIPP)
Abstract:	Coherent Logix, Incorporated proposes to develop a Hyperspectral Image Processing Platform (HIPP) that will be able process 30 hyperspectral cubes per second, where a hypercube is approximately 100 MegaByte (MB) in size. The platform will be reprogrammable and dynamically reconfigurable to support static and dynamic application requirements and support lifetime field upgrades. Additionally, the HIPP will based on a "hardware under software control" architecture that provides an open [hardware and software] architecture supporting integration for embedded system applications. This computation intensive HIPP system will be enabled by Coherent Logix's HyperX processor technology currently supported by U.S. Army TACOM-ARDEC and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The HyperX technology is a revolutionary breakthrough in signal processor design that provides more than ten times the processing capability at less than one thirtieth the power of current state-of-the-art digital signal processors that result in critical weight, size, and power reductions. In the Phase I program, Coherent Logix will work with the Government to further define the HIPP requirements and identify optimizations off the base HyperX design that will facilitate more efficient hyperspectral image processing. In Phase II, Coherent Logix will develop a prototype HIPP system.

APTIMA, INC. 12 Gill Street, Suite 1400 Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(778) 496-2419 Dr. Kathleen Hess Army 03-023 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Measurement of Career Leadership Performance
Abstract:	In June of 2000, as part of the Army's Transformation Campaign Plan, the Chief of Staff, Army, (CSA) chartered a panel of both military and civilian experts to look at training and leader development within the Army. This panel of experts surveyed over ten thousand soldiers in the field; it concluded that current Army training and development programs do not successfully develop the self-aware and adaptive leaders necessary to execute the full spectrum operations of the Objective Force. We propose to design a web-based tool that will lay out a "map" of the career path that will produce the leaders needed for tomorrow's Army. The Leadership Measurement and Assessment Program (Leadership-MAP) will link measurable, validated leadership competencies to the career experiences (training, assignments, activities, accomplishments) that are associated with the acquisition of those competencies. At the end of Phase I, we will develop a proof-of-concept for the Leadership-MAP tool, with specifications for how the final tool will be developed in Phase II. The Leadership-MAP will provide guidance to individuals who are developing their leadership skills, to Army personnel managers and commanders providing guidance to developing leaders, and to the institutions responsible for creating opportunities for leadership training.

KNOWLEDGE ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. 4940 Pearl East Circle, Suite 200 Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 545-9092 Dr. Lynn Streeter Army 03-024 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Question Asking and Answering for ADL
Abstract:	There is a pressing need for networked intelligent Question Asking and Answering (QAA) systems capable of interacting with soldiers and DoD civilians anywhere/anytime. These users may have training needs, on-the-job questions, or be deployed in the field. While SMEs could answer many questions, they are often unavailable, and if available, not able to respond instantly. Fortunately, QAA systems are maturing. Recent advances in automatic text understanding (Latent Semantic Analysis) coupled with deeper computational linguistic analyses, such as understanding how language is used to form requests or questions (speech acts) and relating speech acts to responses users are seeking, may allow us to semi automatically construct mature QAA systems whose performance is indistinguishable from knowledgeable human intermediaries. In Phase I we propose constructing a SCORM conformant QAA system that uses LSA as a cornerstone, augmented with paragraph retrieval, relevance feedback, and automated summaries. We add to this syntactic parsing and speech act classification to answer queries about material in distributed learning courseware and other DoD information repositories. While LSA tools give broad brush answers, for finding text containing the answer, the other computational linguistic tools will be used to construct more refined answers for the user.

STOTTLER HENKE ASSOC., INC. 951 Mariner''''s Island Blvd., STE 360 San Mateo, CA 94404
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 643-1444 Dr. Eric Domeshek Army 03-024 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Question Accumulation and Response Tool for Education and Training
Abstract:	Students in distance learning classes have at least as much need to ask questions of their instructors as students in more conventional settings. However, distance instructors are not always available when students need help. Across a course and its repeat offerings, many questions recur frequently. This provides possible leverage for incrementally constructing custom question-answering systems for particular distance learning courses, as a way of making better use of available instructor time. Stottler Henke proposes to apply its extensive experience with intelligent instructional systems, language and knowledge processing, plus its evolving in-house tool-base to build an innovative tool to lower the cost of creating, administering, and maintaining a high precision question-answering system for instructional applications. In this Phase I project, we will (1) explore major technical challenges in areas such as semi-automated learning of questions and answers, and incremental refinement of questions and answers through dialog, (2) design an overall system that uses a diverse set of language processing and machine learning techniques to support storage, retrieval, and construction of accurate question answers, and (3) build a limited proof-of-concept prototype that illustrates the utility of our proposed approach to constructing a QUestion Accumlation and Response Tool for Education and Training (QuARTET).

THE WEXFORD GROUP INTERNATIONAL, INC. 8381 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 300 Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(706) 256-0020 Mr. Henry Kinnison Army 03-025 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Enhancing Warrior Ethos in Initial Entry Soldiers
Abstract:	Warrior Ethos is an important concept particularly for the Armed Forces. Senior leaders within the Armed Forces are seeking ways to inculcate the Warrior Ethos into each soldier, sailor, marine and airman. The Warrior Ethos SBIR project is targeted to initial entry soldiers but does have applicability across all Armed Forces. As the Objective Force exploits advances in information technology, the battlefield will grow more dispersed and the attributes of Warrior Ethos will become even more important for leaders and soldiers. General Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, defines the baseline attributes of Warrior Ethos as cohesion, commitment, self sacrifice, courage and leadership (Myers, 2002). As research provides a better understanding of these attributes, it will become possible to examine the feasibility of developing programs to train and sustain Warrior Ethos by providing an environment in which to foster its development.] Our Phase I objectives are as described: Objective 1: Review and analysis of warrior ethos. Perform a literature review and discussions with soldiers. Perform analysis of several types of soldiers including combat arms, combat support and combat service support across several type units. Objective 2: Identify training techniques, systems, vignettes and metrics. Explore available training techniques and systems including simulations and distance training to determine if and how warrior ethos attributes can be imparted on soldiers through self-study and pre-commission. Develop training vignettes that are exemplars of the attributes of warrior ethos to use in various training programs tailored to the target audiences of soldiers in initial entry training, soldiers in units, non-commissioned officers and officers. Propose metrics by which progress can be measured. Objective 3: Feasible plan for development of product in Phase II. A plan will be produced for development of a warrior ethos training package which is technically feasible and commercially viable. Objective 4 (option): Concept Demonstration. The concept demonstration will show the art of the possible in a way that is as tangible and operationally relevant as possible. It will increase the quality of our collaboration and increase confidence about our Phase II plan.

WILFRED BAKER ENGINEERING, INC. 3330 Oakwell Court, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78218
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(210) 824-5960 Mr. Adrian Pierorazio Army 03-026 Awarded: 05DEC03
Title:	Ascertaining Bio-Mechanical Response of Armor Materials
Abstract:	This proposal describes a project to develop an integrated system to measure the energy and impulse transferred through a piece of body armor material subjected to ballistic and non-ballistic loads. The proposed system is independent of the target and body armor material and can be applied to any combination of materials deemed relevant in the future. As part of this effort, a signal conditioning and data acquisition system will be developed that will report pressure, impulse, displacement, and energy transferred to the target as a function of both time and location. In Phase I, a system will be designed, physically modeled, and tested to demonstrate the operation of the system under dynamic loading. The initial use for this system will be to test body armor systems and, using a biomechanical model currently under development, predict the injuries likely to be sustained by the wearer under a variety of attack scenarios. The final system will be commercialized for application to protective garment testing of all kinds including bulletproof vests and sports equipment, testing the response of the human body to impacts for safety and forensic projects, and characterizing the response of malleable materials to static or dynamic loads.

ROD MILLEN SPECIAL VEHICLES 7575 Reynolds Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(714) 594-2229 Dr. Eric Anderfaas Army 03-027 Awarded: 23DEC03
Title:	Actively Controlled Rotary Actuator For Vehicle Suspensions
Abstract:	For a new paradigm in mobility, future military ground vehicles may look to animals for the added benefits of walking or crawling motion to supplement advanced wheel drive systems. Such hybrid mobility approaches show promise towards overcoming tradeoffs associated with a dedicated wheel or track-based system. A critical requirement for wheel placement in a walking or crawling motion the elimination of packaging and performance constraints imposed by the use of strut-type suspension. RMSV's rotary actuator package represents an innovative approach to replacing a passive, semi-active, or fully active linear suspension used in a leading or trailing arm configuration. The result is an actuator system that combines the functions of a spring and an active damper, allowing efficient, wide bandwidth operation over both traditional and previously impassable terrain. Our concept supports high force, high speed suspension articulation in an extremely compact package that supports the benefits of new technologies such as in-hub motors. RMSV's concept leverages the existing hybrid-electric power system of future tactical vehicles to achieve compact size, light weight and high efficiency unattainable with a hydraulic or pneumatic-based solution.

ALTEX TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 650 Nuttman Road, Suite 114 Santa Clara, CA 95054
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(408) 982-2303 Dr. Mehdi Namazian Army 03-028 Awarded: 04DEC03
Title:	Compact and Efficient Logistic Fuel (CELF) Reformer
Abstract:	To effectively use fuel cells in military and commercial applications, diesel fuel and JP-8 need to be reformed in a compact, reliable and highly efficient reformer. Altex Technologies Corporation (Altex) and Pennsylvania State University (PSU) have identified the Compact and Efficient Logistic Fuel (CELF) Reformer that overcomes the fuel sulfur and carbon formation tendencies of logistic fuels and transforms them into a reformate suitable for SOFCs. This is achieved with a reformer that is projected to have 80-90% efficiency. The base technology for this reformer is being developed under DARPA support for a 20 watts SOFC operating on JP-8. Under the proposed Phase I program, the technology will be scaled up to a 2 KW system and the components that require testing with diesel fuel will be tested to show the feasibility of CELF to meet the DoD and the commercial market goals. This system design and testing and performance and cost evaluations will be the basis for the Phase II effort to fabricate, demonstrate and deliver a CELF/SOFC prototype system.

ASPEN PRODUCTS GROUP, INC. 186 CEDAR HILL STREET MARLBOROUGH, MA 01752
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(508) 481-5058 Dr. Zhijiang Li Army 03-028 Awarded: 18NOV03
Title:	Compact Fuel Processor for 2 kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Abstract:	The U.S. Army has the need for small and efficient fuel cell power generation systems (0.5-2 kW) that can operate on diesel and logistics fuels. The advantages of employing these fuels for "in-the-field" power generation in military deployment include high energy density and wide availability. However, one problem with these fuels is that they all contain high concentration sulfur, which is extremely poisoning to most reforming catalysts and fuel cell anodes currently available. Presently, efficient, compact, and reliable fuel processors that are capable of converting diesel and logistics fuels to contaminant-free reformate are not commercially available. The objective of the proposed program is to develop an efficient, compact, and robust fuel processor to reform diesel into contaminant-free H2 and CO, as the fuel for SOFC. The proposed fuel processor will consist of a sulfur-tolerant partial oxidation reformer and a post-reforming desulfurizer as its key components. In Phase I, Aspen will prepare and evaluate a series of candidate materials to identify a highly active, coke- and sulfur-tolerant partial oxidation catalyst and a regenerable sorbent for H2S removal. Preliminary diesel reforming tests in an integrated fuel processor will also be carried out to demonstrate the proposed concept and identify critical technical issues that would need to be addressed in Phase II for prototype fuel processor construction and demonstration.

MESOSCOPIC DEVICES, LLC 510 Compton Street, Suite 106 Broomfield, CO 80020
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 466-6968 Dr. Joseph Poshusta Army 03-028 Awarded: 05DEC03
Title:	Ultra-compact steam reforming reactor for SOFC
Abstract:	The military is aggressively pursuing fuel cells for forward deployed logistic fuel powered generators. Partial oxidation and steam reforming technologies have not been able to provide systems that are both compact and efficient, however. A fundamentally new reactor geometry under development by Mesoscopic Devices promises to allow compact, fast response, and efficient steam reforming of logistic fuels. The new reactor achieves highly effective heat transfer and catalytic conversion in an extremely compact and simple design. In this Phase I program, Mesoscopic Devices will build the reactor and demonstrate steam reforming of logistic fuels. Detailed system-level modeling will show that the new steam reformer used in a solid oxide fuel cell system with integrated water recovery will have a higher energy density that other generators and will not require an external source of water for steam reforming.

MICROCOATING TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 5315 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30341
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(678) 287-2486 Dr. Richard Breitkopf Army 03-028 Awarded: 05DEC03
Title:	Hydrogen Generation and Storage for Fuel Cell Systems
Abstract:	The aim is to develop new/improved nano-materials to remove sulfur containing compounds in reformate gas for use with hydrogen/proton exchange membrane (PEM) or solid oxide fuel cell systems. Small and efficient hydrogen/PEM or solid oxide fuel cell systems are in development to meet the power needs for vehicle-borne battery chargers, vehicle silent watch and field headquarters. The power range of interest is approximately 500 to 2000 Watts. The main difficulty that remains to be overcome for such applications is the development of compact fuel reformers that produce hydrogen gas on demand. Reformate purity is often an issue and processed fuels routinely contain refractory sulfur compounds such as thiophenes and alkyl substituted thiophenes. We propose here to use nano-adsorbents/oxidizers for reformate fuel desulfurization in fuel cell application with a novel carbon and ceramic supported materials structure that maximizes active material surface area and minimizes agglomeration that can occur over high temperature sorption and regeneration cycles. The optimum materials composition and nanostructure will be indentified and further process optimization and incorporation into 0.1-2 kW fuel cell systems will pave the way for future work.

PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC. 410 Sackett Point Road North Haven, CT 06473
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(203) 287-3700 Dr. Maxim Lyubovsky Army 03-028 Awarded: 07NOV03
Title:	Logistic Fuel Micro-Reformer
Abstract:	Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to develop a compact catalytic reactor based on the proprietary Microlithr catalytic substrate technology for autothermal reforming (ATR) of JP-8 and diesel fuel at the 0.5 - 2 kWe scale. The size of the catalytic reactor is expected to be about 6 in3 (2 D-cell batteries) and weigh < 100 grams. The reformate mixture exiting the reactor will have temperature of about 700 C such that it can be directly feed into a downstream SOFC resulting in a compact and efficient power system. The operating conditions for the ATR reactor operation will be optimized to provide complete conversion of the fuel with thermal efficiency above 70%. The amount of steam required by the ATR will be minimized to operate on water recycled from the downstream SOFC. In this program the ATR reactor performance will be demonstrated and the requirements for the integrated system will be analyzed.

INNOVATIVE WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1047 Vista Park Drive, Suite A Forest, VA 24551
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(434) 316-5230 Mr. Jim Silverstrim Army 03-029 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Innovative Methods for Geolocation and Communication with Ultra-Wideband Mobile Radio Networks
Abstract:	Geolocation capability is a critical component of wireless systems for public safety, military, and homeland security. Traditional geolocation systems based on GPS and narrowband modulations work well in areas where a direct line of sight (DLOS) path from multiple sources exist. However, these systems become unreliabile for indoor and urban environments that are characterized by low signal level and severe multipath conditions. This inhibits the ability to accurately detect the time of arrival (TOA) of the DLOS path between transceivers. For TOA measurements, an error in the detection of the DLOS path results in error of the position estimate. These position errors prevent traditional geolocation systems from achieving the location accuracy and system reliability required for military and homeland security applications. Innovative Wireless Technologies (IWT) is proposing an ultra-wideband (UWB) system. The project will combine IWT's existing knowledge in ad-hoc UWB communications networks and hardware prototyping with industry leading research in indoor positioning to develop innovative geolocation algorithms that take advantage of the multipath-resistant characteristics of pulse-based UWB. System requirements and architecture will be evaluated and innovative geolocation algorithms developed. Tradeoffs between the number of nodes in a network and location accuracy will be determined through propagation channel measurement and characterization.

MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC. 20300 Century Blvd. Germantown, MD 20874
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 528-1745 Dr. Lester Foster Army 03-029 Awarded: 10DEC03
Title:	Innovative Methods for Geolocation and Communication with Ultra-Wideband Mobile Radio Networks
Abstract:	Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI) proposes to develop a frequency agile Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Radio Frequency (RF) front end for an integrated geolocation and communication network. UWB receivers have extremely wideband RF front ends that are vulnerable in hostile electromagnetic threat environments. A frequency agile UWB RF front end will enhance the Low Probability of Interception and Detection (LPI/D) and anti-jam (A/J) capabilities of advanced communications networks. MSSI will develop requirements and architectures based upon approved scenarios and will examine different frequency agile filter requirements and will develop an appropriate design. The design will consider several potential architectures and the front end will ultimately be integrated into MSSI's geolocation and communication network system. MSSI will demonstrate the ability to operate a dual function simultaneous digital ranging and communication device. The device will provide inter-node ranging while broadcasting voice packets over the same physical layer. Based upon the results of the systems study, and demonstration, MSSI will summarize the results with in a final report. Under the Phase I option and Phase II the resulting hardware will be transitioned into field demonstrable systems.

SYSTEMS & PROCESSES ENGINEERING CORP.(SPEC) 101 West Sixth Street, Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 479-7732 Dr. William Hallidy Army 03-030 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	WIDE BAND HIGH FIDELITY DRFM (HIFID)
Abstract:	SPEC will develop a Wide Band High Fidelity Digital RF Memory designated the HiFiD. HiFiD supports generation of multiple high fidelity simulated targets for long range radar sensors and is innovative for future airborne target simulator applications. System provides high fidelity generation of multiple simultaneously delayed replicas of arbitrarily complex radar waveforms with very large instantaneous bandwidths (1-2 GHz). HiFiD will have 4 channels expandable to 16, each having an independently dynamic time delay and Doppler frequency offset. SPEC will develop the HiFiD prototype design favoring proven commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies to minimize technical risk and achieve cost savings. Using existing SPEC DRFM technology, as a baseline, ensures cost effective, reduced risk HiFiD development. HiFiD development program uses existing process and analysis protocols to identify system components, develop technical specifications, and model/predict performance of the system identifying constraints/critical components. Existing computer/laboratory models support theoretical investigations to assess feasibility and practicality of the proposed system design. Leveraging existing DRFM technology significantly reduces HiFiD development technical risk and cost. Although this proposal leverages other DRFM technology, many differences in details of the HiFiD system as bandwidth, number of channels, maximum delay time, Doppler resolution and attenuation require significant innovation.

APTIMA, INC. 12 Gill Street, Suite 1400 Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(202) 842-1548 Dr. Michael Paley Army 03-031 Awarded: 08DEC03
Title:	Advancing the Objective Force Through Mulitnational Coalitions and Interagency Task Forces
Abstract:	The proposed effort aims to develop a system that is responsive to the military's needs to develop high performing multinational teams. The goal of the project is to develop a theoretically grounded, computer-based, multination team preparation system. We envision four interrelated components forming the basis of a multinational coalition team preparation system. This system will support both individual and team training methods through use of asynchronous (individual) and synchronous (team) interaction modes. Multicultural and multinational team familiarization will be based on current team theory and is a method to educate team members about the nature of multination teamwork. A warfighting-peacekeeping continuum awareness section will apply lessons learned from recent military activity and the project team's own experiences in Bosnia to prepare soldiers for the information, resources, situations, and decisions they will face and develop appropriate adaptation mechanisms. Teamwork skill development will enhance individuals' ability to perform in a team setting. Finally, collaborative scenario based team preparation is a team-in-the-loop environment that will develop high performance multinational coalition teams. In Phase II, we will operationalize system requirements and develop a system to enhance multinational team performance in military and commercial environments.

MERIDIAN RESOURCES ASSOC. 1741 Buchanan Street San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(650) 712-0837 Dr. Ernest Gundling Army 03-031 Awarded: 11DEC03
Title:	Increasing the Effectiveness of Multinational Peacekeeping Teams through Web-Based Assessment Technology
Abstract:	This proposal describes an innovative online set of tools that the U.S. Army can utilize in its effort to understand how cultural differences impact the effectiveness of its multinational peacekeeping teams. In this proposal Meridian Resources Associates proposes to assist the U.S. Army in leveraging the diversity of its multinational peacekeeping teams around the world through the use of two research-based web assessment tools. Meridian's approach in Phase I would be to adapt our Global Teams Online assessment tool to the unique aspects of the U.S. Army teams. This would be accomplished through the implementation of the existing survey with a limited number of teams and a series of interviews with experienced peacekeepers from a wide range of countries. In addition, Meridian would survey a broader set of global team members using an online Self-Assessment Profile. This tool is designed to measure differences in work style preferences between people from different countries. The data collected here will help raise awareness regarding cultural differences and prepare team leaders and members working on multinational teams in the future.

FIBER MATERIALS, INC. 5 Morin Street Biddeford, ME 04005
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(207) 282-5911 Mr. Stephen Michaud Army 03-032 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Advanced Composites for Ammunition Protection and Crew Survivability
Abstract:	Battlefield vehicles such as the Interim Armored Vehicle (IAV) and Future Combat Systems (FCS) carry high energy, large caliber munitions into combat. The munitions are stowed in a rack within the vehicle and are susceptible to burning, detonation, and explosion when impacted by spall fragments occurring when the vehicle wall is penetrated by small arms and medium caliber projectiles. A need exists to protect the munitions from these effects, reduce the probability of detonation and explosion, and increase crew survivability. Fiber reinforced composite materials have been used successfully for both ballistic armor and thermal protection systems. With nearly 35 years of composite experience for both applications, Fiber Materials, Inc. proposes an engineering design and modeling effort to determine the feasibility of combining fiber reinforced, fire retardant composites to provide ballistic impact and fire thermal protection in a single material. The study will include S2r-Glass and/or Kevlarr fabric in a matrix of FTR 402 fire retardant resin. The design options include separate structures to provide protection for the munitions rack and for individual munitions casings. The ballistic/thermal protection designs will be submitted for ballistic impact modeling and the predicted thermal response of each design.

TIAX LLC Acorn Park Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 498-5818 Mr. John Dieckmann Army 03-032 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Crew Survivability Inside Future Combat Systems (FCS) -Type Vehicle: Techniques for Ammunition Protection from Fragments, Shock, and Fire
Abstract:	TIAX LLC proposes to develop a multi-layer kinetic energy and thermal shielding system to protect ordnance in the munitions rack of combat vehicles. Functional layers include high performance insulation, flame arrester material, thermal storage to absorb the heat that is conducted through the insulation, and a ballistic protection layer. In Phase I, we will identify a range of configurations using alternative materials and select the best configuration for a proof of concept test.

SYSTEMS & MATERIALS RESERACH CONSULTANCY 19300 Crosswind Circle Spicewood, TX 78669
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 263-0822 Dr. Alan Bray Army 03-033 Awarded: 17DEC03
Title:	A Nanocomposite that Can Best Lexan in Tranparent Armor Properties
Abstract:	In 1996 Shell Chemical discovered a set of tough copolymers of CBDO monomer. These materials have Tg�s to 205�XC and notched Izod impact strengths over 1000 Joules/meter (Lexan: 128 J/m). CBDO copolymers are optically transparent, with a yellowing index less than Lexan. It is the impact strength of these materials that make them uniquely suited to use in transparent armor, and that will allow for reductions in thickness and weight. Using molecular modeling CBDO copolymer nanocomposites will be designed and subsequently fabricated in the laboratory. By forming nanocomposites of CBDO copolymers and tailoring the CBDO:PDO ratio, ballistic resistant sheet will be produced. The sheet will be formed into laminates containing an EMI resistant layer with 30�V80 dB spectral attenuation. Base Phase I laminates will withstand National Institute of Justice (NIJ) level IIA firings, and achieve level IIIA (most powerful 9 mm weapons) in the Option period. Phase I culminates with certified NIJ IIIA testing at H.P. White Labs. A transparent armor company is teamed to provide test services, laminate design assistance, marketing input, and a potential commercial buyer of sheet format transparent CBDO copolymer nanocomposites. During the patent transfer to SMRC subcontractor SWT, Shell estimated CBDO copolymer cost $1/lb.

TRITON SYSTEMS, INC. 200 TURNPIKE ROAD Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 250-4200 Mr. Apoorva Shah Army 03-033 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Novel Hierarchical Multilayer Laminated Plastic Structures (1000-332)
Abstract:	In light of recent terrorist activities, there is a need for new materials/process technologies that can provide not only armor enhancements for military vehicles, helicopter and aircraft canopies, improved personal protective equipment for US marines and improved shipboard damage control, but also fire protection and EMI shielding. The use of polymer based materials in several of these applications has increased over the years, driven mainly by desirable properties, ease of processing, light weight and low cost. Triton Systems Inc proposes an innovative strengthened lightweight transparent multi-layer (hard/ductile) laminated plastic structure for enhanced ballistic resistance, with highly conductive coatings (organic and inorganic) for added EMI shielding capabilities. A single structure with all the above properties is lacking in current systems. These unique nanocomposite materials will serve numerous applications, military and commercial markets, viz., aircraft windows, helicopter and aircraft canopies, impact resistant building windows, safety goggles, face shields for soldiers, and public transit windows.

MCQ ASSOC., INC. 1551 Forbes St. Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(540) 373-2374 Mr. Barry Jones Army 03-034 Awarded: 20NOV03
Title:	Non-Imaging Disposable Sensor System
Abstract:	The proposed SBIR will develop a Disposable Unattended Ground Sensor System that has the performance characteristics of much costlier systems. McQ has defined a design approach which can meet the small size and ten dollar cost goals needed to consider the sensors as disposable. McQ has over ten years of experience in designing state of the art remote sensor systems and successfully commercializing them for a variety of applications. McQ will apply this experience to tradeoff performance and cost issues needed to realize a disposable sensor system that effectively detects targets while keeping the cost at a level the individual sensors can be used as disposable units. McQ will develop a disposable sensor system design in the Phase I effort and evaluate the performance versus the cost to produce in quantity. McQ will provide a Phase I design presentation after four months. McQ will provide a formal Preliminary Design Review in a proposed SBIR Option Phase after an additional two month effort to bridge the work leading toward a Phase II SBIR contract. McQ will develop and demonstrate the disposable sensor system in a Phase II effort.

CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Suite 400 Technology Center, 4th Floor 1001 Broad Utica, NY 13501
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(315) 793-0248 Mr. Doug Owen Army 03-035 Awarded: 02DEC03
Title:	Cross-Layer Designs for Energy-Efficient Sensor Networking
Abstract:	We propose a novel architecture for large-scale, low power sensor networks, referred to as Sensor Networks with Mobile Agents (SENMA) utilizing an Ultra Wide Band physical (PHY) layer. SENMA is designed to exploit node redundancies by introducing mobile agents that communicate opportunistically with a large field of sensors. The addition of mobile agents shifts computationally intensive tasks away from primitive sensors to more powerful mobile agents, which enables energy efficient operations under severely limited power constraints. Additionally, we select the Ultra Wide Band PHY layer to exploit mutual non-interfering operation and its natural by-product of range information. We further propose a cross-layer approach of PHY and MAC layers to provide power efficiency and operation effectiveness over SENMA architecture, referred as an Opportunistic ALOHA. Finally, using randomly selected CDMA codes from a large table of orthogonal codes will further reduce the complexity associated with collision mitigation. A comparison and analysis of SENMA with a flat ad-hoc sensor network architecture will be comprehensively conducted regarding the energy efficiency.

MICRO ANALYSIS & DESIGN, INC. 4949 Pearl East Circle, Suite 300 Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 442-6947 Mr. Rick Archer Army 03-036 Awarded: 08DEC03
Title:	Human Behavior Architecture Interface for Integrated Cognitive and Task Performance Model Development
Abstract:	As the Army transforms itself into an organization of the future, emphasis on acquiring new military systems and training soldiers to use those new systems is a primary challenge. These transformation programs are also counting heavily on simulation-based acquisition and training as a means through which risk can be minimized and total ownership cost can be reduced. To truly evaluate aspects of human behavior that impacts system performance, we need to model how soldiers will perform the perceptual, cognitive, and physical tasks required. However, a human behavior modeling environment that includes both procedural and cognitive aspects of human behavior does not currently exist. In addition, the available cognitive modeling architectures are difficult to use and require expertise in programming, modeling, and cognitive science. This proposal outlines a work plan for developing a modeling environment that consists of task network discrete event simulation and a cognitive architecture in a unified and integrated package. The unified architecture is designed to be used by systems engineers, analysts, and human factors professionals without backgrounds in programming or cognitive science to evaluate proposed new systems and to provide realistic training experiences through development of semi automated forces that behave more realistically.

CFD RESEARCH CORP. 215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor Huntsville, AL 35805
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(256) 726-4800 Dr. Roberto Salvo Army 03-037 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Compact Absorption Cooling Cycle Apparatus for Exhaust Gas Water Recovery
Abstract:	Supplying potable water to troops in the field is a significant hurdle requiring complex logistics and specialized equipment. Operational units already have an untapped source of water in the exhaust from their engines. The challenge is to efficiently cool the exhaust below the dew point and condense the water vapor. CFDRC proposes the development of the absorption cooling Diesel Exhaust-Water Recovery System (DEWRS). The system utilizes rejected heat in the exhaust gas stream to drive a thermodynamic cycle that cools the exhaust gas and condenses the water vapor. The cycle circulates liquid refrigerant, which provides the advantages of using a small pump, and offers flexibility in system arrangement. Parametric thermodynamic system analysis will examine the applicability of both LiBr/H2O and H2O/NH3 absorption cycles. A 1-D system model will be developed to simulate the engine-DEWRS integrated system operating under a variety of duty cycles. Additional detailed analyses will be performed to support the design of system components, including the use of Genetic Algorithms for optimization. During Phase 1, our efforts will focus on developing a prototype system compatible with the single cylinder Caterpillar (3400 Series) diesel test engine at the University of Alabama IC Engine Test Center.

TRIAD RESEARCH CORP. 2825 NW 23rd Drive Gainesville, FL 32605
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(352) 475-5035 Mr. John Crittenden Army 03-037 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Novel Combined-Cycle Turbine Engine with Water Harvesting
Abstract:	A novel combined-cycle turbine engine with water harvesting capability is proposed for development into a commercialy viable product. The semi-closed engine and combined absorption refrigeration cycle is ideally suited to water extraction from the exhaust. Water extraction occurs in a portion of the cycle that has high pressure, low temperature and a near-stoichiometric exhaust stream, all of the conditions neccessary for optimum water yield. In addition, the proposed engine cycle has a low thermal signature due to low temperature exhaust and ultra-low emission of NOx and CO. The cycle has high efficiency and high power density. The proposed Phase I effort features analysis, design, and experimental testing to determine the viability of the combined cycle. An existing analysis code of the combined cycle will be modified to accomodate the water extraction bookkeeping. An existing test engine with exhaust recirculation will be used to demonstrate water extraction at atmospheric pressure. Additional work will include a component matching analysis and a water extraction hardware design component. Testing will be performed at an existing facility at the University of Florida. Analytical and design support will be provided by Concepts NREC.

ANSOFT CORP. 4 station square, suite 200 pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(412) 261-3200 Dr. John Silvestro Army 03-038 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	True Time Delay Multiple Beam Antenna System Design Tool
Abstract:	The current generation of field simulation codes are powerful design tools that are highly accurate and can solve small to moderately sized problems. For multi-wavelength structures the options are limited. Examples of application areas where one would find such structures include Rotman lens design, IC package design, and electromagnetic compatibility simulation. As the demand for higher performance designs increases in these industries the need for a CAD software package that can analyze these geometries also increases. In addition to being able to simulate larger geometries it is also important that such a tool be easy to use with a user friendly GUI and have robust model translation. We purpose to extend the analysis capabilities of Ansoft HFSS to be able to simulate large multiple wavelength structures. HFSS has a user friendly interface and accurate simulation engine. We purpose to enhance that engine to allow it to efficiently simulate both electrically large and small geometries and to implement further improvements to the user interface and model translation tool.

REMCOM, INC. 315 S. Allen St. , Suite 222 State College, PA 16801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(636) 536-4008 Dr. Christopher Penney Army 03-038 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	True Time Delay Multiple Beam Antenna System Design Tool
Abstract:	Accurate analysis of multiple wavelength structures which contain regions with fine details is a challenging problem. A full wave method such as the Finite Difference Time Domain method can be used to analyze large structures as long as enough computer memory. High frequencies ray methods are often used for cases where the structure is very large in terms of wavelengths. In the case of an antenna system that includes transmission lines, a beamforming element such as a Rotman Lens, and an array of antennas, a hybrid approach allows a full wave method to be used to solve the complex field interactions on the feed section of the beamformer and around the antenna array while a high frequency method could be applied to the lens section to accurately simulate the field interaction with the complex surface. Even more useful would be an approach that incorporates CAD design elements and some form of optimization as well to allow the best system to be configured and saved in an appropriate format for fabricating a the actual components. The development of this fully hybrid solver with CAD editing capabilities and some form of design optimization will be the main focus of the proposed effort.

PHOENIX SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 27 Industrial Avenue Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 367-0232 Dr. Raymond Schaefer Army 03-039 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	High Energy Density, Fast-Rise Film Capacitors
Abstract:	The object of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of two new film capacitor approaches to meet Army high-energy capacitor requirements. One is a new type of metallized polypropylene capacitor that already exceeds the Army energy density goal. The other is a new metallized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) capacitor technology that has the potential to increase energy density by another factor of three. Phase I includes experiments with both types of capacitors to evaluate their capability to meet Army capacitor requirements for energy density, rise-time, pulse repetition rate and lifetime. Based on the test results, and working in collaboration with a capacitor manufacturer and a film manufacturer, we will develop a plan to produce full-scale capacitors for the Army and make specific recommendations for development in Phase II.

TRS CERAMICS, INC. 2820 East College Avenue State College, PA 16801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(814) 238-7485 Dr. Wesley Hackenberger Army 03-039 Awarded: 11DEC03
Title:	High Energy Density Relaxor Ferroelectric Terpolymer Capacitors
Abstract:	Relaxor terpolymers (PVDF-TrFe-CTFE) exhibit dielectric constants > 60, 20 to 30 times the value of conventional film dielectrics such as polypropylene and polyester. As a result the new terpolymer has an energy density of over 10 J/cc at half the electric field of conventional polymer film. For the proposed effort TRS and Prof. Qiming Zhang of Penn State will fabricate wound prototype capacitors from terpolymer film and test them for energy density, equivalent series resistance, insulation resistance, and charge/discharge speed. The goal for this program will be to demonstrate a 0.1 to 1 microFarad, 5 J/cc wound capacitor with a discharge speed faster than 10 microseconds.

AMTEC CORP. 500 Wynn Dr. Suite 314 Huntsville, AL 35816
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(256) 722-7200 Mr. Bill Fieselman Army 03-040 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Mixed Signal MMIC for 10GHz Multifunction Frequency Syntheses and Modulations
Abstract:	This proposal presents an innovative, affordable, and feasible architecture of frequency synthesis and modulation based on SiGe high-speed MMIC designs. The architecture includes an ultrahigh-speed direct digital synthesizer (DDS) with a maximum clock frequency of 10GHz to synthesize and modulate the intermediate frequency (IF) of 1GHz and above. It uses a low-noise phase lock loop (PLL) to generate both the DDS clock and the carrier frequency of 10GHz and above. The PLL synthesizer includes a quadrature voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to generate the quadrature carriers without using a high loss and narrow-band poly-phase network. The high-speed DDS includes a patent pending high-order delta-sigma noise shaper and a sinusoidal weighted digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with 15-bit resolution to achieve better than -60dB spectral purity. The cosine weighted DAC eliminates the sine and cosine look-up table, which is a speed and area bottleneck for high-speed DDS implementations. The DDS modulation waveform configurations include chirp, step frequency, FM, MSK, PM, AM, QAM, and other hybrid modulations. The modulated IF frequency is mixed with the carrier frequency using quadrature mixers with image rejection. The proposed architecture can be implemented in high-speed SiGe processing. Some critical blocks have been implemented and fabricated using IBM 5HP SiGe.

TELASIC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 1940 East Mariposa Ave., Suite 100 El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 955-3719 Mr. Ken Essenwanger Army 03-040 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Mixed Signal for Multifunction RF (Radio Frequency) Sensor
Abstract:	TelASIC Communications is pleased to submit an SBIR proposal for the Mixed Signal for Multifunction RF (Radio Frequency) Sensor. This proposal includes the investigative study of the development of a flexible and affordable digital synthesis approach capable of generating waveforms for high range radars and low probability of intercept communication applications. TelASIC is proposing to investigate the highest level of integration on a single chip. TelASIC is proposing to explore the feasibility of a novel RAM/ROM hybrid delta-sigma DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) with multi-bit DAC on a single chip. Two versions will be considered: The first will clock a multi-bit DAC at greater than 20 GHz for a Nyquist of greater than 10GHz, and the second version will have a higher resolution DAC upconverted to greater than 10 GHz. The feasibility of the multiplexed DAC clocked at greater than 20 GHz and capable of synthesis at carrier frequencies over 10 GHz with 1 GHz of instantaneous modulation bandwidth, using the IBM SiGe 7HP or 8HP BiCMOS processes, will be investigated. In addition to the ultra high speed bipolar capability, special considerations will be given to maximize the utilization of the advanced CMOS in the SiGe BiCMOS, DRAM and SRAM for a low power and low cost monolithic solution.

CFD RESEARCH CORP. 215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor Huntsville, AL 35805
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(256) 726-4800 Dr. Sandip Mazumder Army 03-041 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	An Efficient and Accurate Calculation Procedure for Atmospheric Radiation Transport
Abstract:	This Phase I SBIR project is aimed toward the development of a novel computational procedure that will allow accurate and fast prediction of radiative fluxes and transmission losses within the earth's atmosphere. The proposed calculation procedure is expected to be several orders of magnitude faster than the currently used very-narrow-band models in MODTRAN (or MODR), with accuracy comparable to that of line-by-line (LBL) calculations. The calculation procedure will be based on the recently developed (Michael Modest, Penn State University) full spectrum correlated-k distribution (FSCK) model, which allows accurate and superfast prediction of radiative fluxes in a medium comprising of participating molecular gases. This novel method is exact for homogeneous paths and its accuracy for inhomogeneous paths depends on the scaling technique (similar to the Curtis-Godson approximation) used for the absorption coefficient. The model has already been implemented in the commercial code CFD-ACE+ for combustion applications and validated extensively. In this project, we propose to demonstrate the feasibility of using this state-of-the-art model for atmospheric radiation calculations, pending required modifications and enhancements. To prove the feasibility, comparisons will be performed against LBL calculations to judge accuracy, and against MODTRAN and other narrow-band-model codes to judge speed.

SPECTRAL SCIENCES, INC. 99 South Bedford Street, Suite 7 Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 273-4770 Dr. Prabhat Acharya Army 03-041 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	kURT, k-distribution based Ultra-fast Radiation Transport
Abstract:	Design of electro-optical sensors for military and commercial use increasingly relies on scenario simulation models. It is critical these models yield accurate transmittances and at-sensor radiances, and be extremely computationally fast to allow robust sampling of the multi-dimensional design parameter space. Spectral Sciences, Inc. proposes to develop a sensor bandpass tailored RT model, dubbed kURT (k-distribution based Ultra-fast Radiative-Transfer). kURT features a new and innovative method for combining fine spectrally gridded MODTRAN4 k-distributions into a compact and accurate k-distribution for an entire and spectrally-broad sensor bandpass. This provides bandpass transmittance and radiance calculations that are faster by a factor of 100 or greater than MODTRAN4. In Phase I, MODTRAN-generated k-distribution databases will be created for 3-5 micron and kURT modules developed for generation of sensor band k-distributions and prediction of ultra-fast transmittances. These results will be compared to integrated 1 cm-1 MODTRAN4 predictions to determine if kURT meets the requirement for agreement to within 2% in transmittance. In Phase II, the kURT spectral range will be extended for UV through LWIR applications, and the kURT approach generalized for calculation of thermal and solar radiances.

DECISIVE ANALYTICS CORP. 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway , Suite 400 Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 414-5001 Dr. Jim Nolan Army 03-042 Awarded: 03DEC03
Title:	Agent-Based Knowledge Enablers for the Unit of Action
Abstract:	The Army's Unit of Action (UA) is part of a joint team that is decisive in any operation, against any level threat, in any environment. This team must be strategically and operationally responsive, and be able to change patterns of operations faster than the enemy can respond. To meet these goals, it relies on the fusion of information from the Battlefield Functional Areas (BFAs), as well as disparate data from joint partners. In this research, the DAC Team will design and implement an intelligent agent toolkit for Network Centric Warfare that enables data from disparate information sources to be translated, coordinated, and fused in such a way that commanders can better respond to the Commander's Critical Information Requirements associated with a UA. This objective will be realized through three major activities: 1) developing techniques that overcome the heterogeneity of different data sources and represent them in a common ontology, 2) designing and implementing the collaborative agent architecture, and 3) specifying and implementing the interactions between agents in a way that enables critical information to be fused and subsequently presented to the commander.

SOAR TECHNOLOGY, INC. 3600 Green Court, Suite 600 Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(734) 327-8000 Dr. Scott Wood Army 03-042 Awarded: 05DEC03
Title:	Agent-Based Knowledge Enablers for the Unit of Action
Abstract:	As the vision of Network Centric Warfare (NCW) becomes reality in the Future Force, it is clear that trading steel (platform survivability) for information represents a true revolution in military affairs. A principal set of goals is to eliminate archaic information stovepipes, speed the flow of information to the end user, and rapidly increase the rate at which data is transformed into militarily significant and decision-centered information. Improving a commander's ability to collect, process, manage and answer the critical information requirements (CCIRs) associated with a Unit of Action (UA) provides a uniquely challenging opportunity. Given the risks of information overload and high workload, the goal of this system is to assist the commander in a commander-driven, purpose-oriented, knowledge-based fashion. This capability will allow for a continuous, evolving, and collaborative process that will reduce information and cognitive overload, increase the number of options considered, and reduce the time and effort spent planning while simultaneously improving decisions. We propose to combine state of the art techniques in multi-agent service-based cognitive architectures, knowledge abstraction layers semantically organized into ontologies, and intelligent user interfaces to create a system that will demonstrate how information age transformation can enable fundamental improvements to CCIR monitoring in NCW.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICE CORP. 1900 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(315) 797-0613 Mr. Mark Cammarere Army 03-042 Awarded: 05DEC03
Title:	Agent-Based Knowledge Enablers for the Unit of Action
Abstract:	Unlike the past, modern conflicts are increasingly regional and asymmetric. This has prompted the Army to transform to Future Combat Systems (FCS) via an Objective Force - responsive, deployable, agile, versatile, lethal, survivable and sustainable. Strategic Manuever is key to this force - the rapid projection of military power. Given the available airlift and sealift, this requires the Army to "trade ... steel for ... information:" the lethality and survivability of current platforms is replaced by integration where interoperability ensures component lethality and survivability. Key enablers supporting this shift are Information Dominance via Network Centric Warfare (NCW). However, NCW advantages are often negated by Information Overload - an inability to separate the useful information from the mass of available data. Evolving Army doctrine includes techniques to help mitigate this overload. Among them are the Commander's Critical Information Requirements (CCIR), defined by the Commander as a decision-making aid. Useful CCIR overcomes overload by identifying what is most mission-critical. In a NCW environment, aids implemented via software agents are desired for their mobility and potential for intelligent action. Technology Service Corporation (TSC) will apply mobile software agent technology to the generation of CCIR within the organizational structure of an objective force Unit of Action (UA).

ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1700 Kraft Drive, Suite 2350 Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(540) 951-1284 Mr. Andre Goldstein Army 03-043 Awarded: 10DEC03
Title:	REAL-TIME NATURAL HEARING DEVICE FOR ENCAPSULATING HEADGEAR
Abstract:	Protective helmets anticipated for the next generation Army soldier (Objective Force Warrior) will provide superior ballistic and biological protection by encapsulating the entire head. However, such an encapsulating design will limit the soldier's ability to effectively hear the surrounding acoustic environment, limiting the soldier's effectiveness. The design and development of a fully encapsulating ballistic helmet with real-time acoustic field monitoring is proposed. The primary goal of the Phase I effort is to demonstrate the proof of concept of accurate hearing and localization through development of an encapsulating helmet prototype. The technical objectives and work tasks focus on intensive data collection followed by an exhaustive mathematical investigation of the optimal sensor/transducer placements to provide the most realistic hearing capabilities. Finally, the optimal compensation solution will be implemented and tested during the Phase I effort for both quantitative and qualitative performance verification. The multi-disciplinary approach required by the proposed design is facilitated by a strong technical team. Together ATI and Virginia Tech possess all of the expertise, hardware, and facilities required to effectively investigate this problem. The team assembled for Phase I, and anticipated for Phase II, includes experts in human perception of audio, mechatronics, digital audio design, controls, and signal processing.

LINDEN PHOTONICS, INC. 270 Littleton Road, Unit #29 Westford, MA 01886
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 392-7985 Dr. Amaresh Mahapatra Army 03-044 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Polymers for Lightweight Small Arms Cartridge Cases
Abstract:	Currently, small caliber cartridge cases are manufactured from brass. Because brass is a critical material, spent cartridge cases must be retrieved from firing ranges, which is time consuming and costly. The motivation to develop a polymer cartridge case is therefore primarily cost based, as it will remove the need for salvage, and will also reduce the cost of manufacture, by employing standard plastic molding techniques. It has also been demonstrated1 that polymer based casings will offer the following advantages: Increased Energy Transfer to the Projectile; Reduce Heat Transfer to Chamber; Reduced Muzzle Flash; Improved weapon feeding; Easier removal of ruptured casing; Reduced weight load for soldiers. The objective of this proposal is to investigate the use of certain some novel thermoplastic cartridge shell casings for small caliber ammunition. These chosen termoplastics have glass transition temperature in excess of 1500 C, moisture intake at saturation of less than 3% and tensile modulus variation of less than 15% over the temperature range from -550 C to 650 C.

TEXAS RESEARCH INSTITUTE AUSTIN, INC. 9063 Bee Caves Road Austin, TX 78733
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 263-2101 Mr. Brian Muskopf Army 03-044 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Polymers for Lightweight Small Arms Cartridge Cases
Abstract:	The modern U.S. Army warfighter is being tasked to carry additional gear into the field to enhance combat effectiveness with the penalty of an increased weight burden. Recent improvements in polymer material technology and manufacturing processes that would allow a lightweight polymer to be used as a cartridge case material would help alleviate a portion of this weight burden. Polymer materials are 5 to 7 times lighter than steel or brass and half the weight of aluminum. Polymer materials have additional benefits compared to metals such as long storage life with no corrosion, potentially lower material and fabrication costs, and potential improvement in insensitive munitions performance. Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. proposes to develop a lightweight, low cost, corrosion free polymer cartridge for small caliber ammunition that will function reliably in existing weapon systems and be capable of surviving the loads, pressures and temperatures experienced during the ballistic cycle. A polymer 5.56mm cartridge case will save over 1 lb of weight for every 100 rounds of ammunition compared to an equivalent brass cartridge case. This reduction in weight will allow U.S. Army soldiers to carry additional ammunition, or other equipment and supplies onto the field.

2PHASE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. P.O. Box 730, 33 River Vista Drive Dayton, NV 89403
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(408) 450-7900 Mr. Theodore Jacobson Army 03-045 Awarded: 05DEC03
Title:	Field-deployable, Reformable Tooling System for Repair, Replacement or Prototyping of Composite Structures
Abstract:	The use of reformable, reusable tooling can greatly reduce the time, cost and skills required for conventional tooling production, and no waste products are generated since the tooling materials themselves can be rapidly cycled from a hard tooling-capable state to a liquid-like state and back to the tool-capable state. We are proposing to create a new, lightweight, rapid tooling system for prototyping, field repair and depot-level manufacture / re-manufacture of composite components and structures. The proposed fieldable system will be based on a new class of low density state-change materials and on the development of a robust lightweight system that operates a new type of single-faced reformable "toolbed." The new materials, toolbed design and activating system will be mounted in a field-transportable tooling package proposed for development through this program. In the program's Phase III stage and beyond, the system will be further developed into a fieldable "manufacturing cell" for composites fabrication through the incorporation of features for vacuum debulking and vacuum bagged, temperature-regulated cure of parts.

LUNA INNOVATIONS, INC. 2851 Commerce Street Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(540) 953-4280 Dr. Martin Rogers Army 03-046 Awarded: 10DEC03
Title:	Breathable, Chemically Resistant Materials for Protective Clothing
Abstract:	Luna Innovations proposes to develop a cost effective, elastomeric material for lightweight breathable chemical protective clothing. Materials currently used for chemical protective clothing are either impermeable, leading to heat exhaustion, or based upon a permeable, absorptive technology, which is expensive and heavy. The proposed program involves 1) producing block copolymers based on poly(isobutylene) and an ionic segment 2) converting the block copolymers into an aqueous dispersion 3) casting films to demonstrate sufficient water permeation for breath-ability, resistance to chemical agents and mechanical properties necessary for use with flexible textile materials. The proposed elastomer is based on chemistries that can be readily scaled to produce large quantities for field testing and eventual commercialization. In addition, Luna has identified methods of making films from environmentally sound aqueous dispersions saving on the cost of handling, processing and waste disposal. This development will contribute to the Army's goal of producing clothing to protect personnel from lethal chemical agents while maintaining the comfort of the wearer.

NOVACOMP, INC. 3028 Welsh Road Mohnton, PA 19540
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(215) 219-0668 Mr. Jim Kaufmann Army 03-046 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Breathable, Chemical Resistant, Elastomeric Protective Clothing Material
Abstract:	The objective of our research proposal is to design, synthesize, fabricate and evaluate economical and lightweight breathable, chemical resistant, elastomeric protective composite fabrics suitable for use in chemical agent protective garment applications. Our primary focus will be on developing breathable membranes that allow for water vapor to be transported away from the body, while simultaneously blocking penetration of harmful substances in liquid and vapor form. New fabric technologies suitable for military combat will also be evaluated in parallel along with the most effective methodologies for combining the breathable membranes with these fabrics to create a composite fabric system suitable for use in chemical and biological protective materials applications. These materials and methodologies will be identified, defined and evaluated during our Phase 1 efforts. Phase 2 efforts will involve making pilot and pre-production quantities of selected composite fabrics for testing and evaluation as chemical and biological defense garments.

BRIMROSE CORP.OF AMERICA 5024 Campbell Blvd.,, Suite E Baltimore, MD 21236
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(410) 668-5800 Dr. Sudhir Trivedi Army 03-047 Awarded: 04DEC03
Title:	Long Wave Infrared Acousto-Optic Materials:Development of Novel Materials for the Fabrication of LWIR (8-12 micron)Acousto-optic Tunable Filters for I
Abstract:	We propose to develop novel anisotropic materials that can be used to fabricate acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF)-based spectral imaging systems in the LWIR (8 to 12 micron) spectral region. AOTF's are very attractive for multispectral and hyperspectral applications such as the detection of targets, backgrounds, and stand-off chemical and biological agents. Tellurium dioxide (TeO2) is the most commonly used AOTF material, and it has a spectral transmission range of 0.35-5.0 micron. However, chemical agent infrared absorption/emission primarily occurs in the 8-12 micron wavelength region. Currently, there is no technologically matured material for AOTF imaging in this wavelength range. Thus, we propose to investigate the mercurous halides (Hg2Cl2 and Hg2Br2) and tellurium (Te) for this purpose. These materials can be processed at relatively low temperatures, are nonhygroscopic, have high acousto-optic figure of merit (M2), high birefringence and relatively high transmission in the 8-12 micron spectral range. This long wave infrared (LWIR) region technology is relevant to the detection of buried mines and is an essential part of achieving the goals set forth in the Army's Third Generation Science and Technology Objective (STO).

COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 135 S. Taylor Avenue Louisville, CO 80027
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 604-2000 Mr. Gerard Pelk Army 03-048 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Ultra-Compact Doppler LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for Unmanned Aerial/Ground Vehicles
Abstract:	The rapid development UAVs and UGVs for the Future Combat System is producing requirements for remote sensing of volumetric winds and wind hazards such as wind shear, gusts, and clear air turbulence for safe and efficient vehicle operation. Mission specific parameters such as aerosol plume detection and tracking, terrain mapping, and helicopter rotor turbulence detection must also be measured. The UAV/UGV operating environment requires any operational sensor to be optimally compact, light-weight, and have low power consumption. In Phase I, CTI will develop requirements, specifications, and a system design for a UAV/UGV coherent Doppler Lidar system, focusing on modularity, compact size, and low power consumption. CTI will then leverage from previous work to demonstrate a novel agile-pulse laser technology, with electronic switching between a short-pulse mode for high-resolution terrain mapping with a 10-ns pulsewidth, to a long-pulse mode for wind sensing with pulsewidth electronically adjustable in the range 100 to 400 ns. This agile-pulse capability will allow a single laser to be electronically configured for optimal measurement of a parameter. In Phase I, CTI will also demonstrate a unique proprietary lidar cavity, which will allow small, light-weight, reliable, and rugged transceivers to be built. The agile-pulse laser and the cavity architecture will form the foundation for the ultra-compact Doppler lidar for UAV/UGV. In Phase II, the design for a prototype sensor will be completed. The prototype sensor will then be fabricated, tested, and a performance analysis conducted.

FIBERTEK, INC. 510 Herndon Parkway Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 471-7671 Dr. William Torruellas Army 03-048 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Ultra-Compact Doppler LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for Unmanned Aerial/Ground Vehicles
Abstract:	The availability of moderate power fiber lasers and amplifiers has made possible the demonstration of compact Laser Radar systems in the eye safe spectral region. These systems benefit primarily from the high repetition rates afforded by the ideal thermal management in optical fibers allowing very good optical beam and pulse fidelities. For un-manned airborne vehicles to become cost effective and have reliable performance they will require avionic systems for landing and take-off that will be insensitive to sudden weather changes. As a result a compact and rugged solution with a low entry cost is required to limit the number of crashes at landing and take off of UAVs. Under this SBIR we propose to demonstrate a multi-purpose (Doppler-DIAL-DAS), compact coherent detection system that will eventually be tunable in the important eye safe spectral range. This range is relevant for both air and ground vehicles since it affords relative eye safety. In particular we will demonstrate the feasibility of detecting wind-shears and simultaneously perform differential absorption measurements with an all-fiber based transmitter-receiver system. This approach will result in a compact, cost competitive Doppler Lidar system.

GCAS, INC. 1531 Grand Avenue, Suite A San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(760) 591-4227 Mr. Leland Smith Army 03-049 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Blast and Shock Damage Analysis
Abstract:	This proposal presents a program for the development of a system that will characterize vehicle blast response in terms of vehicle equipment fragility. This system will interface to the MUVES-S2 modeling suite. Integration of this system will involve several specific tasks. A hardware system will be defined to measure and capture blast response. A transducer location and data analysis strategy will be identified to best relate measured acceleration data to equipment fragility. A strategy for defining equipment fragility will be identified. Utilizing these tools software will be developed to interface the data into the MUVES-S2 suite so as to provide blast definition in terms of equipment fragility thresholds.

INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION, INC. 7519 Standish Place, Suite 200 Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 294-5238 Dr. Chiman Kwan Army 03-050 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	A Novel Heavy Traffic Approach to Stochastic Optimal Control of Mobile Communications
Abstract:	Balancing high throughput with head-of-the-line wait time for queued data requires explicit stochastic process modeling of the time variations of the channel and the complex queuing process. However, such process models are too complicated for a direct solution. In this proposal, Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) and its subcontractor, Prof. Robert Buche of the North Carolina State University, propose a novel heavy traffic approach to optimal stochastic control of mobile communications. Under the heavy traffic assumption and scaling, one can arrive at a limit system described by a stochastic differential equation (with reflection and/or jumps), which approximates the actual system. Based on the limit system, we can obtain the control by using the powerful novel numerical methods originally proposed by Kushner and Dupuis. Some other advantages of the proposed stochastic control design approach include: First, the controls obtained from the heavy traffic analysis are effective in the practical system, even operating far from the heavy traffic regime. Second, the heavy traffic modeling is general enough to handle a variety of configurations including TDMA, channel estimation, etc. Third, the proposed admission control design is independent of power control. Fourth, the proposed numerical methods sound and it has been theoretically justified by the convergence proofs.

SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS CO., INC. 500 West Cummings Park - Ste 3000 Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 933-5355 Dr. R. Prasanth Army 03-050 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Research and Development of Stochastic Optimal Control Algorithms for Mobile Communications Systems
Abstract:	The overall objective of the effort (Phase I and Phase II) is to utilize Stochastic Optimal Control (SOC) techniques to derive and evaluate scheduling algorithms for Mobile Communication Systems. SOC techniques were recently employed to establish the optimality of the widely used Proportional Fair Sharing (PFS) scheduling algorithm under idealized conditions -- one single base station, unique service class and heavy traffic in all transmitters. This result provides an important link between well established SOC methods at one side and the practice of Mobile Communication Systems at the other side. We will use these developments as our starting point in Phase I, and investigate the possibility of extending these results when one or more of these assumptions are not met. Phase I will be focused in the scheduling problem only, using analytical techniques to: (1) investigate the performance of PFS under more general conditions, and (2) modifying PFS for improved performance. Limited numerical experiments will be performed to validate the theoretical developments. The most promising physical layer schemes derived in Phase I will be combined into a full protocol stack for High Rate Packet Data Systems in Phase II. We will focus our developments in the IS-856/CDMA2000 protocols, seeking the development of algorithms compatible with the emerging Third Generation Wireless Technologies. Northrop-Grumman Information Technology will be a subcontractor in the effort, providing expertise in the tactical operation of mobile networks. Professors Harold Kushner (Brown University), John Tsitsiklis (MIT) and Sanjoy Mitter (MIT) will serve as consultants, working with SSCI in the development of control theoretic methods for scheduler analysis and design.

GIBBARD RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORP. P. O. Box 6191 Haverhill, MA 01831
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(973) 325-1504 Dr. Arthur Kaufman Army 03-051 Awarded: 15DEC03
Title:	Mixed-Feed Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Abstract:	The Army's need for high energy-density, lightweight power sources gives incentive to the search for creative fuel cell concepts and approaches that can potentially reduce size, weight, and complexity. Success in such efforts would certainly have significant spin-off opportunities in the commercial sector, such as in medical devices, computer hardware, and recreational needs. The mixed reactant feed approach in direct-methanol fuel cells has attractive potential in light of the fact that it could reduce size and weight associated with fluid delivery devices, manifolding, and sealing. The proposed project is intended to explore the cell/stack and system design opportunities associated with mixed-feed, with the objective of laying the groundwork for substantial improvement in size and weight parameters for the system power and energy required. The overall technical goal is to meet the Army's size and weight requirements for a 20-watt, 1-kWh power source during Phase II. The objectives of the project are: a) to identify and deploy selective cathode catalysts/electrodes that demonstrate enhanced activity/performance in methanol-air mixed-feed fuel cell stacks and b) to investigate, optimize, and implement a novel stack design concept that yields substantially reduced size and weight in relation to those of conventional DMFC stacks

MESOSCOPIC DEVICES, LLC 510 Compton Street, Suite 106 Broomfield, CO 80020
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 466-6968 Dr. Jerry Martin Army 03-051 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Portable DMFC using mixed-reactants
Abstract:	Mesoscopic Devices proposes to develop an advanced direct methanol fuel cell generator using mixed reactant technology. Our approach combines an advanced compact mixed-reactant stack with a tightly integrated balance of plant specifically configured to take advantage of the unique characteristics of mixed-reactant DMFC stacks. The combination of the mixed-reactant stack with the innovative BOP design will allow simultaneous increases in the power density and reductions in cost. The proposed design is significantly simpler and more compact than conventional DMFC designs. In Phase I, the feasibility of the innovative approach will be demonstrated through fabrication of mixed-reactant stacks and design of a complete power generator including all components of the unique balance of plant.

TDA RESEARCH, INC. 12345 W. 52nd Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 940-2355 Dr. William Bell Army 03-052 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Catalytic Coatings for Chemical Protection
Abstract:	The U.S. military must be prepared to operate in an environment contaminated by chemical warfare (CW) or biological warfare (BW) agents. Currently, chemically contaminated hardware is decontaminated either with the highly caustic and corrosive DS2 or with peroxide foam decontaminants. Either approach necessitates carrying sufficient decontaminant to forward bases, and therefore presents an additional logistics burden. Furthermore, even decontaminated items may retain some agent especially around seams, and in time the trapped agent may diffuse out of the coating (desorb), exposing soldiers to additional hazards and activating alarm systems. An ideal protective system would modify the surface of critical materials so that they offer protection from CW and BW agents at all times, with no additional operational or logistics burden. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes to develop a reactive coating to spontaneously detoxify chemical weapons under ambient conditions, focusing in Phase I on developing a robust catalyst for the hydrolytic detoxification of nerve agents, particularly agent VX. In Phase I we will synthesize new catalytic materials capable of detoxifying agent VX. We will then demonstrate that these new catalysts, and oxidative catalysts for detoxification of agent HD, can be incorporated into coatings as required for military vehicles.

SEACOAST SCIENCE, INC. 2410 La Macarena Carlsbad, CA 92009
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(760) 473-8602 Dr. Todd Mlsna Army 03-053 Awarded: 15DEC03
Title:	Detection of Drugs/Narcotics and Processing Components Using
Abstract:	Seacoast Science proposes to fabricate a detector that meets all the requirements to serve as a system for sniffing out illicit drug processing laboratories. The system includes a chemical sensor array selective and sensitive to the volatile chemicals commonly used in drug synthesis, a radio for wireless communication and a small, rugged, lightweight, low-power system designed for long-term battery operation. Our MEMS chemicapacitor technology utilizes an array of surface micromachined capacitors, coated with chemoselective polymer coatings optimized for volatile chemicals such as ketones, alcohols and hydrocarbons. These and similar chemicals are commonly used in drug processing. Its exceptionally low power consumption, inexpensive production cost and robustness allow our detector to operate under battery power for up to 6 months. In Phase I we will test our sensors by exposing them to common drug processing chemicals at appropriate concentrations under a range of environmental conditions. This 6 month Phase will result in a demonstration of a detector package consisting of three sensor units that will be able to transmit concentration levels of chemicals wirelessly. Operationally these detector systems will be small enough to be used clandestinely at suspected lab locations and cheap enough for widespread distribution.

CERES, INC. 3007 Malibu Canyon Road Malibu, CA 90265
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 317-8961 Dr. Chuan-Yin Wu Army 03-054 Selected for Award
Title:	Large Scale Biomaterial Production
Abstract:	The engineering of food crops such as corn or rice to produce proteins has significant commercial potential. Very high levels of protein can be produced at a relatively low cost with a relatively long shelf life. In addition, for medical applications the use of cereal grains such as corn or rice as a source is deemed safe. Ceres has developed a system to enhance the production efficacy of proteins in cereal grain. Included in the system are expression amplification, pollen and progeny control systems and detection systems for rapid testing to verify the genotype. The system consists of two genetic components or lines, a target line and an activation line. The target line is male sterile, i.e. it cannot produce pollen. It will function as the female in a cross. The activation line is male fertile and expresses a transcription factor targeted to the desired cells, but no other foreign genes. It functions as the male in a cross. The target line contains the gene(s) of interest, a Ceres proprietary plant gene to make the progeny nonviable and a marker gene. Target genes are expressed, and target proteins are produced, only in the grain.

FOSTER-MILLER, INC. 350 Second Ave. Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 684-4174 Dr. Vladimir Guilmanov Army 03-054 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Large Scale Production of Spider Silk by Immortalized Spider Cells
Abstract:	Despite a decade of active research into cloning and expression of spider silk, no adequate solution has been found to the production of significant quantities of these proteins, especially for broader markets and materials applications. Two options that address the need for increased spider silk production, namely overcoming production limitations in engineered cells and scaling up production of low producing systems, do not offer sufficient advantages for further development. Foster-Miller, in collaboration with Tufts University, proposes an alternative approach that is based on generating stable cell lines that originate from silk producing spider glands via a spontaneous mutation process during continuous culture, viral transfection, and by telomerase immortalization. Retention of natural silk productivity in immortalized cells will be targeted. The proposed work for the Phase I base program involves generating and characterizing immortalized spider silk producing cells, producing a representative batch of silk protein solution, and evaluating properties of the protein excreted by spider cell lines. The technological parameters of silk protein production will be optimized in the option program. Nexia Biotechnologies, Inc., a world leader in the manufacture of recombinant silk proteins, has agreed to assist the proposing team in the commercialization of the proposed process. (P-030567)

ALPHATECH, INC. 6 New England Executive Park Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 273-3388 Dr. Brian DeCleene Army 03-055 Awarded: 04DEC03
Title:	Cross-Layer Protocols for Energy Efficient Wireless Sensor Networking (CrossNet)
Abstract:	The goal of this Phase 1 SBIR is to refine and evaluate an integrated cross-layer wireless networking protocol suite that spans OSI layers 2 (link) through 4 (transport) and reduces energy consumption in sensor networks. Early analysis suggests that an order of magnitude reduction in energy consumption over traditional approaches is achievable for typical UGS scenarios by combining services across layers. Our innovation combines novel extensions in link-layer MAC scheduling and hop-by-hop repair services with recent network layer research in minimum energy diversity routing. The link-layer services may also be used to control power modes of emerging radios for further cross-layer performance gains. In all, the combination promises to eliminate major sources of energy consumption including idle listening, control signaling, congestion hot-spots, and packet retransmissions due to channel errors. The approach leverages our existing sensor network simulation testbed developed under NSF funding to evaluate the energy, throughput, and latency performance against alternative solutions. The technology developed under this SBIR is anticipated to have broad application to army sensor networks as well as public commercial wireless systems and plant automation.

TIME DOMAIN CORP. 7057 Old Madison Pike Huntsville, AL 35806
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(256) 428-6495 Mr. Larry Fullerton Army 03-056 Awarded: 15DEC03
Title:	Man Portable Personnel Detection Device for MOUT
Abstract:	This project demonstrates the feasibility of fusing ultra wideband (UWB) radar and acoustic sensors to produce a high performing man portable personnel detection device for MOUT. Time Domain Corporation (TDC) has developed RadarVision�, a commercially available, handheld, battery-operated, synthetic aperture UWB through-wall motion imaging device. This device rapidly indicates and displays sources of motion behind walls. An ongoing Air Force contract will deliver enhanced features needed for MOUT applications. UWB penetrates concrete, sheetrock, wood, plaster, tile and fiberglass, but it is blocked by solid metal and metal coated objects. Since acoustic energy does travel through metal, fusing a sonic sensor with RadarVision would provide additional capability to sense through metallic barriers. In this project, TDC will investigate how UWB-enabled radars and sonic devices operate independently in similar motion-detection scenarios. The company will fabricate, test and demonstrate an acoustic sensor testbed, define a prototype radar-sonic fused system, and predict fused sensor performance. If Phase I results show sufficient improvements in performance, in Phase II TDC will assemble and test an integrated, dual-sensor system for evaluation by DoD in MOUT scenarios. The sonic enhancement could also be incorporated into TDC's commercial product for use by law enforcement and search and rescue teams.

NLIGHT PHOTONICS 5408 NE 88th Street, Bldg E Vancouver, WA 98665
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(360) 566-4466 Mr. Zack Huang Army 03-057 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	High Power, High Efficiency Diode Sources for Pumping Eye-Safe Solid State Lasers
Abstract:	High power eyesafe lasers are crucial for many military and industrial applications. Erbium doped lasers offer the potential for direct laser operation at 1.5 microns thereby reduces the size and cost and improving the efficiency of today' frequency converted one-micron lasers. Diode pumped Erbium lasers are typically pumped at 980-nm. The large quantum defect between the lasing wavelength and the pump wavelength leaves roughly 30% of the deposited energy as heat. For example, a 1-kW Erbium laser would require at least 500 Watts of heat to be removed. This amount of heat not only effects laser performance, it also requires a large thermal management system that adds size, weight, and cost to the system. A similar laser that was pumped at 1470-nm would require a factor of ten less heat to be removed. Unfortunately, today's high power InP diode lasers operating at 1470-nm produce less power and are less efficient 980-nm laser diodes. This is primarily a result of a dramatically lower differential quantum efficiency that results from both lower injection efficiency and higher optical losses. With a novel epitaxial structure we propose to improve the overall efficiency of high power 1470-nm InP based laser diodes to over 40%.

INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION, INC. 7519 Standish Place, Suite 200 Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 294-5229 Dr. Eric Doorn Army 03-058 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Flexible UHF Chaotic Devices for Radar Applications
Abstract:	We propose to develop ultra-high-frequency optical and electronic chaotic devices that offer great flexibility. In Phase I, we will design one optical and one electronic chaotic device whose central frequency can be adjusted in the range from 1- 50 GHz and the dimensionality can be adjusted from low (~3) to high (>50) values. We will develop mathematical models that incorporate the detailed characteristics of the device components that are crucial in understanding the high-frequency characteristics of the devices, delineate the nature of the chaotic behavior and how it depends on the device's characteristics, and specify manufacturing parameters. A unique aspect of the proposed devices is that the time scale and "complexity" of the chaotic waveforms can be adjusted over a wide range so their performance can be matched to a variety of applications. Recent progress at Duke University demonstrates the feasibility of controlling chaos in high-bandwidth systems even when the latency is comparable to the characteristic time scales of the chaotic device. Adjustments to our controller allows for controlling different UPOs embedded in the chaotic system, which could be used for symbolic-dynamic-based communication schemes. Such communication schemes possess inherent advantages for efficient use of bandwidth, and feasibility of robust encryption.

PHASEBRIDGE, INC. 859 S. Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(626) 304-7610 Dr. Kunal Kishore Army 03-059 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Compact Submillimeter-Wave Sources and Detectors for Biological and Chemical Spectroscopy
Abstract:	This SBIR Phase I project addresses the challenge of minimizing the size, weight and power consumption of a frequency domain THz spectrometer operating in the 0.3THz to 3THz range. Traditional solutions are larger and heavier than necessary since they rely on assembling optical sub-systems by using separately packaged commercial components, or by using general-purpose commercial grade optical mounts. Reducing the size and weight of a THz spectrometer will require advanced assembly techniques that are currently under development at Phasebridge and a small handful of other companies and research groups. This proposal makes the case that the design of the THz spectrometer should be relatively straightforward and can be accomplished in Phase I, and the advanced manufacturing techniques can be introduced in subsequent phases. The challenges in Phase I involve defining the system architecture and identifying the optical and signal processing components that would be part of the compact THz spectrometer system. A successful Phase I will fully establish feasibility of achieving these goals using Phasebridge's hybrid packaging technology. Owing to the mature state of the packaging technology at Phasebridge the prototype for Phase II can be built directly after the successful completion of Phase I.

VIRGINIA DIODES, INC. 321 West Main Street Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(434) 297-3257 Dr. David Porterfield Army 03-059 Awarded: 05DEC03
Title:	Compact Submillimeter-Wave Spectrometers for Biological and Chemical Sensing
Abstract:	The goal of this proposal is to develop frequency domain terahertz spectrometers for chemical and biological sensing based on compact and reliable all-solid-state components. VDI's novel integration technology allows full waveguide band performance without mechanical tuners as well as unprecedented source power and detector sensivity for room temperature operation. A prototype spectrometer will be developed and tested with precalibrated samples. The spectrometer technology will be shown to be highly compact and portable.

SAFETY DYNAMICS 701 Harger Road, First Floor Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(630) 240-1804 Mr. Sandy Biggam Army 03-060 Awarded: 29DEC03
Title:	Personnel Detection and Warning Systems for Perimeter, Ambush, and Casualty Detection.
Abstract:	Each sound and odor has a distinct signature which when detected amidst high noise conditions can offer a superior level of protection and knowledge. Over the last six years, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and DARPA have funded research at University of Southern California and Tufts University Medical School on advanced neural networking algorithms (Dynamic Synapse Neural Network - DSNN) to discriminate voice amid high noise environments; and on detection of buried landmines based upon their vapor phase chemical signature respectively. CogniScent and Safety Dynamics are commercializing the results of the research, and under this SBIR will focus on two major achievements. The first is to identify and design a smart detection around one each representative sound and smell in a battlefield environment; and second, design a mobile, light weight, networked version of the "ears" and "nose" that can be carried into battle by soldiers.

KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS RESEARCH, LLC 3857 Birch Street, #618 Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(949) 302-7888 Dr. Zhidong Han Army 03-061 Awarded: 15DEC03
Title:	INTEGRATED COMPUTATIONAL ALGORITHMS TO TREAT FRACTURE AND FRAGMENTATION: Development of Software, Based on the Truly Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin (M
Abstract:	The objective of the proposed research and development is to develop integrated computational algorithms, and attendant software, to treat fracture and fragmentation of brittle as well as ductile materials, using the Meshless Local Petrov Galerkin nmethod, which is a new pardigm in computational mechanics. The object of Phase I is to develop a three-dimensional code based on the MLPG method. The code will be thoroughly validated through simulations of static and dynamic problems for which analytical and other numerical solutions exist. These problems include: The Boussinesq problem; The Eshelby problem; The problem of non-planar three-dimensional fatigue crack growth in an elastic-plastic solid; and The dynamic Hertzian contact problem

ADVANCED ELECTROMAGNETICS 4516 Stockbridge Ave NW Albuquerque, NM 87120
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(505) 897-4741 Dr. Edgar Coffey Army 03-062 Awarded: 15DEC03
Title:	Integrated Information Interface for Electromagnetic Modeling and Simulation Tools
Abstract:	This work will extend and revise the design of the Computational Electromagnetic Framework to provide graphical user interface and pre- and post-processing capabilities to a variety of computational electromagnetic (CEM) software products for accurate and rapid design and prototyping for a variety of practical real-world DoD electromagnetic problems. Five Framework components are proposed: a model builder in which users describe the geometrical structure and have it translated into EM models; an application builder, in which users construct the "scene" to be simulated, complete with environment, sources, observables, geometries, etc.; a post-processor by which users format, manipulate, and visualize electromagnetic and engineering results, a database into which all models and results are restored and from which they are retrieved; and a Remote Software Management Console, from which a suite of CEM codes - perhaps residing on different computers - can be programmed, executed, and result retrieved.

ENTHOUGHT, INC. 515 Congress Avenue, Suite 1614 Austin, TX 78701
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 536-1057 Dr. Eric Jones Army 03-062 Awarded: 15DEC03
Title:	Integrated Information Interface for Electromagnetic Modeling and Simulation Tools
Abstract:	Recent advances in electromagnetic algorithms such as the Multi-level Fast Multipole Algorithm (MLFMA) provide rigorous and efficient full-wave analysis of arbitrary PEC and dielectric structures with principle dimensions many wavelengths in length. This proposal is to take a suite of such algorithms developed under 6.1 ARO support at Duke University and wrap them in a common user interface that simplifies their use and provides a means for end users to script the user interface as well as underlying algorithms. The scripting interface is a key element that provides a capability sorely lacking in most Graphical User Interface (GUI) based scientific software built today - the ability for end users to extend an application's functionality beyond the features that were embedded by the original developers. This scripting capability will be integrated into an intuitive user interface designed by a team including electromagnetic experts, human-computer interface (HCI) specialists, technical writers, and experienced computer scientists. Together they will integrate state-of-the-art 2d and 3d visualization techniques with the best practices in UI design to deliver an application that supports the aggressive schedule for technology insertion into the Future Combat Systems for the Objective Force.

QUANTUM APPLIED SCIENCE & RESEARCH, INC. 5764 Pacific Center Blvd, Suite 107 San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(858) 373-0832 Dr. Robert Matthews Army 03-063 Awarded: 03DEC03
Title:	Remote Neurological Measurement and Sensing
Abstract:	This program combines state-of-the-art research into the determination of cognitive state and autonomic arousal with a recent breakthrough in electrophysiologic sensors. The sensor breakthrough enables accurate measurement of bioelectric signals without close contact to the skin, and opens up the possibility of a wearable (e.g. through clothing) sensor suite for operational environments. Additional data from respiration obtained via the Vivometrics "Lifeshirt" system, and conventional galvanic skin response, will be included. The goal of Phase I is to identify sensors combinations that can be used as inputs to algorithms (gauges) to assess cognitive state and cognitive capacity under high stress conditions. In Phase I we will project how well existing methods for determining cognitive state can be expected to work under conditions of high mental and physical stress. We will also measure the level of noise and artifacts when the candidate sensors are used on subjects undergoing high physical stress. In Phase II, a functional prototype including the sensor array and all algorithms will be demonstrated. The target configuration for the Phase II system is a small array of the new bioelectrodes mounted on the inside of a helmet with additional respiration and skin sensors as needed...

TIAX LLC Acorn Park Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(617) 498-5773 Mr. Ned Sahin Army 03-063 Awarded: 03DEC03
Title:	SENSORS: System for Evaluating Neurological Stress with Objective and Remote Sensors
Abstract:	The primary goal of this work is to develop an objective, wearable and robust medical data sensing and processing system, to remotely assess warfighter stress level and cognitive state. The experience of United States Army and much medical research show that types of neurological stress can greatly impede human performance, thus the Army seeks ways of reducing the cognitive workload on warfighters. During Research Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) exercises, candidate military equipment and systems must be evaluated for how well they inform and facilitate warfighter decision-making during combat situations, and reduce stress and cognitive workload. Currently there is no objective means to evaluate cognitive state, nor therefore a human-machine interface. TIAX, in collaboration with Harvard Medical School and MIT researchers, proposes to research and build a medical sensor array worn by the warfighter during battle or simulation, to broadcast neurological data. Phase I will involve an interactive feasibility study of neurological measures and their supporting methods, followed by a Phase I option for systems integration and data reduction algorithms, leading to a Phase II construction of a system for warfighter use, and spawning Phase III commercialization of derivative products for critical staff monitoring, trucker alertness and lie detection.

BOULDER NONLINEAR SYSTEMS, INC. 450 Courtney Way, Unit 107 Lafayette, CO 80026
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 604-0077 Mr. Steve Serati Army 03-064 Selected for Award
Title:	A Liquid-Crystal on Silicon Infrared Scene Projector
Abstract:	This proposal outlines the research and development of a novel infrared scene projection system based on Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) technology. This technology combines the light modulating capabilities of liquid crystal with the compact, active electronics of VLSI circuitry. The result is a mass-producible, inexpensive, compact, low-power, high frame rate device. This proposal addresses the limitations of current visible LCoS-SLM technology in meeting the needs of an IR scene projector, and proposes an approach for the development of a multi-purpose VLSI backplane that is suitable for use in both the visible and IR. When combined with IR appropriate materials, the result is an inexpensive device that is reconfigurable.

PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP. Electro-Optics & Holography Division, 20600 Gramer Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 320-3088 Dr. Tin Aye Army 03-064 Selected for Award
Title:	Advanced Visible-to-Infrared Dynamic Projector for Testing Imaging Sensors
Abstract:	The Army is seeking development of an electro-optical/infrared projector for simultaneous testing of multiband suites of sensors - - visible, MWIR, FLIR, and LWIR. To meet this Army need, POC proposes to develop a new Advanced Visible-to-Infrared Dynamic (AVID) projector based on deformable surface elements placed over a MEMS chip. This device will project high-spatial-resolution dynamic scenes spanning the spectral range from visible to long wave infrared. The proposed AVID projector will have spatial resolution of 1240 x 1820, spectral bandwidth of 0.4-14 microns and amplitude resolution of 14 bits with variable dynamic range control. It will be flicker free, and sufficiently portable to operate on a mobile platform. The Phase I feasibility of the approach will be proven by simulation, followed by fabrication and testing of a working model. The Phase II prototype will have full functionality. This prototype will be the basis for several products and applications.

OPTO-KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS, INC. 4030 Spencer St, Suite 108 Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 371-4445 Dr. Nahum Gat Army 03-065 Selected for Award
Title:	Variable Aperture Cold-Stop for Multiple f-number Optics
Abstract:	We propose to implement a simple continuously variable iris mechanism for operation at cryogenic temperatures. The iris is designed to function as a variable cold stop on an existing camera system in use by the Army Test and Evaluation Center (ATEC). The proposed device is based on a similar variable cold stops for SADA and pour-fill dewars that is under development by Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc. (OKSI) (this technology currently has patent pending status). OKSI's has the experience and ability to quickly move beyond the Phase I objectives, as defined by the ATEC solicitation, and begin addressing Phase-II goals in a relatively short amount of time. Under Phase-I we will develop and demonstrate a variable cold-stop for use with an existing camera in use by ATEC. During the Phase-I Option we will implement the variable cold stop in the same camera, and support the Army during a field test use of the new system. Under Phase-II we will address issues such as data collection and transfer rates, as well as, fine tune hardware items such as the optical train.

IMPACT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 125 Tech Park Drive Rochester, NY 14623
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(585) 424-1990 Dr. Michael Roemer Army 03-066 Awarded: 10DEC03
Title:	Software Agents for Airspace Management and Deconfliction of Networked UAVs
Abstract:	Impact Technologies, in collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology and Boeing Phantom Works, proposes the development of an agent-based software for airspace management and deconfliction of networked unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) to optimize UAV performance while still assuring stability and robustness concerns. Specifically, this project will consist of 1) Trade studies to identify best methods and technologies for SUAV airspace management and deconfliction using Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Morphological Matrix, Pugh Concept Selection Matrix, and Multi-Attribute Decision Matrix (MADM) techniques; 2) Development of a novel architecture and algorithms for the coordinated control of multiple UAVs whose primary task is to execute critical missions faithfully and reliably while satisfying local survivability conditions; 3) Specification of an integrated software architecture for networked UAV modeling, flight control, contingency management, and mission management design; 4) Integration of intelligent agents and distributed object-based computing using GA Tech's Open Control Platform (OCP) for optimization of the entire networked UAV's operation; and 5) Software demonstration of the developed technology on a UAV swarm under various mission scenarios and with the occurrence of un-planned events.

ISX CORP. 760 Paseo Camarillo, Ste. 401 Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(678) 581-2000 Mr. David Brackle Army 03-066 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Airspace Management and Deconfliction of Networked UAV
Abstract:	ISX Corporation, in cooperation with SRI International, proposes a research effort to develop a UAV Airspace Management System (UAMS). UAMS will use advanced artificial intelligence techniques for airspace plan generation and repair in a network aware communications framework. UAMS will consist of 2 major components. One component, the UAMS Planner, will handle plan generation and monitoring. The other component, the UAMS Information Dissemination Layer (UIDL), will handle coordinating communications necessary for airspace control. The UAMS Planner will implement AI reasoning procedures for Airspace plan generation, monitoring and repair. The UIDL will implement an agent-based framework for intelligent information dissemination based on the DAIDS effort. The UIDL will have the following functions: Dynamic team formation Dissemination policy generation. Communications adaptation. UAMS will use the most advanced AI techniques available in generating, monitoring, and repairing UAV airspace management plans. The quality of the generated plans and the ability to rapidly detect and fix conflicts will allow the highest degree of flexibility in UAV operations possible. It will use a software agent-based intelligent information exchange framework to minimize the amount of bandwidth required for airspace coordination, and will be adaptable to support centralized, distributed, or hybrid control protocols

MIDE TECHNOLOGY CORP. 200 Boston Avenue Suite 1000 Medford, MA 02155
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 306-0609 Dr. Carl Blaurock Army 03-067 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	SMA Active Rotor Trim Tab
Abstract:	Mid� proposes to build an on-blade active trim tab using Shape Memory Alloys. SMAs are active materials that undergo a phase change from martensitic to austenitic form when heated. The materials can be trained to a specific shape in the austenitic phase. When heated, the material will recover the trained shape. Since the modulus in the austenitic phase is relatively high, the force exerted is large. The specific energy in the device is very high, and the form factor is small, since the actuator consists in essence of a wire bundle. The proposed actuator is a self-locking device so that no power is required to hold a trim tab set point, and the failure modes are benign. A fixed-frame control system is used to set tab position, so that the system requires no fixed/rotating frame data transfer.

ISX CORP. 760 Paseo Camarillo, Ste. 401 Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(678) 581-2000 Mr. David Brackle Army 03-068 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Dismounted Small Unmanned Air Vehicle (SUAV) Associate
Abstract:	GUAVA will provide a PDA-based associate system for the dismounted soldier operating a small UAV. This system will augment the soldier in the field to realize a force multiplier benefit through assistance with effective UAV employment. As an associate system for the dismounted soldier, GUAVA will be cognizant of the operator's plans, goals, and situation. In particular, GUAVA will interpret a set of succinct commands such as "cover me" or "search along my route" and translate them into commands for the UAV. GUAVA will also be aware of what kind of tactical data is of the greatest interest to the soldier and will alert him appropriately when it is received. GUAVA will include a suite of agents based on ATL's Autonomy software. These agents will increase the autonomy level of the UAV/PDA GUAVA pair by providing system monitoring, analysis, diagnosis, capability assessment, and mission impact capability. GUAVA will use the Distributed Agent-Based Information Dissemination System (DAIDS) developed by ISX and ATL for AATD. GUAVA will use dissemination policies to determine the priority of tactical data, status messages, and control commands for exchange using the tactical data link.

KUTTA CONSULTING, INC. 2525 W. Greenway Road, Suite 332 Phoenix, AZ 85023
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(602) 896-1976 Mr. Douglas Limbaugh Army 03-068 Awarded: 09DEC03
Title:	Dismounted Small Unmanned Air Vehicle (SUAV) Associate
Abstract:	Kutta will use a proven methodology, input form an impressive list of partners, and its internal avionics software expertise to define the functions and determine the specifications for an SUAV dismounted associate. The company's iterative rational unified process identifies, rationalizes and details the system's functions. In the first stages of this process, partners' (including the developer of the Rotorcraft Pilots Associate and FCS integrator, The Boeing Company, Army Aviation, Department of Homeland Defense, and local law enforcement) will identify and prioritize potential associate functions. In the second stage, Kutta will rationalize the identified functions using its partners feedback and a risk / benefit analysis. In the third stage, Kutta will detail the selected functions and develop software specifications using its expertise in developing high-reliability certifiable avionics software. In the final stage, Kutta will produce a dismounted associate Software Requirements Specification (SRS) that includes optimum set of "standard" functions, such as waypoint entry, and "novel" functions, such as a real-time video annotation system that stores information about any identified enemy assets on a situational map. The SRS captures design information and lays the groundwork for the UML modeling, software development, and prototype testing needed in Fast Track or Phase 2 efforts.

ADVANCED PROJECTS RESEARCH, INC. 1925 McKinley Avenue, Suite B La Verne, CA 91750
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(909) 392-3155 Dr. Thomas Sobota Army 03-069 Awarded: 10DEC03
Title:	Inter-Turbine Burners for Improved Part Power Performance of Turboshaft Engines.
Abstract:	he use of an inter-turbine burner for improving the part power performance of small turboshaft engines in proposed. An inter-turbine burner is a second combustor placed between the gas generator exit and the power turbine to "reheat" the engine gas stream before it enters the power turbine. The inter-turbine burner is used to increase engine power at the maximum power setting permitting the core engine to be run closer to its design condition at part power settings. Cycle analysis shows significant improvement in engine power with an accompanying increase in specific fuel consumption at the full power condition. The part power specific fuel consumption improves by significant at power levels below half of the maximum power. This improve specific fuel consumption at part power settings will reduce fuel consumption during the cruise/loiter segments of the UAV mission. Thus there is a net benefit to time-on-station, provided that the cruise/loiter segment is long compared to the take-off and climb segments. The increased specific thrust of the turboshaft engine with an inter-turbine burner results in a lighter engine for the same maximum power.

CANDENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 8725 Sturgeon Bay Ln. Indianapolis, IN 46036
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(317) 514-5571 Mr. Emanuel Papandreas Army 03-069 Awarded: 08DEC03
Title:	Advanced High Pressure Ratio Low Cost Turbine Engine
Abstract:	Candent Technologies has proposed a high performance small turbine engine capable of achieving significant improvements in specific fuel consumption. By means of a unique configuration, the engine is able to attain improved fuel consumption at part power conditions. The unique configuration, along with an optimized thermodynamic cycle, also promises to reduce the cost, overall weight and size of the engine. The ratings, performance characteristics, and physical size of the engine make it ideally suited for a wide range of both military and commercial applications. The Phase I program performs the preliminary design of a demonstrator engine, with the Phase II program producing a concept demonstrator prototype.

MONTEREY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 24600 Silver Cloud Court, Suite 103 Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 697-7930 Mr. Thomas Sharkey Army 03-070 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Merging Sensor and Stored Terrain Database Data for Rotorcraft Poor Visibility Weather Operations
Abstract:	A joint venture team consisting of three small businesses, Monterey Technologies, Inc. (MTI), Nav3D, and AIREYES, will perform this work. The ultimate goal of the team is to produce a functional, Integrated Multi-sensor Synthetic Imagery System (IMSIS) that merges information from radar, IR, and other sensors and a terrain data base to produce a synthetic image of the scene on a panel-mounted display. The inclusion of real-time radar and other sensor information in the IMSIS display compensates for the inability of a Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) to display detailed, current obstacle information relevant to Army helicopter operations, e.g., trees and wires, recent battle debris. The Phase I work will produce one or more animated displays illustrating the IMSIS display design to demonstrate the capability to present, and the effectiveness of, imagery from merged sensor and terrain database information. The design goal is a rotorcraft display to allow the pilot to easily interpret and avoid flight path obstacles while maintaining overall awareness of the aircraft and the environment in currently unflyable visibility conditions. Avoiding SVS perceptual capture is another design goal. The team has already produced displays that combine fuse sensor information and synthetic terrain imagery for fixed wing operations.

ACELLENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 155C-3 Moffett Park Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(408) 745-1188 Dr. Shawn Beard Army 03-071 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Fatigue crack detection using built-in Sensor Cluster Network
Abstract:	The performance and behavior characteristics of nearly all in-service structures can be affected by degradation resulting from sustained use as well as from exposure to severe environmental conditions. Condition awareness of structures in (near) real-time is therefore an important factor that can limit or extend their service life. Acellent Technologies proposes to develop an innovative one-of-a-kind system that will combine Acellent's current single-element SMART Layer actuator/sensor network together with multi-element phased arrays to produce a Sensor Cluster Network that has been geometrically optimized to (a) Quantitatively assess structural damage such as cracks due to fatigue, (b) Identify damage in inaccessible areas of rotorcraft structures, (c) Characterize damage growth, and (d) Provide an image of the damage size and orientation. The basis for the development will be Acellent's SMART Layer technology that utilizes a network of distributed transducers that are integrated with the structure itself and serve as sources for acousto-ultrasonic structural data. The technology in its current form can be used to identify damage location and extent and the utilization of geometrically optimized sensor/actuator clusters can further enhance the use of the methodology and improve the resolution of damage detection such that small linear fatigue cracks can be easily detected.

GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY CONNECTION, INC. 2839 Paces Ferry Rd. Suite 1160 Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(770) 803-3001 Dr. Ash Thakker Army 03-072 Awarded: 11DEC03
Title:	Self-Healing Composite Structures
Abstract:	An innovative approach to self-healing composite fabrication is proposed by Global Technology Connection along with its project team from Georgia Tech, Texas A & M and industrial partners Bell Helicopters, Boeing Rocketdyne, Goodyear. The approach addresses the short-comings of current approaches namely low strength of the healed material especially following any impact damage and fatigue-induced damage. Achieving this objective will enhance Army readiness, increase safety, and reduce maintenance labor, time, and cost. In Phase I, concept for developing a new composite with self-healing capability will be demonstrated in concert with US Army Aviation. The feasibility of such an approach will be demonstrated with suitable coupon and sub-element test specimens. The transition plan for the prototype development along with scale up issues will be fully addressed. In phase II, more extensive testing of sub-element and component testing representative of actual rotorcraft part/environment will be undertaken by partnering with US Army rotorcraft prime contractor. This testing would validate the methodology, developed in the previous phase. The demonstrated technology will meet Rotary Wing Vehicle Technology Development Approach (RWV TDA) Phase 3 Technology Objectives for improved structural efficiency and affordability

TECHNOVA CORP. 1232 Mizzen Drive Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(517) 485-9583 Dr. Habibur Chowdhury Army 03-072 Awarded: 05DEC03
Title:	Self-Healing Composite Structures
Abstract:	The main thrust of the proposed research is to develop a novel fiber coating system which builds self-healing attributes into fiber reinforced composites. The new fiber coating is a layered composite of piezoelectric and solid electrolyte constituents. The piezoelectric layer generates electric potential in response to fiber stress rise in damaged areas. This potential drives electrochemical processes in the context of the solid electrolyte layer, which transport structural substance towards highly stressed (damaged) areas where they would be electrodeposited to render self-healing effects. The structural substance rendering self-healing effects comprises metallic nanoparticles dispersed within the solid electrolyte layer. The system essentially converts the mechanical energy input of service environment (which concentrates in damaged areas) to electrical energy for driving the self-healing process. Self-healing is an intrinsic attribute of this system, with piezoelectricity providing for both sensing and actuation effects, and concentration of stresses in damaged areas yielding an inherent control of the self-healing phenomenon. We have conducted fundamental theoretical studies to validate the following key hypotheses of our approach: (1) piezoelectricity can generate the potential needed to drive electrolysis phenomena within solid electrolytes; (2) conversion of mechanical to electrical energy by piezoelectric effect can generate the charge needed to transfer structural substance at viable rates; and (3) increased concentration of metal nanoparticles within polymer-based coatings can make meaningful contributions to the mechanical performance of fibers, thereby strengthening damaged areas of fiber composites. Our approach focuses on enhancing the mechanical performance of fibers (in lieu of the matrix) in damaged areas, recognizing the critical contributions of fibers to mechanical performance of composites. The proposed Phase I (and Phase I Option) research will establish an analytical framework for design of self-healing composites, and will experimentally validate the fundamental principles of the approach through establishment of processing methodologies, and design, fabrication and experimental verification of basic self-healing composites embodying our principles. A multi-disciplinary team of top industrial and university researchers with specialties in the fields of composites, piezoelectricity and solid electrolytes has been assembled to conduct the proposed research.

MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 57 MARYANNE DRIVE MONROE, CT 06468
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(203) 874-3100 Dr. Yogesh Mehrotra Army 03-073 Awarded: 11DEC03
Title:	SMART SNUBBER/DAMPER FOR FIVE FOLD INCREASE IN DAMPING OF BEARINGLESS MAIN ROTOR BLADES
Abstract:	Snubber/damper damping performance is severely limited by component size and load constraints yielding insufficient RLM damping. Solutions using existing technology lead to excessive snubber damper size and weight to accommodate all operating conditions. Also, current snubber/damper designs are not sufficiently reliable and have limited life. High damping is required for stabilizing ground and air-resonance (rotating frequency of interest typically 0.3-0.7P). However, simply increasing the damping of snubber/dampers designs will also increases the 1P lead-lag associated loads and reduce related component lives One solution to the above problem would be to design a �smart�" snubber-damper that takes advantage of the superimposed 1P motions by producing damping forces that oppose ��lag motions but produce zero or low force when the net damper loads are not favorable for suppressing ��lag motions. This is not possible using conventional passive dampers because passive elements like relief valves, orifices, produce forces that oppose the net velocity even if the resulting force excites the regressive lag mode! The new active concept arises from the recognition that the net damper force, i.e. from the combined ��lag and 1P motions, often produces forces that can be advantageously used to suppress ��lag response, thus converting a chronic difficulty in damper technology, unwanted 1P motions, into a benefit. The proposed concept relies upon two actions: 1) Minimizing the net damper force when it is in the same direction as the ��lag velocity. This avoids adding energy to the ��lag mode. This would be done by selectively opening a controlled valve to equalize the pressure in the damper chambers thus not allowing pressures to build. 2) Maximizing the net damper force when it opposes the ��lag velocity. This would extract energy from the ��lag mode. This would be done by selectively closing a controlled valve to maximize the damper load.

TECHNO-SCIENCES, INC. 10001 Derekwood Lane, Suite 204 Lanham, MD 20706
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 577-6000 Dr. Peter Chen Army 03-073 Awarded: 11DEC03
Title:	Advanced Snubber/Damper for Bearingless Helicopter Main Rotor Blades
Abstract:	Techno-Sciences, Inc. (TSi), in collaboration with the Smart Structures Laboratory of the Alfred Gessow Rotorcraft Center at the University of Maryland, propose to develop a semi-active Magnetorheological Fluid-Elastic (MRFE) snubber damper utilizing a low-cost, fully controllable magnetorheological damper in an existing elastomeric snubber/damper. The MRFE snubber/damper will increase flexbeam life, extend the stability envelope for air resonance, and extend damper life. The MRFE snubber/damper system will augment damping inflight only when required as commanded by the controller. To enable retro-fit to existing rotor systems, the electrical power required to operate the actuator will be drawn from the DC power bus supplying the main rotor de-icing system.

IMPACT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 125 Tech Park Drive Rochester, NY 14623
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(585) 424-1990 Dr. Michael Roemer Army 03-074 Awarded: 04DEC03
Title:	An Affordable Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) for UAVs
Abstract:	Impact Technologies, in collaboration with Lord Corporation and the Georgia Institute of Technology, propose to develop an affordable/miniaturized health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Based upon the unique requirements of UAVs, an innovative hardware/software solution will be developed and demonstrated that includes embedding advanced vehicle health management algorithms for anomaly detection, fault classification and prediction into a low-cost, aerospace-certified digital signal processing (DSP) based hardware platform. All critical parameters related to UAV performance and mechanical health will be monitored including aero-thermal flight parameters, propulsion system information, structural/vibrations and vehicle subsystem performance data to address condition-based maintenance activities that are required to ensure UAV mission success. Key UAV subsystems including the gas turbine engine, drive train (shaft/clutch), fan, louvers, actuators (fight control) and avionics will be monitored by the proposed system. The proposed UAV-HUMS will continuously assess and track the health of all critical UAV subsystems using a combination of anomaly detection and diagnostic reasoning software that can communicate the health status of the vehicle through a low-bandwidth air-to-ground link. The anomaly detection software will implement proven signal processing and automatic signal feature extraction techniques that are capable of identifying abnormal system behavior and reporting it to the diagnostic reasoning software. The diagnostic reasoning modules will utilize a combination of fuzzy reasoning and robust fault classifiers such as neural networks and support vector machines to obtain the fault diagnosis of the UAV. The development and integration of advanced diagnostic and prognostic algorithms into a real-time health monitoring system is expected to improve UAV mission success rates and positively impact total ownership costs. The proposed Phase I development includes a hardware/software demonstration of the next generation UAV-HUMS including embedded anomaly detection and diagnostic reasoning algorithms, DSP hardware specification and an on-board/off-board design trade study. This work will leverage Impact's existing expertise in air vehicle prognostic health management systems, Lord's expertise in flight-qualified electronics hardware and Georgia Tech's helicopter UAV test bed.

TEXAS RESEARCH INSTITUTE AUSTIN, INC. 9063 Bee Caves Road Austin, TX 78733
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 263-2101 Dr. Michael Dingus Army 03-075 Awarded: 03DEC03
Title:	Composite Fastener Development
Abstract:	Composite materials offer excellent specific strength and specific stiffness advantages over metals for flat panels such as aircraft control surfaces and aerostructure that are stressed in two dimensions only. Fastener materials, however, typically are stressed in three dimensions, so isotropic metal fasteners are universally better structurally than composite fasteners. Unfortunately, metal fasteners are incompatible with composite aerostructure in terms of conductivity, hardness, strength, radar signature, and density. TRI/Austin proposes to incorporate state-of-the-art composite fastener technology into addressing the needs of the Army's Comanche program to capitalize on the compatibility of composite fasteners with composite aerostructure while ensuring the lack of high isotropic material strength is addressed through novel design. TRI/Austin has expertise in the areas of testing, materials research and development, tooling, and manufacturing to develop fully functional composite fasteners.

TRITON SYSTEMS, INC. 200 TURNPIKE ROAD Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 250-4200 Dr. Dave Marchant Army 03-075 Awarded: 03DEC03
Title:	Hybrid Composite Fasteners for Aviation and Vehicle Use (1000-350)
Abstract:	Triton Systems Inc. (TSI) proposes a revolutionary combination of material, process and configuration innovations enabling a new generation of composite fasteners having the tensile and shear capability today's UNJF-3A titanium fasteners yet meeting critical LO, clamping force, durability and weight reduction needs specific to Army needs. TSI fasteners can be made using composite engineered materials such as reinforced polymer matrix composites (PMC) or as ceramic matrix (CMC) or metal matrix (MMC) composite. TSI's hybrid materials also allow fastener design as functionally graded polymer / metal and metal / ceramic composites (PMMC and MCMCT). These engineered materials use similar low cost forming and processing technologies. In design discussions with aircraft and vehicle team integrators, Army systems such as the RAH-66 Comanche and family of FCS land & aero vehicles require fasteners allowing connection of composite parts to other structure elements. TSI's innovative approach(s) will reduce un-wanted effects with metallic fasteners including galvanic corrosion, damage to composite materials during assembly (excessive clamping forces) and during dis-assembly and fastener loosing under high vibration and cyclic usage. Finally, by design TSI's fasteners can reduce parasitic weight by replacing heavier metallics with lightweight composites yielding structural weight reduction while providing enhance survivability from radar detection.

FLOW ANALYSIS, INC. 256 93rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11209
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(931) 649-5684 Mr. William Dietz Army 03-077 Awarded: 08DEC03
Title:	Analysis, Design & Test of Low Reynolds Number Rotors and Propellers
Abstract:	The successful development of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) has allowed aeronautical design to proceed without the limitations that are inherent to manned vehicles. As a result, extremely small UAVs are currently under development, including both aircraft and rotorcraft. Also, UAVs are being designed to work at extremely high altitudes, or in extraterrestrial environments with extremely thin atmospheres, such as Mars. UAVs that are small in size or operate in extremely low-density environments experience much lower Reynolds numbers than do conventional aircraft. Since aeronautical CFD has been mostly concentrated on high-Reynolds-number flows, the aerodynamics and computational simulation at low Reynolds numbers are poorly understood. These flows may exhibit combinations of laminar, transitioning, and fully turbulent flows (and may include compressibility effects) that present challenges to both experimental and computational disciplines. A practical analysis and design tool is proposed for three-dimensional low-Reynolds-number flows. The approach is based on vorticity confinement, a CFD approach that allows viscous effects to be modeled with relatively coarse grids and low computational requirements. Vorticity confinement allows vortical structures, such as separating boundary layers, to persist and be convected in a physically consistent manner. This effort extends the vorticity confinement approach to the low-Reynolds-number flow regime.

DEFORMATION CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, INC. 7261 Engle Road, Suite 105 Cleveland, OH 44130
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(440) 234-8477 Dr. B. Ferguson Army 03-078 Awarded: 09DEC03
Title:	High Strength, Affordable Helicopter Gears
Abstract:	The Army's Rotorcraft Force Modernization Fleet requires a substantial increase in main gearbox power density, with minimal impact on the gearbox interface. Instead of increasing gearbox size and transmission weight, this project seeks to accommodate the higher power density requirements through designed material processing techniques, integrating several state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to specifically improve the gear material contact and bending fatigue strengths. In Phase I, a novel heat treating method called "Intensive Quenching", as well as superfinishing will be investigated to determine the feasibility of improving the bending fatigue life of the Pyrowear 53 steel by at least 25% over conventional processing.

QUESTEK INNOVATIONS LLC 1820 Ridge Avenue Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(847) 425-8214 Dr. Frode Stavehaug Army 03-078 Awarded: 10DEC03
Title:	High Strength, Affordable Helicopter Gears
Abstract:	The Army's SBIR Phase I solicitation seeks to demonstrate the potential for improved bending and contact fatigue strength of gear alloys for increasing the power density of main helicopter gearboxes. QuesTek Innovations proposes to utilize advances in gear steel technology and surface treatment processes to address these objectives. It is possible to improve gear performance through both advanced materials and surface treatments. QuesTek will evaluate laser shock peening as an improvement to traditional shot peening to increase bending and contact fatigue strength for test coupons of conventional Pyrowear 53. Additionally, advanced gear steel test coupons of GearMetO C61 and GearMetO C69 will be evaluated as superior alternatives to Pyrowear 53. Material improvement and an optimal surface treatment will allow for an increase in fatigue strength and a subsequent increase in gearbox power density. QuesTek will team with Bell Helicopter to evaluate the potential benefits of incorporating laser peening of Pyrowear 53 and to additionally evaluate GearMet C61 and C69 for both military and commercial helicopter gear systems. Results of Phase I coupon tests will be used to establish the feasibility that Phase II gearbox testing has a significant probability of achieving a 25% improvement in bending and contact fatigue.

INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION, INC. 7519 Standish Place, Suite 200 Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 294-5235 Dr. Donald Myers Army 03-079 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	LED-based Inertial Reference System for Aviator Helmets
Abstract:	Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) propose to develop a robust, high-speed, high-accuracy helmet-tracking system for use in the Comanche helicopter. Current systems have numerous problems, such as requiring recalibration whenever the cockpit environment changes, time-consuming mapping of the cockpit, and the inability to process data in real-time. Our proposed system uses a number of photosensitive detectors (PSDs) to look at a known pattern of dots on the helmet to determine position and orientation of the helmet in all six degrees of freedom. Using an algorithm we have developed that is capable of calculating absolute position from the image of the dots, we can build a robust system with accuracy and refresh rates that are over two orders of magnitude better than the requirements. We have extended the algorithm so that any given PSD does not have to see all of the LEDs. This redundancy enhances the robustness and accuracy of the system. During Phase I, we will demonstrate the feasibility of using PSDs and LEDs for helmet tracking through high-level design, simulation, and experiments. As a Phase I Option, we propose to conduct initial testing in a cockpit using an actual helmet to verify system performance.

INTERSENSE, INC. 1 North Avenue Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 270-0090 Mr. Eric Foxlin Army 03-079 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Cockpit Helmet Tracking System Using Miniature Inertial Reference Sensors
Abstract:	InterSense has previously developed ultra-miniature (0.6 in.3) MEMS-based InertiaCubeT inertial measurement units for human motion tracking. In this SBIR, we will further miniaturize and apply them to cockpit helmet-tracking by developing integration and Kalman filtering algorithms for differential inertial tracking between helmet-mounted and aircraft-mounted inertial sensors, and novel optical drift correction techniques. By fusing low-rate inside-out and outside-in optical measurements with high-rate inertial data, we will achieve sub-millimeter position accuracy and sub-milliradian angular accuracy, low-latency and high robustness using small and inexpensive sensors. During Phase 1 we will produce a prototype tracking system suitable for flight testing and explore four innovative techniques to produce a revolutionary advance in cockpit helmet tracking. We will prove the differential inertial tracking approach with a working prototype, evaluate the relative benefits and trade-offs of inside-outside-in v. outside-in optical aiding approaches, define powerful estimation-theoretic auto-calibration and auto-boresight procedures to achieve quick and accurate cockpit installation and pre-flight alignment, explore using direct high-bandwidth feedback from the inertial sensors to image-shifting optics to cancel display vibration, identify suitable optical wavelengths for covert operation, and develop a plan to miniaturize and harden the inertial and vision sensors in Phase 2.

FIRST RF CORP. 1200 28th Street, Suite 302 Boulder, CO 80303
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 449-5211 Mr. Farzin Lalezari Army 03-080 Awarded: 01DEC03
Title:	Small Multi-decade Communications and Electronic Warfare (EW) Antenna
Abstract:	The RF bandwidth from 20 MHz to 2000 MHz is of particular interest to the US Army as it encompasses various communications, sensors, and electronic countermeasure systems. Developing a small antenna with 100:1 bandwidth would resolve many problems associated with multiple individual antennas including co-site interference, blockage, and overall real estate availability. The proposed baseline antenna design will provide improvement in size and performance well beyond the stated goals of this solicitation. The baseline approach will provide a lightweight passive antenna that is broadband and non-tunable and will cover frequencies from approximately 20 MHz to 2000 MHz. Reactive tuning techniques will significantly reduce the size of the antenna and innovative antenna apertures will minimize the interaction with vehicle mounts to improve low angle performance. Overall, FIRST RF has an in-depth understanding of the problem and its application. The proposed approach will directly meet the intended requirements of the SBIR program, as well, as being directly applicable to solving current problems in communications and EW antennas. We intend to model and prototype several antenna candidates as part of Phase I, thereby, enabling US Army and contractors to perform evaluation on early units.

ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORP. 9971 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(952) 829-5864 Dr. Maher Kaddoura Army 03-081 Awarded: 18DEC03
Title:	Scalable and Robust Blockage Mitigation Techniques for On-the-Move Satellite Communications
Abstract:	Satellite communications (SATCOM) are integral part of both military and civilian communication infrastructures. Applications are being developed that require satellite communications support for mobile satellite terminals. However, both urban and rural terrain present many obstacles that block satellite signals and interrupt voice, video and data transmissions for moving military tactical vehicles and civilian vehicles. To address this real barrier to effective communication, military and civilian satellite terminals need scalable and robust mechanisms to ensure that voice, video and data communications are received correctly and in their entirety despite interruptions during transmission due to blockage caused by obstacles. This needs to be accomplished without using excessive amounts of limited SATCOM bandwidth. Leveraging extensive experience in wireless network technology, Architecture Technology Corp (ATC) will develop a system that provides blockage mitigation techniques for networks of on-the-move satellite terminals. The system will maintain the QoS requirements of multimedia flows despite satellite signal blockages.

FANTASTIC DATA LLC 207 Prospect Avenue San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(415) 643-9555 Mr. Thomas Hammel Army 03-081 Awarded: 08JAN04
Title:	Blockage Mitigation Techniques for On-the-Move Satellite Communications
Abstract:	The primary objective of Phase 1 of the proposed project is to design a ground-based protocol to provide reliable and efficient communication services by overcoming the problems associated with fading and blockage by terrain obstacles. The protocol will address both voice and data communication. In particular, the protocol must overcome the low and variable quality of service offered on mobile satellite links and provide reliable and timely indicators of link availability and quality to the users. Seamless communication service is desired as the users move through varied terrain. The protocol will use techniques such as data compression, forward error correction, acknowledgement and retransmission protocol, instantaneous rerouting, caching, and proxies to achieve this goal.

ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORP. 9971 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(952) 829-5864 Mr. Jason Judt Army 03-082 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	CompreX - XML Compression Utility
Abstract:	Architecture Technology Corporation (ATC) will design, develop, and demonstrate an application-independent XML compression/decompression service to be known as CompreX (pronounced "com - prex"). CompreX will efficiently compress and decompress XML documents and data, in"near real-time", allowing these documents and data to be more efficiently transmitted over a network.

UTOPIACOMPRESSION, CORP. 11150 Olympic Blvd., Suite 1020 Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 473-1500 Dr. Michael Baer Army 03-082 Awarded: 25NOV03
Title:	Extensible Markup Language (XML) Compression Tool
Abstract:	XML is becoming the dominant means of universally communicating data designed to be processed by machines in networks, much the same way as HTML has become the dominant means of communicating data designed to be processed by human beings. However, like HTML, the human-readable source format of XML leads to large files with many redundancies. Therefore, although universal, XML documents are not the most efficient way to transmit and store data. In the field, such efficient transmission and storage is vital to the data-gathering effectiveness of a unit. Because the XML format is universal, it cannot be abandoned, thus making XML compression necessary. This project consists of the following objectives designed to achieve efficient XML compression. Firstly, design and develop a novel and efficient XML compressor (and decoder) based on context analysis and machine learning. Secondly, design and develop a preliminary codec using this compressor/decoder that will in addition compress any still or video imagery that might be included in the XML data stream. The anticipated result of this Phase I research is (1) the design of a superior intelligence-based, adaptive XML compression method and associated algorithms (2) the development of a preliminary XML compression tool based on the algorithms designed. The feasibility of this nascent compressor will be demonstrated and performance will be scientifically extrapolated in order predict the efficiency of the compressor to be developed in Phase II.

APPLIED VISIONS, INC. 6 Bayview Avenue Northport, NY 11768
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(631) 754-4920 Mr. Ken Doris Army 03-083 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Applying Gaming Technology to Military Visualization - Games where You Only Live Once!
Abstract:	Applied Visions, Inc.(AVI) proposes to design a flexible, extensible application program inter-face (API) to commercial game engines that will provide Military Commanders, in a collaborative environment, with high-quality 3D visualization of the outputs of current and emerging C2 applications. Our approach is to attack the problem from two aspects: a) to harness the power of the gaming engine without invoking features, which while vital to success in game products, result in false or misleading information in a C2 environment, and b) to extend the game engines abilities to in-clude more accurate physical modeling, including elements of the non-visual spectrum (e.g. IR & RF) which are an integral part of the FCS (Future Combat Systems) architecture and will add vital, mission-related information to the Commander's visualizations Combining AVI's extensive experience in 3D visualization and military simulation with the Gaming Engine expertise of our consultant, Dr. David Sturman, our Phase I effort will be de-voted to defining the key requirements of the systems architecture, designing the API and imple-menting an early prototype to demonstrate core features of the full system. Our Phase II effort will refine the architecture, upgrade the prototype and integrate it with emerging Future Combat Systems (FCS) C2 applications.

CG2, INC. 1525 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 325 Huntsville, AL 35806
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(256) 842-9567 Mr. Dennis Bunfield Army 03-083 Awarded: 23DEC03
Title:	Military 3-D Visualization Utilizing Gaming Technology
Abstract:	In support of Future Combat Systems (FCS), the U.S. Army is seeking to develop a solution that will allow the state-of-the-art in gaming technology to be integrated seamlessly into a planned military Command and control (C2) facility. This initiative will support C2 applications such as the Commander's support Environment, Combined Arms Planning and Execution Systems and the DaVinci Toolkit. In an effort to present a visual representation of the current simulation state of the C2 applications, a standard application programming interface (API) to the visualization component is necessary. However, existing applications provide data in various formats each unique to the application. CG2 proposes to develop the "Constructive Game Engine Abstraction Library" (conGEAL) API. This standardized API will work with C2 data models, XML Schema and DTD, as well as support NIMA maps and imagery and take live feeds from FCS military planning tools, in a networked environment. Work performed during this Phase I effort will include the investigation of existing game engine technologies and explore the integration of the game engines into the C2 environment via the conGEAL API. All aspects of the proposed conGEAL API will be investigated and recommendations made to ensure a successful completion of a prototype API in Phase II.

LITHIUM TECHNOLOGY CORP. 5115 Campus Drive Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(610) 940-6090 Mr. Ron Turi Army 03-084 Awarded: 31DEC03
Title:	Ultrafast Charging of Smart Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery Hybrid Power Sources
Abstract:	To meet ultrafast charging requirements for the LI7 land warrior battery, we propose building a large format, high power lithium ion battery using the high rate technology that already exists and is available from Lithium Technology Corporation. This battery will not only discharge quickly to provide the rapid recharge of the LI7 units, but will itself be capable of recharging quickly from another power supply. Initially, we will quantify energy storage and heat generation for a variety of charging and discharging protocols at the single cell level - both 9Ah and 27Ah - all within 30 minute duration. From these tests, we will select protocols that offer the highest specific energy actually stored in the LI7 units in 30 minutes and test them using full scale 4S large batteries and 4S4P arrays of 18650s. Last, we will recommend power electronics to condition the voltage and current output based on the outcome of the full battery tests. Also, a Phase I Option is recommended to scale-up the best effort results from Phase I. A portion of this work will be subcontracted to PennState Future Truck group. Lithium Technology Corporation will perform over 67% of this work in its Plymouth Meeting, PA facility.

MATERIALS & ELECTROCHEMICAL RESEARCH (MER) CORP. 7960 S. Kolb Rd. Tucson, AZ 85706
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(520) 574-1980 Dr. Sohrab Hossain Army 03-084 Awarded: 03DEC03
Title:	Developement of a lithium-ion battery that can function as an ultra fast charger to recharge L17 land warior battery
Abstract:	The need for a safe, portable battery that can be used as a charger to recharge small lithium-ion batteries such as L17 land warrior battery is recognized. The proposed project addresses to investigate the feasibility of defining the design and dimension of such charger battery A novel electrochemical couple is proposed for the development of a safe high specific energy lithium-ion battery system, which provides enhanced safety and can function as a charger. The proposed anode material, which delivers 50% higher practical capacity than the state-of-the-art carbon anode materials, will be used to address the safety issues. A single cell of the proposed charger battery will be developed and evaluated the performance demonstrate the proof-of-concept.

EIC LABORATORIES, INC. 111 Downey Street Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 769-9450 Dr. Dharmasena Peramunage Army 03-085 Awarded: 11DEC03
Title:	Lithium-Air Battery Technology
Abstract:	The Li-air polymer battery offers the potential of extremely high specific energy of greater than 500 Wh/kg. Cell performance is determined primarily by the cathode, which controls the capacity and to a large degree also cell polarization. Therefore, the development and characterization of improved, efficient cathode structures and polymer electrolytes is proposed. The performance of the new components will be demonstrated in complete thin layer pouch cells.

YARDNEY TECHNICAL PRODUCTS, INC. 82 Mechanic Street Pawcatuck, CT 06379
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(860) 599-1100 Dr. Arthur Dobley Army 03-085 Awarded: 16DEC04
Title:	Lithium-Air Technology
Abstract:	This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will advance the lithium air battery with improved rate of discharge, capacity, and water repulsion. Specifically the project advances lithium air batteries by focusing on increased oxygen diffusion in the porous carbon electrode by the use of oxygen transport molecules in the electrolyte. Typical problems of metal air batteries are low oxygen diffusion rates and water contamination. By enhancing the electrolyte with oxygen transport molecules and using a non-aqueous proprietary thin film composite polymer electrolyte, the battery system will greatly improve in both of these aspects. The oxygen transport molecules will increase the amount of dissolved oxygen carried by the electrolyte in the porous air cathode. This will increase the rate of discharge and the capacity by distributing the oxygen throughout the pores of the cathode. We propose to increase the oxygen diffusion rate of the cathode structure by investigating different oxygen transport molecules in combination with several electrolyte compositions. Yardney's experience and technologies in the metal-air power sources will be adopted in the design of the new advanced Li-Air battery. Advantages of the proposed lithium air battery include a high energy density, safe design, environmentally friendly components, and increased oxygen diffusion.

COUGAAR SOFTWARE, INC. 9401 Mathy Drive, Suite 360 Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 764-7000 Dr. Todd Carrico Army 03-086 Awarded: 10DEC03
Title:	Agent-based Commanders Portal Technology
Abstract:	The Agent-based Commander's Portal Technology (CPT) concept is to provide an environment for the operational commander or action officer to manage their activities and mission information while maintaining a shared situational understanding. This is achieved by building application components on top of an agent-based workspace technology actively under development by Cougaar Software. This technology is based on the Cognitive Agent Architecture (Cougaar), the result of a $100M DARPA program. The core concept of CPT is to have panel agents behind each application component, and another agent responsible for the overall task-oriented application. These application agents coordinate over shared workflows and shared representations of the relevant situation. Other agents are responsible for interfacing with external data sources and collaborating with other agent-based interface environments. Together, all the agent environments share and maintain a common operational picture, even though each agent community supporting an operator's interface environment is only responsible for pieces of the larger situation. An Agent-based Commander's Portal would provide the commander or operator with dynamic information management, task-centric information display, intelligent automation, workflow-based collaboration and innovative agent-based application components.

COGNISPHERE, INC. P.O. Box 2591 West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(215) 895-2220 Dr. Alexander Meystel Army 03-087 Selected for Award
Title:	Using Cognitive Systems in Generation of Course of Action
Abstract:	This proposal will increase the efficiency of knowledge processing and decision making by the Objective Force by providing the warfighter with the software for supporting the process of developing the Course of Action (COA). The processing time will be reduced by more than an order of magnitude and the quality of the results will satisfy the highest standards of the quality achievable in automated decision making processes. Automated processing of data referenced in multiple documents is required for the Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield process. The decision aids based upon COA are required for mission planning, activities simulation, and plan execution in the battlefield. COA combines geographic data with detailed descriptions that should be processed automatically. As a result of this research new technologies will be developed reducing required computations resources and efficiently utilizing knowledge of natural and man-made features. COA-based decision aids should be developed for multiple DOD elements with the goal to improve their integration and consistency of functioning. We employ new tools that allow for supporting nested and visualization tools helping to integrate descriptive, topographical and pictorial elevation information into a multiresolutional knowledge and data representation, thus forming a knowledge repository.

STILMAN ADVANCED STRATEGIES 1623 Blake Street, #200 Denver, CO 80202
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(805) 490-2701 Dr. Vlad Yakhnis Army 03-087 Awarded: 25NOV03
Title:	Linguistic Geometry Intelligent Nodes for COA Generation and Analysis
Abstract:	We propose to develop and demonstrate a new approach to rapidly conceptualize and prioritize information vital to Objective Warrior (OW). The approach is based on Linguistic Geometry (LG), a mathematical theory for strategic superiority discovery. The most significant advantages of the LG approach are modeling of the intelligent enemy and extraordinarily fast automatic generation of best strategies, tactics and COA for all the sides of a conflict. We will also develop LG based semantics for BML as well as LG based architecture for intelligent nodes (IN) to generate and analyze COA options. Utilizing these semantics and architecture, we will develop operational specs for a software prototype of LG-CHALLENGER representing the COA generating and analyzing engine of the IN capable to understand and assign semantics to BML sentences. In addition, utilizing our proprietary software LG-FRAMEWORK as well as our existing prototypes for IAD (integrated Air defenses), SEAD missions, and effect-based operations (EBO), we will develop experiments illustrating feasibility of LG-CHALLENGER. With LG-CHALLENGER, an OW will be able, using convenient LG templates, to map the entire operational battlespaces into LG hypergames providing intuitively clear common operational picture (COP). The OW will employ LG-CHALLENGER to obtain COA options that will allow the OW to plan and execute future warfare missions including IAD, EBO, Joint, asymmetric, and humanitarian relief operations. The LG-CHALLENGER engine will communicate with the information carrying cells via BML, and with the OW via BML and human-centric GUI.

LANGUAGE WEAVER, INC. 4640 Admiralty Way, Suite 423 Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 437-7300 Mr. Alex Fraser Army 03-088 Awarded: 02DEC03
Title:	Near-Real Time Tactical Automated Machine Translation Technology(N-TAMTT)
Abstract:	Recent DARPA-sponsored MT evaluations showed that phrase-based statistical MT systems derived through automatic training on very large corpora achieve the highest translation quality for both generalized and specialized texts. Intuitively, syntax, morphology, and semantics should help; however, rule-based systems that incorporate such knowledge are not yet able to beat the best statistical systems. We propose the following plan for incorporating richer linguistic knowledge into the translation process: Start from a good baseline: the best A2E machine translation system in the world (as evaluated by NIST). Devise experiments to determine major sources of error in the system (E.g.: verb agreement; morphological errors; contextual errors) Assess the impact that solving these problems may have on translation quality. This is done by measuring the increase in BLEU score when a problem is fixed. Assess how our current system should be enriched to deal with each of these problems. Rank-list the problems in order of impact on translation quality and feasibility of addressing them using richer linguistic knowledge (morphology, syntax, semantics, context). Devise solutions for solving these problems in turn and incorporate the solutions into an end-to-end system

STREAMSAGE 1202 Delafield Place, NW Washington, DC 20011
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(202) 722-2440 Ms. Evelyne Tzoukermann Army 03-088 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Near-Real Time Arabic/English Machine Translation by Integrated Statistical and Linguistic Learning Methods
Abstract:	StreamSage proposes an approach to the automatic translation of Arabic and Arabic dialect texts to and from English that significantly extends the state-of-the-art in regards to the integration of statistical and traditional machine translation techniques. This research will greatly increase translation accuracy while decreasing the need for domain-specific training. The proposed near real time translation system will use automatically induced transfer rules between English and Arabic syntactic structures that have been statistically trained on a feature set that is of unprecedented sophistication. This feature set will be automatically generated through the use of tools that have not before been applied to Arabic machine translation, such as language-wide noun and verb sense disambiguation, a TAG-Based Stochastic Parser, and a hierarchical representation of Arabic dialect morphology, lexical features, and syntactic structures. Additional innovations include the application of state-of-the-art Arabic morphological analysis throughout the translation process, from word sense disambiguation to transfer rule induction to generation, and the automatic induction of syntactic-structure to target language generation rules. This research will make use of past work in machine tranlation, Arabic parsing, Arabic dialect analysis, and word sense disambiguation by StreamSage, Columbia University, and CoGenTex.

STOTTLER HENKE ASSOC., INC. 951 Mariner''''s Island Blvd., STE 360 San Mateo, CA 94404
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(206) 545-1478 Mr. Matt Broadhead Army 03-089 Awarded: 19DEC03
Title:	An Adaptive and Distributed Approach to Developing and Maintaining an Integrated Search and Discovery Portal
Abstract:	We propose an innovative approach to supporting the Army's Homeland Security (HLS) mission that turns the diversity of perspectives that exist amongst largely autonomous HLS communities in DoD and non-DoD organizations into an exploitable strength. In particular, we propose to develop an approach to the development and maintenance of a search and discovery portal that exploits an eclectic set of techniques in order to achieve functional and semantic interoperability amongst these communities without forcing participants to conform to the type of oppressive monolithic semantic schema that has led to the demise of so many corporate knowledge management efforts over the past decade. Rather, the proposed system, Vista, will employ an adaptive distributed paradigm where individuals and groups can manage their local information in a manner that fits their respective workflow patterns and Vista will exploit this diversity in a machine learning based bootstrapping approach to meaning negotiation. The resulting system will be capable of delivering personalized and context-aware information access and awareness in support of the Army's information superiority needs. Phase I research and the development and evaluation of a limited prototype will provide a solid foundation for the complete implementation of Vista in Phase II and its commercialization.

PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP. Photonic Systems Division, 20600 Gramercy Place, B Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 320-3088 Dr. Ilya Agurok Army 03-090 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Absolute Distance Hemispherical Rangefinder
Abstract:	Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new absolute distance hemispherical rangefinder (ADHER) for 3D rendering of large rooms and cavities for combat operations of Objective Force Warriors. The proposed ADHER is a nonscanning, compact device for stealthy robotic platforms. The ADHER design is based on an innovative optical fish-eye lens with telecentric arrangement, a smart pixel array, and unique software implementing the Chinese Remainder Theorem for distance retrieval and the DaVinci visualization infrastructure. The ADHER optical system to be developed in Phase I is extremely compact -- 30 mm in length and 10 mm in diameter. ADHER will enable instant 3D hemispheric rendering of objects of interest with several millimeters distance resolution and one degree scene resolution. It will be mass producible, reliable, low in cost, and specifically suited to future urban combat and antiterrorist operations. In Phase I, POC will develop a complete computer simulation for system modeling and a preliminary ADHER model prototype to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach. In Phase II an engineering prototype ADHER will be developed and integrated with a stealthy robotic platform and advanced 3D rendering software.

APTIMA, INC. 12 Gill Street, Suite 1400 Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 496-2412 Dr. Jean MacMillan Army 03-091 Awarded: 11DEC03
Title:	C2-MATE: Command and Control Model-based Architecture Tool for Evaluation
Abstract:	Rapidly evolving technology and network connectivity are enabling innovative command and control systems, concepts, and strategies, yet no accepted measures exist for assessing the effectiveness of those innovations. Because effective C2 outcomes are difficult to define, and the contribution of individual behaviors to those outcomes is rarely clear, a model or framework is needed to guide measure development. We propose to develop the C2-MATE-a C2 Model-based Architecture Tool for Evaluation. This tool will provide users with the capability to: (1) develop a model of the C4ISR architecture for the C2 unit or component being assessed (e.g., a command post or Tactical Operations Center); (2) use the model output to identify the most important factors to be measured; and (3) generate examples of data collection strategies for obtaining empirical data on the desired measures. The final product (in Phase II) will be a C2-MATE tool that identifies appropriate measures based on an architecture model and draws on a library of operational measures and data collection methods and instruments to make recommendations for C2 assessment. Although the initial focus will be on the Army C2 TOC, the tool will be designed to support C2 measurement in a variety of environments.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICE CORP. 1900 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(203) 268-1249 Mr. Richard DiDomizio Army 03-092 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Advanced Azimuth Estimation Techniques
Abstract:	The short radar sensor baseline and low RF frequencies required to penetrate foliage on typical UHF GMTI radars cause the azimuth extent of the main beam to be quite large, producing large azimuth error ellipses that limit the target location accuracies that these systems can achieve. Since accurate target location in both the range and azimuth dimensions is desired to support precision location, targeting, and tracking of enemy targets utilizing camouflage and concealment tactics, future UHF GMTI systems need to devise innovative ways to limit these large azimuth errors. This Phase I SBIR will investigate, analyze, and present various innovative approaches to achieving improved azimuth angle estimation from UHF GMTI radar systems onboard rotorcraft air vehicles by using a combination of monostatic, bistatic, and multilateration techniques. Computer simulations will be used to evaluate the performance of the various azimuth estimation techniques, which will employ adaptive and superresolution methods. The effectiveness of monostatic, bistatic, and multilateration techniques will be compared, and the most promising techniques will be identified. Radar measurements of the moving targets including range, Doppler, and angle of arrival will be exploited to improve the azimuth angle estimates for these UHF GMTI radars.

ALPHATECH, INC. 6 New England Executive Park Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 273-3388 Mr. Jonathan Krant Army 03-093 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Video-Moving Target Indicator (MTI) Trackers for Multiple Targets
Abstract:	Motion imagery comprises an information-rich data source complementary to radar and other sensors. Video cameras can operate in various frequency bands, including infrared (IR) and visible spectrum electro-optical (EO), and provide multi-dimensional measurements across both spatial and temporal domains. Except for simple functions, however, human operators are required to scan the area of regard, designate objects of interest, and track single targets. The objective of this effort is to automate the use of video/imagery for the detection and tracking of multiple movers to provide reduced operator workload, enhanced situational awareness, and support follow-on intelligence and targeting. ALPHATECH proposes to modify and extend our multiple target tracking architecture, currently being developed for the DARPA Video Verification of Identity (VIVID) program, to conform to Army CECOM objectives and to rapidly achieve desired performance levels. We will focus on specific needs of the Army, such as the accurate absolute location of targets on a topographic coordinate frame, and will develop technology that enables detection and tracking of move-stop-move objects, exploiting the wealth of information provided by video. We will assemble a custom testbed from existing components to demonstrate tracking performance in scenarios agreed upon by the Army CECOM technical monitor.

GENEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 10605 Concord Street, #500 Kensington, MD 20895
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 962-6565 Dr. Jinglu Qiao Army 03-093 Awarded: 03DEC03
Title:	A Novel Motion Tracking Indicator Algorithm for Multiple Target Tracking
Abstract:	This SBIR Phase 1 project investigates algorithms and methodologies necessary to extract multiple moving objects/targets out of video/imagery data, establish individual tracks for each and maintain those tracks over multiple image frames Genex Technologies, Inc. proposes in this SBIR effort to develop and test the feasibility of a novel Motion Tracking Indicator (MTI) algorithm that reliably detects, extracts, and tracks the location and history of the movement of multiple targets in real-time within any imagery data (i.e. Visible, near-infra-red, infra-red, image intensified (I2), UHF ground-based radar, or any imagery yielding movement of multiple targets within a stationary or moving background). We propose a unique design for a MTI algorithm that provides a unique approach to making detecting and subsequent target tracking both reliable in terms of False Acceptance Rate (FAR) and False Rejection Rate (FRR). Genex will use a variety of mathematical models in a unique design that considers the "state" of the object to improve tracking reliability.

CYCORP, INC. 3721 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78731
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(512) 514-2951 Dr. Michael Witbrock Army 03-094 Awarded: 09DEC03
Title:	Knowledge Engineering Environment for Army Intelligence Analysis and Interpretation
Abstract:	Traditional methods for constructing knowledge-intensive systems have relied heavily on intervention from artificial intelligence specialists. The first step in this intervention is typically either: extensive human-directed interviews of subject-matter experts so that the knowledge can then be laboriously hand-encoded; or the training of SMEs in some highly-restricted intermediate representation. Such systems have been costly to produce, and have typically failed to model expert knowledge to any degree of complexity outside of very narrow domains. This failure has been a major obstacle to the development of systems that harness human reasoning with a computer's tireless attention to detail. We propose to investigate why knowledge engineers need to be in the loop, and provide requirements and high-level design to addresses many of these problems. Our focus will be on interfaces that operate in the SME's domain of discourse. As a concrete example, we will be looking at a mixed graphical/textual representation of the intelligence analysis process whereby complex rules can be expressed as simple questions in a context inherited from the workflow. Our experimentation to date has found that this representation is not only very intuitive for SMEs, but is also highly productive in comparison to more conventional rule-construction methods.

TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, INC. 429 West Airline Highway, Suite S LaPlace, LA 70068
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(985) 652-1127 Mr. Richard Jarka Army 03-095 Awarded: 10DEC03
Title:	See Thru the Wall Technologies
Abstract:	This Phase I SBIR project addresses the development and feasibility evaluation of handheld and vehicle-mounted see-thru-the-wall (STTW) capability combined with non-lethal weapon (NLW) through the use of infrasound technology that meet the Army needs and as a key element for the Future Combat System (FCS) and is spelled out in the FCS Operational Requirements Document (ORD). The work involves investigation of underlying infrasound technology as applied to STTW applications (STTW-ISCAP) and NLW applications (NLISW). The STTW-ISCAP and NLISW are combined in a Infrasound Standoff Combat Capability (ISTACC) wherein they share a single platform with displays and controls and possibly other components. This allows for combined combat operations as well as activation of one or the other dependent on the situation. The Phase I will determine the size, weight, power, component technology, and standoff capability achievable based on the limiting physics. Components-off-the-shelf (COTS) will be utilized as much as possible in the implementation. Use will be made of the ground work that has been done by Department of Energy in the area of location of objects and faults in the earth as well as the work performed in the medical field research on the effect of infrasound on human.

KIARA NETWORKS 6620 Gulton Ct. NE, Suite C Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(505) 268-3600 Dr. Shantanu Gupta Army 03-096 Awarded: 08DEC03
Title:	ULTRASENSITIVE SCALABLE PERIMETER DETECTION SYSTEM WITH DIRECTION FINDING CAPABILITY
Abstract:	A novel technique for perimeter detection (PD) system is proposed here for the first time, which is passive and undetectable (buried in ground), very sensitive (can measure sub-micron strain), fast (> 40 Hz), scalable to large encampments (> 2 km), low-cost and rugged, and has direction-finding capabilities (including a potential for finding angular direction and movement towards or away from camp). This technique promises a new generation of PD system, which has high sensitivity, large bandwidth, environmentally rugged, immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), lightweight, small size, easy to install, and high scalability. This novel technique is insensitive to temperature effects, and can senses precise location of the intrusion within a few meters. The precise location and direction sensing, and undetectability of this technique would provide early warning without its knowledge to the intruder, and would increase the effectiveness to tackle the intruder by increasing the reaction time. This PD system can be strategic to the military for the protection of military encampments especially in foreign land, and for homeland defense applications such as for protecting nuclear plants, high-security buildings, airports and other key structures.

SPECTRA RESEARCH, INC. 3085 Woodman Drive, Suite 200 Dayton, OH 45420
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(937) 299-5999 Mr. John Sellers, Army 03-097 Awarded: 17DEC03
Title:	All Terrain Combat Identification
Abstract:	The SR FCS Advanced RF Tag design utilizes covert, passive RF Tags, operating in conjunction with surveillance, and tactical based SAR/GMTI radars, to meet joint service and Coalition ID requirements and other operational needs. The flight tested, proven tag employs SR's patented van Atta array repeater, the electronic equivalent to a corner reflector, but capable of modulating the RCS at high (KHz) frequencies. By operating at X-Band or other suitable RF frequencies, the RF Tag offers the additional capability of adverse weather penetration, covertness, and identification i.e. the equivalent to an electronic RF "barcode".

INFORMATION SYSTEMS LABORATORIES, INC. 8130 Boone Blvd., Suite 500 Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(703) 448-1116 Mr. Jameson Bergin Army 03-098 Awarded: 10DEC03
Title:	Wind-Blown Clutter Mitigation to Improve Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Moving Target Indicator (MTI) Performance
Abstract:	For stationary ground moving target indication (GMTI) radars, targets are generally isolated from clutter under the assumption that the clutter background is non-moving and therefore exists only at zero Doppler while moving targets will appear at non-zero Doppler shifts. In reality the background clutter will often have a non-zero bandwidth due to the presence of wind-blown foliage such as trees and shrubs and thus occupy Doppler filters other than the zero-Doppler filter. This results in degradation of the detection performance for slow moving targets resulting in minimum detectable velocity (MDV) performance of a radar system that varies as wind conditions change. For example, when the wind is blowing the clutter will occupy additional Doppler filters resulting in the obscuration of some moving targets that would otherwise be detectable under calmer wind conditions. The main goal of the proposed research is to develop techniques to enhance system performance by estimating clutter Doppler spread directly from the radar data in "real-time" and apply that knowledge in detection and tracking filters to reduce false alarms while maintaining system sensitivity. It is anticipated that the algorithms developed under the proposed effort will improve system performance by applying real-time characterization of the clutter Doppler spread due to wind-blown clutter during a given coherent processing interval (CPI).

ENGENEX TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 10725 126th PL NE Kirkland, WA 98033
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(425) 605-3547 Dr. Michael Mathews Army 03-099 Awarded: 23DEC03
Title:	Selective Localized Global Positioning System (GPS) Denial
Abstract:	The proposed Phase I research will define and evaluate the technical feasibility of a novel concept for selectively denying the use of GPS by adversaries. The goal is to provide mobile military units a flexible GPS denial system that can operate both autonomously and in a coordinated, network-centric, manner. Termed the GPS Selective Denial System (SDS), the proposed concept will equip mobile units with the capability to target specific regions and/or adversaries, denying them the use of GPS while still enabling our own forces continued service. The SDS is a fully programmable, beam steerable, jamming system that utilizes a high-quality frequency reference and monitoring of the GPS to produce a variety of jamming signals designed to disrupt an adversary's GPS service. At the same time, receivers equipped with the appropriate anti-jam components (termed the SDS Decoder) and apriori knowledge of the jamming scenario can effectively eliminate the jam, enabling normal operation without major degradation. The proposed research will develop this concept in accordance with known requirements in preparation for a Phase II implementation. Research will consist of theoretical analysis, requirements analysis, systems design, and simulation testing. Feasibility will be assessed by analyzing expected performance, complexity, production costs and anticipated benefits.

PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP. Photonic Systems Division, 20600 Gramercy Place, B Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 320-3088 Dr. Paul Shnitser Army 03-100 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Silicon Light-Controlled Passive Elements for High Speed, High Power Electronics
Abstract:	The U.S. Army needs new tunable electronic components for high-frequency high-power devices such as RF power amplifiers and other devices and subsystems in the Future Combat System. These components must have extended tuning range and fast response to control signals. To meet this Army need, Physical Optics Corporation proposes to develop a new Silicon Light Controlled (SiLC) switching technology, in which several passive elements can be combined either in parallel or in series with low induced losses for high-frequency signals. The induced losses will be reduced by fully separating the high-power circuits from the control signal circuit. Light-induced conductive bridges between passive elements will be created in specially formed charge-confining area on silicon wafer by highly efficient vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). The proposed technology will bring great flexibility to circuit design for both existing and future passive electronic components. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate a fully operational SiLC switch model; Phase II will be devoted to technology optimization and to fabrication of tunable elements for immediate integration into Future Combat System devices.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICE CORP. 1900 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(310) 954-2200 Mr. Joseph Salzman Army 03-101 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) Mitigation Techniques
Abstract:	RFI and signal security are indelibly intertwined in military FOPEN radar systems. RFI is a dual problem for FOPEN radars: on transmit, the radar signal interferes with other friendly systems operating in the same band; on receive, these systems' signals interfere with radar operations. A common solution to dealing with both RFI manifestations is to notch the RFI signal. However, a piori knowledge of the spectral characteristics of the friendlies in the region, which is acquired by a "sniff" mode or is available before radar operations, is crucial. Furthermore, notching distorts the received signal, degrading the performance of the radar, if not corrected for. TSC proposes an LPI/LPD waveform design to alleviate the RFI problem with minimal distortion when RFI information is available, while providing signal security. When information is unavailable, RFI is detected, notched, and autoregressive filtering applied to recover the target signals. TSC has investigated and developed a variety of LPI/LPD waveforms in the past, and applied AR techniques to recover corrupted SAR and other radar signals. During Phase I, TSC will investigate the feasibility of these RFI mitigation techniques, and develop tools and plans for Phase II demonstration tests utilizing a GeoSAR UHF transmitter in TSC's possession.

APPLIED SIGNAL & IMAGE TECHNOLOGY, INC. 7763 Old Telegraph Road, Suite 7 Severn, MD 21144
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(410) 969-7044 Mr. Kirk Griffin Army 03-102 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Global Positioning System (GPS) Interference Electronic Support Measure (ESM) Payload for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Abstract:	The availability of low cost global positioning system (GPS) jammer systems provides the potential for an adversary to severely limit the utility of one of the United States' most important navigation and timing resources. During the recent conflict in Iraq, GPS jammer systems developed by the Russian Aviaconversia Company were believed to have been used by the Iraqi Defense Forces. A system that provides accurate GPS jammer geolocation in an affordable, small size, weight, and power package will allow US forces to quickly relay information to decision makers so that an appropriate response can be formulated to eliminate or mitigate the source of the jamming signal. To meet the needs of the Army a GPS Jammer Geolocation Payload for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) that provides high accuracy geolocation of the GPS direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) signal while to continuing to provide navigation information in the presence of GPS jamming will be designed and prototyped.

ALPHATECH, INC. 6 New England Executive Park Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(781) 273-3388 Dr. Clyde Hardin Army 03-103 Awarded: 16DEC04
Title:	Low-Loss Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Data CompressionComplex SAR Image Compression for Automatic Exploitation
Abstract:	SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) systems have proved to be invaluable for many applications, both military and commercial, including automatic target detection and recognition (ATD/R), terrain mapping, change detection, battle damage assessment, and moving target refocusing and detection. The proliferation of SAR systems, along with the dramatic increase in on-board data gathering and processing rates, places an onerous burden on the communication links that transmit SAR data to groundstations for analysis. SAR-specific data compression may alleviate this problem, but compression must not adversely affect downstream automatic exploitation applications (e.g., ATR) that must mine the data for information. These applications require not just the viewable SAR magnitude image, but the full complex image. Previous SAR compression work is lacking in that it deals only with magnitude imagery, and does not measure the effect of compression-induced degradation on downstream applications. ALPHATECH proposes to use innovative approaches to complex SAR compression to develop real-time capable, deeply-compressing algorithms tuned to SAR exploitation applications. Key to algorithm design is an upfront analysis of exploitation application sensitivity to compression-induced degradation, where we quantitatively measure sensitivities by playing degraded imagery through ALPHATECH-owned exploitation applications, including ATD/R, registration, coherent and non-coherent change detection, super-resolution and moving target focusing.

ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS, INC. 2020 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 123 Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(805) 966-3331 Dr. Roger Stettner Army 03-104 Awarded: 18DEC03
Title:	Low Cost Three Dimensional Laser Radar Receiver
Abstract:	In Phase I the ROIC Unit Cell for an advanced but optimized 3-D ladar receiver is designed, simulated and laid out. The optimized design is the output of a system performance model and trade study whose input is the intended Army application. The unit cell is fabricated and tested in the optional task. In Phase II lessons learned from Phase I unit cell testing will be incorporated into a full-scale ROIC and this ROIC, together with the Phase I system analysis, will be the basis for fabrication and testing of a LOCA-3D receiver for delivery to the Army.

CDM OPTICS, INC. 4001 Discovery Drive, Suite 130 Boulder, CO 80303
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 449-5593 Dr. Kenneth Kubala Army 03-105 Awarded: 02JAN04
Title:	Optical Components to Reduce Retroreflection from Uncooled Infrared Focal Plane Array
Abstract:	The use of long wave infrared (LWIR) sensors is limited in many covert environments by their unacceptably high reflectivity. The high reflectivity makes them susceptible to detection by search CW laser systems. There are many traditional methods for the reduction of optical signature, but most adversely affect the final system image quality and are not cost effective for large volume applications. CDM Optics has an innovative method for redistributing the reflected intensity while retaining high image quality with reflectivity reductions of 4 orders of magnitude being possible. The technique called Wavefront Coding has previously been used to realize other system benefits such as a reduction in system complexity, a reduction in system size, cost and weight, passive athermalization with a simple housing and an increase in imaging volume where the user can clearly see targets simultaneously over a large range of object distances. The Wavefront Coding low-reflectivity concept can be fused with these other benefits to realize a system with superior performance and a favorable benefit to cost ratio. Additionally, the methodology and the specific optical design can be applied across any platforms that use a sensor with the same geometry and can be cost effective through the utilization of moldable IR materials.

TELIC OPTICS, INC. 152 Rangeway Road N. Billerica, MA 01862
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(978) 667-4350 Mr. James Howard Army 03-105 Awarded: 19DEC03
Title:	Optical Components to Reduce Retroreflection from Uncooled Infrared Focal Plane Array
Abstract:	Telic Optics proposes to develop optical components for use in reducing retro-reflections from uncooled focal-plane arrays in the low-reflectivity uncooled camera systems. Specifically, Telic proposes to design and manufacture prism systems that can be used in conjunction with lens systems and uncooled FPAs in a low-reflectivity camera-system design. The prisms operate by deviating the line of sight so that chief rays strike the FPA surface at an angle, and light reflected off the FPA does not exit the optical system. Telic will design prism systems based on the optical parameters presented in the solicitation. Telic will manufacture prototypes of one or more promising prism designs to demonstrate image quality and beam deviation angle. The anticipated outcome is the identification and feasibility demonstration of one or more prism systems that will greatly reduce the retro-reflection from uncooled FPAs while having minimal effect on basic system performance. Telic Optics has already performed significant research in this field. We have previously designed retro-reflection-reducing prisms systems for common-module and SADA detector arrays. We have also previously designed and manufactured retro-reflection-reducing devices for cooled MWIR FPAs. This prior experience provides a high level of confidence in the success of this proposed Phase I project as well as the anticipated Phase II and Phase III successor projects.

IRVINE SENSORS CORP. 3001 Redhill Avenue, Building #3 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(714) 444-8755 Mr. Bert Hornback Army 03-106 Awarded: 19DEC03
Title:	Uncooled Infrared (IR) Camera with High Resolution Zoom
Abstract:	ISC has successfully developed algorithms that utilize micro scan techniques for a variety of applications. The first of these required a large computing system to convert real-time FLIR imagery for stabilization in an air platform. The technology was further developed to do non-real-time resolution enhancement to evaluate surveillance video. A commercial product was developed known as "Redhawk"T that provides high-resolution still images from video data streams. Processing technology has advanced to the point that full-rate video can be processed to achieve resolution enhancements in real-time using the ISC-developed algorithms for micro scan. While most of the effort has focused on RS-170 type analog video streams, the process works better with digitized data that can be made available from the more customized processing of thermal cameras. The proposed program will adapt the prior algorithms to the digital video stream of thermal imaging microbolometers to convert 320x240 data into the equivalent of 640x480 or higher without the loss of sensitivity. ISC intends to update the key algorithms and verify them on an existing 320x240 camera. With that success, a study will be made of how newer generation 640x480 cameras could be further enhanced for the longer-range weapon environments.

ARTANN LABORATORIES, INC. 1753 Linvale-Harbourton Road Lambertville, NJ 08530
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(201) 216-5339 Dr. Alexander Sutin Army 03-107 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Land Mine Detection by Time Reversal Acousto-seismic Method
Abstract:	The objective of the proposed research is to develop new technologies based on principles of Time Reversal Acoustics (TRA) that will provide highly sensitive land mine detection. We suggest applying the Time Reversal Acousto-seismic method in combination with a nonlinear acousto-seismic mine detection technique. The TRA focused system provides a high concentration of seismic wave energy at any desired point (e.g., on a land mine) and can detect it due to the high nonlinearity the mine produces. It is the only system that is capable of focusing seismic waves in time and space, which highly increases the detection abilities of linear and nonlinear acousto-seismic methods. Several systems based on TRA focusing (with speakers and small seismic vibrators) for laboratory and small-scale field tests will be developed and tested. Measurements of the surface vibration will be conducted by a scanning laser vibrometer and contact sensor. TRA spatial and temporal field structure, its dependencies on the frequency of radiated waves, distance from radiators, and the number of radiators will be investigated. High harmonic generation, due to nonlinear contact between the mine and the surrounding sand/soil, will be used for mine detection. Feasibility tests will demonstrate the abilities of TRA for land mine detection.

COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 135 S. Taylor Avenue Louisville, CO 80027
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(303) 604-2000 Dr. Philip Gatt Army 03-107 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Landmine Detection
Abstract:	Buried landmines produce distinct seismic surface vibrations when excited by acoustic or pressure energy. Many approaches to this problem are being investigated. To date the biggest problem is the slow demining rate due to dwell time requirements. The platform speed is governed by the necessary dwell time (100 ms for 10 Hz resolution) and the number of simultaneous measurements. To support a 1 m/s platform velocity with a 3 m wide swath and 2 cm resolution, a total of 5x150 beams (pixels) is required. Faster platform velocities are conceivable through a larger array. In principle a 25x150 array would support a 5 m/s platform velocity. CTI proposes to develop a novel scannerless acoustic landmine detection system using a coherent detection receiver to detect these minute surface vibrations on a moving platform. At present CTI is carrying two conceptual designs to be down-selected in Phase I. The first concept is a multi-channel conventional bistatic CW laser vibrometer. This multi-channel/beam lidar increases the demining rate through parallel beams. The second and more novel concept is a baseband imaging interferometer, which utilizes a low-noise high-speed CCD camera to image an interfereogram, thereby significantly reducing hardware complexity. Speckle mitigation is achieved through the a series of diversity techniques, which include some combination of the following : dual polarization receiver, multiple receive apertures for each transmit beam, multiple wavelengths, and temporal averaging. The sensor also employs platform motion sensors and advanced signal processing algorithms to optimally process the speckle diversity and mitigate platform motion induced noise. A post processor filters the data using knowledge of the mine-signatures to produce the mine detection signal.

AKELA, INC. 5276 Hollister Avenue, Suite 263 Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(805) 683-6414 Mr. Allan Hunt Army 03-108 Selected for Award
Title:	Off-Route Mine Detection
Abstract:	This proposal seeks to gather a set of data and develop processing and classification algorithms that can be used to detect and identify side attack mines at standoff distances. Data will be collected with a distributed network of wideband radar sensors which is currently in development. Algorithm development will focus on detecting the material composition and resonant response of side attack mines.

MALIBU RESEARCH ASSOC., INC. 3760-A Calle Tecate Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(805) 383-1829 Dr. Dan Gonzalez Army 03-108 Awarded: 18DEC03
Title:	Off-Route Mine Detection
Abstract:	There is a growing threat of side-attack mines that attack vehicles and personal from the side as the target passes by. The ability to detect mines that are concealed by camouflage or foliage at distances of 200 meters with a high probability of detection, high clutter discrimination, and low false alarm rate and at rates that a convoy travels is essential to the systems success. This proposal entails the development of state of the art off-route mine detection technology capable of detecting existing and next generation off-route and side-attack land mines. The proposed solution uses commercial automobile collision warning radar equipped with a fixed monopulse antenna to search the roadsides for potential targets. By measuring the difference between the Radar signal level returned or reflected from a side-attack mine and or explosive and the expected signal level returned or reflected from the roadside, it is possible to exploit that difference to determine normal environment from potential threatening environment. The proposed solution efforts will address one or more of the following: detection of the threat, self-calibration, no requirement to re-trained system for each new weapon or configuration, low cost, light weight and simplicity of operation.

INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION, INC. 7519 Standish Place, Suite 200 Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 294-5242 Dr. Roger Xu Army 03-109 Awarded: 19DEC03
Title:	A High Performance, Low Cost, Compact, and Wireless E-nose System for Explosives Detection
Abstract:	Detection of non-buried explosives is of great significance to both military and homeland security. Although many existing sniffing devices may be used for explosives detection, the size, cost, weight, and portability are primary concern in the development of a field deployable sniffing devices. Herein we propose to build high performance, low cost, compact, and wireless e-nose devices for explosives detection. The system has three key features. First, we have identified an e-nose chip family, developed by Cyrano Sciences, Inc. In addition to small size and low cost, the chip has a wireless capability, which makes the wireless data retrieval possible. Second, we propose to use Support Vector Machines (SVM) to improve the accuracy of explosives classification and nonlinear unmixing for accurate explosive concentration estimation in a mixture. SVM has several attractive advantages and better classification performance than most other classifiers. Most existing unmixing methods are linear in nature. However, our proposed unmixing is a nonlinear approach, which addresses the nonlinear relationship between e-nose responses and different explosive compounds. Finally, we will use a PDA to wirelessly collect the e-nose sensor reading and analyze the data. We believe that our proposed system can find many applications.

NANOENGINEERING CORP. 12230 Forest Hill Blvd, Suite 310 Wellington, FL 33414
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(561) 515-0831 Mr. Jerome Schmitt Army 03-109 Awarded: 17DEC03
Title:	Super-Sensitive Explosives Detector
Abstract:	Ion Mobility Spectrometers (IMS) are sensors used extensively to detect trace volatiles of explosives and chemical weapons. Developed in the 1970s, IMS has become a mainstay of explosives detection technology due to its low cost, rapid response and high sensitivity (parts per billion). Nonetheless, there is compelling need to develop more sensitive sensors that are field-deployable to meet the challenges of countermine and anti-terror defense. Greater sensitivity will enhance ability to detect explosive volatiles at greater distance from the source of emanation and will also enable detection of advanced explosives having low vapor pressure. We propose to develop a new form of IMS instrument based on Differential Mobility Analysis (DMA) to meet these challenges. Whereas IMS separates ions in time, the DMA separates them in space. This fundamentally new approach offers important advantages including potential for significantly enhanced sensitivity (

ACULIGHT CORP. 11805 North Creek Parkway S., Suite 113 Bothell, WA 98011
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(425) 482-1100 Dr. Dave Shannon Army 03-110 Awarded: 24DEC03
Title:	Lightweight Laser Designator
Abstract:	This Phase I project proposes an improved laser designator module. This improved module combines diode-pumping with a unique ceramic laser medium and innovative thermal management to provide a system that is small, lightweight, and able to be fully-operational in less than 30 seconds. This design is potentially 5x lighter than current designators, with equivalent optical performance.

ARETE ASSOC. P.O. Box 6024 Sherman Oaks, CA 91413
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(520) 571-8660 Dr. Gregory Fetzer Army 03-111 Awarded: 22DEC03
Title:	Near Infrared Streak Tube Development
Abstract:	The Streak Tube Imaging LIDAR (STIL) combines streak tube and CCD imaging technology to yield high-resolution 3D imaging systems. The technology was developed primarily for ocean imaging and the operational wavelength is around the blue green portion of the visible spectrum. However, laser eye safety requirements and the need for covert operation preclude operation at a visible wavelength. Arete proposes to join emerging transferred electron (TE) photocathode technology with a high temporal resolution streak tube design to extend the STIL operating range into the near infrared. The near infrared streak tube design relies on the use of high quantum efficiency InGaAs/InP photocathodes. The proposed development effort will produce an integrated design of a near infrared STIL receiver capable of operating near the eye-safe wavelength of 1.55 microns. The result of the combined Phase I and Phase II efforts will produce a component that allows STIL technology to be applied to military and commercial laser radar problems where operation in the NIR is essential.

ARETE ASSOC. P.O. Box 6024 Sherman Oaks, CA 91413
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(520) 571-8660 Dr. Gregory Fetzer Army 03-111 Awarded: 16DEC03
Title:	Near infrared streak tube imaging lidar receiver
Abstract:	The Streak Tube Imaging LIDAR (STIL) combines streak tube and CCD imaging technology to yield high-resolution 3D imaging systems. The technology was developed primarily for ocean imaging and the operational wavelength is blue green. However, STIL and STIL derivatives have been demonstrated to be a powerful technique for generating high resolution 3D imagery in littoral, terrestrial and atmospheric applications but eye safety requirements and the need for covert operation preclude operation in the visible. Arete proposes to develop an advanced wavelength converter to extend the STIL operating range into the near infrared. The converter relies on the use of high quantum efficiency detectors (e.g., InGaAs arrays), VLSI analog electronics and Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers to accomplish the conversion. A proof of concept experiment demonstrated high bandwidth range resolved measurements in the laboratory. The proposed development effort will build and test a prototype converter system that will elucidate design issues in a risk-controlled manner, yielding a high probability of success in Phase II. The result of the combined Phase I and Phase II efforts will produce a component that allows STIL technology to be applied to military and commercial laser radar problems where operation in the NIR is essential.

DIGITAL AUTHENTICATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. PO Box 811564 Boca Raton, FL 33481
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(561) 392-7404 Dr. Roger Dube Army 03-112 Awarded: 16DEC03
Title:	Security for Wireless Handheld Devices
Abstract:	DAT, Inc. has invented and developed an authentication technology that employs as the source of a shared secret a source of dynamic entropy whose origins lie within chaotic, natural physical processes. By using a secret whose value is based on location and must be measured at that location, DAT has been able to add new layers of control to the authentication process. These new layers of control effectively add two new access control credentials: - where have you been - where are you now The DAT technology can be employed to provide a location-based authentication system that cannot be spoofed, predicted or otherwise subverted. The technology combines this powerful, location-specific random entropy (noise) with known technologies in a unique way to provide a powerful new method of user and data packet authentication that is based on location. DAT proposes to study the uniqueness of these signatures in a wireless environment in order to discriminate between approved and unapproved users for granting access to a LAN. Issues such as building construction, activity within the RF spectrum, spatial granularity and temporal stability will all be examined.

XPRT SOLUTIONS, INC. 615 HOPE ROAD, BUILDING 3B EATONTOWN, NJ 07724
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(732) 460-9001 Dr. Jose Ucles Army 03-112 Awarded: 23DEC03
Title:	Security for Wireless Handheld Devices
Abstract:	The XPRT Solutions,Inc./New Jersey Institute of Technology /Network Security Solutions, Inc. (XNN) team proposes to prototype the Locally Enforced Global Trust (LEGT) strong authentication technique for handheld wireless devices in a Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) or in a Future Combat System (FCS) environment. MANET/FCS nodes can operate in a decentralized "trust no peer" mode that complicates and inhibits security services. Phase I is used to refine the design of LEGT, whereas Phase II will develop a prototype, then test and evaluate its performance against realistic red-team scenarios using our laboratory testbed that also emulates Future Combat Systems (FCS) scenarios among others. The XNN team has constructed and tested successfully a solution architecture to the provision of security in MANETs that is based on a "neighborhood watch" concept. LEGT utilizes this architectural approach, along with known successful principles of authentication that include self-organized PKI with certificate chains over clusters, threshold cryptography with localized trust, distributed trust, and cluster based key management, thus building a fully decentralized scalable strong authentication policy.

OPNET TECHNOLOGIES 7255 Woodmont Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(240) 497-3000 Mr. Paul Janes Army 03-113 Awarded: 19DEC03
Title:	Terrain Aware Network Planning Tools
Abstract:	The objective of this proposal is to research, develop, and prototype a lightweight network planning tool with an embedded modeling and simulation capability to support future Army tactical communications networks. This new lightweight tool will be notebook computer-based, allowing soldiers on the battlefield to quickly analyze the combined effects of network topology, terrain, propagation, and node mobility to perform dynamic network planning and course of action studies. The Army's Objective Force (OF) and Future Combat Systems (FCS) Programs will enable the Warfighter to conduct network-centric warfare with multiple communications assets to achieve information superiority and mission success. A lightweight, simple to use, network planning tool will enable the Warfigther to design and provision tactical mobile ad hoc networks, rapidly validate and verify networks on the move, and study alternative courses of action based on the battle plan, node mobility, situational awareness, RF propagation, and terrain data. Modeling and simulation (M&S) offers many benefits to the DoD including the ability to evaluate and optimize C4ISR systems in a variety of pre- and post-deployment scenarios. Currently, there is no available COTS M&S software that can effectively utilize terrain, propagation, node mobility, weather, network topology, and traffic data to support the Army's requirements for rapid network planning using a lightweight, field deployable PC. OPNET's proposal focuses on approaches to solve this problem (based on simulation techniques and non-simulation based "point" tools) and also describes key attributes of the prototype Terrain Aware Network Planning Tool that will result from this Phase I SBIR program.

STRATOGIS NETWORKS LLC 9001 Belmart Road Potomac, MD 20854
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(301) 983-6279 Mr. Tony Modelfino Army 03-114 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Network Protocols for Onboard Satellite Packet Routing
Abstract:	The objective of this proposal is to develop packet switching protocols capable of providing efficient network access to satellite resources with the intention of passing IP traffic across onboard satellite routers and switches. Stratogis propose to use existing software capabilities to quantitatively assess the impact of design decisions on analytic performance parameters and perform system engineering trades to assess the impact on qualitative performance parameters. After defining key design trades, typical performance parameter requirements, sample network requirements scenarios and a baseline reference architecture, Stratogis will parametrically analyze performance of key design trade parameters such as Layer 2 vs. Layer 3 onboard switching/routing and INTSERV vs. DIFFSERV QoS protocols using existing OPNET-based simulation tools. The performance for each option will be compared with target requirements. In addition, Stratogis will evaluate TCP accelerator and bandwidth-on-demand DAMA protocols. Performance metrics will include quantitative parameters such as latency, packet loss, and throughput as well as qualitative metrics such as manageability, ease of integration and scalability. The results will be documented in a forward looking architecture document describing operational and technical requirements for both space and ground components of network architecture.

ETHERWARE, LLC 5250 South Virginia Street, Suite 340 Reno, NV 89502
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(775) 825-1922 Mr. Joseph Tavormina Army 03-115 Awarded: 22DEC03
Title:	High Efficiency Waveform for Small-Aperture, Mobile, Satellite Communication Networks
Abstract:	The proposed research is to develop an overall system design for a power- and bandwidth efficient satellite communication modem, a communication waveform and an associated Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol to realize efficiency improvements. In currently deployed networks a single modulation scheme is typically used to communicate with all the users in the network, thus requiring a communication waveform designed to serve the most disadvantaged user. Given a typical mix of locations within a Ka-Band spot beam (e.g. at the center of the coverage area vs. the edge of the coverage area), local propagation conditions (e.g. local rain fade), and antenna sizes, current system designs typically result in allocation of 5-9 dB of excess link margin to the vast majority of users. Implementing the proposed waveform and modem that support dynamic, variable resource allocation can improve network capacity by a conservative factor of 3 to 5. Currently deployed networks typically base the return link on a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) waveform, which requires tight synchronization of terminals and a transmitter with high RF output power. The proposed implementation employs a spread spectrum return link that mitigates synchronization requirements and reduces the required RF output power, resulting in a more economical terminal design.

NOVA ENGINEERING, INC. 5 Circle Freeway Drive Cincinnati, OH 45246
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(513) 554-2047 Mr. Michael Geile Army 03-116 Awarded: 17DEC03
Title:	Ground-Air-Space (GAS) Router
Abstract:	The Ground-Air-Space (GAS) Router program will specify, design and demonstrate a UAV communications payload allowing for ground-air-ground relay, as well as satellite communication access without the need for a satellite ground terminal. The program objective is to demonstrate a low-cost, airborne satellite relay functionality in advance of JTRS Cluster 5 and WIN-T availability. The prototype system utilizes COTS components to prove the concept of applying the AODV wireless routing protocol to the airborne SATCOM relay platform. The target payload routes traffic intelligently among ground-to-UAV, UAV-to-UAV and UAV-to-satellite hops to minimize an overall route cost function.

Q-DOT, INC. 1069 Elkton Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(719) 590-1112 Mr. Michael Harrell Army 03-117 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Sensor Node Radio (SNRadio) for Ad Hoc Sensor and Munitions Networks (9640)
Abstract:	Q-DOT proposes to develop a low-cost, low-power, Sensor Node Radio (SNRadio) specifically designed to support ad hoc sensor and miniature networks for FCS and OFW. It supports ad hoc sensor and munitions network protocols. The SNRadio provides the first link in communication paths between the Sensor Node and the User. The SNRadio maximizes sensor time-on-station by minimizing network communications power requirements. Its DSSS waveform facilitates LPI, LPD, jam-resistant communication at 1 Mchip/second. The proposed SNRadio is realized completely with COTS components built around R.F. Monolithics' (RFM) ASH 3 Transceiver. RFM claims that the ASH 3 receiver consumes less power than any other receiver in the world at any given bit rate. Q-DOT will conceptually design network protocols and a secure waveform in Phase I to project SNRadio size, cost, power consumption, and performance. (Separately, Q-DOT proposes to develop the next generation ASH 4 transceiver (under Topic A03-121) which is specifically tailored to support ad hoc sensor networks.) A network of SNRadios coupled with a COTS sensor package will be designed, built, and demonstrated in Phase II.

HYPRES., INC. 175 Clearbrook Road Elmsford, NY 10523
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(914) 592-1190 Dr. Deepnarayan Gupta Army 03-118 Selected for Award
Title:	Digital Predistortion at RF using Superconductor Electronics
Abstract:	HYPRES proposes to develop an RF-in-RF-out linearizer module that can be easily incorporated into existing radio systems for direct predistortion linearization of broadband (>100MHz), multi-carrier power amplifiers, over the 2MHz-2GHz range for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). This module will enable the use of higher-efficiency, but strongly non-linear, power amplifiers, as well as improve the spectral purity of the broadband transmit waveform. HYPRES will exploit fast (20-40GHz), high-linearity superconductor analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters and ultrafast digital logic circuits on an integrated multi-chip module to perform digital predistortion correction directly on the RF waveform. In Phase I, we propose to develop a new digital-RF predistorter that uses proportional, integral, and differential (PID) correction to compensate for rapid (10 GHz bandwidth) signal-dependent variations of the amplifier's non-linear transfer function, to achieve maximum suppression of intermodulation distortion. Neither narrowband analog RF electronics, nor slower semiconductor digital electronics, can achieve the necessary suppression. In Phase II, starting with a Phase I Option, we will design and demonstrate the PID digital-RF predistorter on a superconductor multi-chip module (MCM).

TREX ENTERPRISES CORP. 10455 Pacific Center Court San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(858) 646-5479 Dr. Mikhail Belenkii Army 03-119 Selected for Award
Title:	PAMELA: Propagation Analysis and Modeling Experiments for Laser Applications
Abstract:	Laser communication has enormous potential to provide a secure, jam-resistant, low detection probability and high-bandwidth means to support multimedia, imagery, video, mapping and other command and control functions in battlefield environments. We propose to develop a complete numerical model for lasercom links, which will predict the performance and evaluate tactical feasibility of lasercom links, guide link design, evaluate the efficiency of scintillation mitigation techniques, and identify areas where further research is required. During the Phase I program we will evaluate jointly with researchers from ARL/NRL an approach for estimating the vertical profile of the structure parameter based on its values predicted by the turbulence model in the surface layer. We will develop a model for a closed-loop optical tracker, total link budget analysis, and aero-optics effects in the lasercom link. We will integrate this model with the wave-optics code for propagation through turbulence, and evaluate the performance of the Tera Hertz Operational Reachback (THOR) communication links. In addition, we will validate the efficiency of the mitigation techniques to reduce turbulence-induced signal fading in the communication links and develop a top level software architecture to provide a complete model of military laser communication.

WANG ELECTRO-OPTO CORP. 2140 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110 Marietta, GA 30067
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(770) 955-9311 Dr. Johnson Wang Army 03-120 Awarded: 23DEC03
Title:	Smart Single or Multiple Beam Forming Antennas in the 1 to 2 GHz Range
Abstract:	The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) needs multi-band airborne and ground vehicular antennas that can cover all JTRS bands over 1-2.5 GHz and have steerable beams. The difficulties in developing these antennas are due to the requirements of not only multi-band/broadband to cover 1-2.5 GHz, but also low-profile and conformability suitable for mounting on a military airborne and/or ground platform, as well as an affordable cost for inherently expensive beam steering. Fortunately, Wang Electro-Opto Corporation (WEO) has recently developed an airborne multiband/broadband array antenna having performance and features generally similar to the requirements of this Army SBIR program, Topic A03-120, as well as affordable costs. The main differences are the wider operating frequency range and the specific JTRS bands in this SBIR program. Based on this new technology, Wang Electro-Opto Corporation (WEO) proposes to develop a smart beam-forming antenna operating throughout the 1-2.5 GHz JTRS bands. The initial design is for single-beam with multiple-beam features to be added later if desired.

Q-DOT, INC. 1069 Elkton Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: PI: Topic#:	(719) 590-1112 Mr. Michael Harrell Army 03-121 Awarded: 12DEC03
Title:	Networked System-on-a-Chip for C4ISR (9643)
Abstract:	Q-DOT proposes to investigate the feasibility of developing a fully integrated system-on-a-chip for sensor-based C4ISR networks. In Phase I, a prototype Sensor Node Radio (SNRadio) will be conceptually designed based upon the commercially off-the-shelf (COTS) ASH 3 Transceiver produced by RF Monolithics, Inc., in Dallas, Texas. The ASH will provide the small, ultra-low power, RF communications link between various sensor nodes. The SNRadio maximizes sensor time-on-station by minimizing network communications power requirements. RFM claims that the ASH 3 receiver consumes less power than any other receiver in the world at any given bit rate. Under software-control, a DSP a